Scientific Name
Kleinia anteuphorbium (L.) Haw.
Common Name(s)
Swizzle Sticks
Synonym(s)
Cacalia anteuphorbium, Kleinia anteuphorbia, Senecio anteuphorbium
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Kleinia
Description
Kleinia anteuphorbium, formerly known as Senecio anteuphorbium, is a succulent shrub with segmented, often heavily branched, sausage-shaped stems and small gray-green leaves appressed along the stem near the branch tip. It grows up to 8.2 feet (2.5 m) tall. The stem segments are pale gray-green striated with darker longitudinal lines. They are erect, ascending, or arching and up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter. Leaves are ovate to oblong, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) wide. The plant is summer dormant and is leafless during that time.
The rayless flower heads of white disk flowers with yellow stigmas and anthers appear in few-headed, umbelliform terminal clusters in fall and winter.
Origin
Kleinia anteuphorbium is native to northern and northeastern Africa, from Morocco to the Arabian Peninsula.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Established Senecios are extremely drought tolerant. They need some water during the summer but do not leave the soil wet for prolonged periods. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings in the winter when they are somewhat dormant. Since they are growing in sandy soil, nutrients must be replenished. Fertilize annually, but lightly. Too much fertilizer will cause a lot of leggy growth.
Taller varieties can get floppy. You can prune them back to where the stem is firm in early spring. You can even root the cuttings.
Plants can be divided or repotted in early spring. If you are growing them in containers, they enjoy spending the summer outdoors. Wait until there is no danger of frost and move them back indoors in the fall.
Senecio can be grown from either seed or cuttings. Seeds prefer warm temperatures, around 55 °F (13 °C), and constant moisture to germinate. Cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, early spring to fall. Root in sandy soil, in containers.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
Links
- Back to genus Kleinia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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