Scientific Name
Kleinia chimanimaniensis van Jaarsv.
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Kleinia
Description
Kleinia chimanimaniensis is a sprawling shrublet with fleshy stems and leaves. It grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Stems are glaucous green at first, becoming green and eventually pale brown and purplish, with pale grey horizontal leaf scars. They are up to 1 foot (30 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. Leaves are alternate, glaucous green with margins and nerves, becoming purplish under stress. They are up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide. The scented yellow flowers appear in summer on up to 20 inches (50 cm) long stem.
This species resembles Kleinia galpinii and, accordingly, in the past, has been wrongly identified.
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 are growing in sandy soil, nutrients will need to 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 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. Cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, from early spring to fall—root in sandy soil, in containers.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
Origin
This species is native to Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Links
- Back to genus Kleinia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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