Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Sticks, Blue Finger, Blue Stick Succulent)


Botanical Information

FamilyAsteraceae
GenusSenecio
Speciesmandraliscae
SynonymsSenecio talinoides subs. mandraliscae, Curio talinoides var. mandraliscae, Kleinia comptonii hort. Kleinia mandraliscae, Senecio mandraliscae
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSicily, Italy

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b - 12
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1b - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-5 - 15
Temperature (°F)23 - 59
Height0.30 - 0.45 m
Spread0.6 - 0.9 m

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA mysterious taxon, probably hybrid, distinguished from the standard Senecio talinoides by a marked juvenile phase characterized by short branches and short leaves that are similar to those of Senecio citriformis.
PropagationIt is easy to propagate by cuttings in late spring to summer, just take a cutting of the plant let it dry for 1 or 2 weeks and put it in the ground with ideal soil conditions. Once established, this plant provides a source of cuttings to give away or to fill gaps in the garden.
CultivationGrows as a ground cover. Drought tolerant, but will accept irrigation.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBranched, long, tubular, stout.
Leaf Description7-15 cm long, 0.8-1.3 cm in diameter. Encircles the trailing stems or reduced to tufts at the stem tips. Erect or arching. Very fleshy.
Flower DescriptionVery small flowers that grow in clusters of 10-25, located at the end of stems held above the foliage.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit are long and thin and have a conspicuous feathery pappus attached that functions as a "parachute" which enables the seed to be dispersed by the wind.
Colour DescriptionIt is the bluest of the "talinoides". Has a white coating. Flowers are white and yellow.
Texture DescriptionHas a waxy coating that protects from hot, sunny, and dry conditions.

Photographs