Scientific Name
Kleinia chimanimaniensis van Jaarsv.
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Kleinia
Origin
Kleinia chimanimaniensis is native to Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Description
Kleinia chimanimaniensis is a sprawling shrublet with fleshy branches with alternate, glaucous green leaves. It can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The branches are glaucous green, becoming green or pale brown and purplish with age, and have pale grey horizontal leaf scars. They can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, while the leaves can measure up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide. The margins and nerves of the leaves become purplish under stress.
The scented yellow flowers appear in summer on stalks that can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long.
Kleinia chimanimaniensis is similar in appearance to Kleinia galpinii, and as a result, it has been mistakenly identified in the past.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 winter when they are somewhat dormant. Since they grow in sandy soil, nutrients must be replenished. Fertilize annually but lightly. Too much fertilizer will cause a lot of leggy growth.
Taller varieties can become floppy. In very early spring, you can prune them back to where the stem is firm in very 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 and constant moisture to germinate. Using cuttings is an easier and faster method. Cut during the growing season, from early spring to fall, and root in sandy soil in containers.
Learn 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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