Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus, is a succulent plant that grows into an attractive shrub with erect stems and slender, cylindrical leaves. It is commonly labeled as Senecio cylindricus or sometimes as Senecio vitalis.
Taxonomy of Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus
Scientific Name
Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus (A.Berger) G.D.Rowley
Although Kleinia talinoides is considered a synonym of Curio talinoides, the subspecies Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus has not been formally accepted nor formally synonymized within Curio talinoides. Currently, it remains unplaced in both Plants of the World Online (POWO)🡕 and World Flora Online (WFO)🡕.
Accepted Scientific Name
Curio talinoides (DC.) P.V.Heath
Synonym(s)
Kleinia cylindrica, Senecio cylindricus, Senecio vitalis, Senecio talinoides subsp. cylindricus
Common Name(s)
Narrow-leaf Chalksticks, Blue Chalk Fingers
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Kleinia
Etymology
The generic name "Kleinia" (pronounced "KLINE-ee-uh") honors Jacob Theodor Klein🡕 (1685–1759), also known as Plinius Gedanensium, a German jurist, historian, botanist, zoologist, mathematician, and diplomat in the service of Polish King August II the Strong.
The specific epithet "talinoides" (pronounced "tal-IN-oh-id-eez") means "resembling Talinum" and refers to the likeness of this species to members of the genus Talinum.
The specific epithet "cylindricus" (pronounced "sil-IN-dree-kus") means "cylindrical" and refers to the shape of the leaves of this plant.
Origin of Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus
Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus is native to South Africa.
Description of Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus
Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus, usually labeled as Senecio cylindricus or sometimes as Senecio vitalis, is a small succulent shrub with slender, cylindrical, glaucous green leaves that encircle upright stems, forming handsome tufts at the stem tips. It can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall and spread up to 5 feet (1.5 m) wide. The fleshy leaves are slightly upcurved, measuring up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long.
The flowers are small, creamy white, held in corymbs, and rise above the foliage from late spring to early summer.
How to Grow and Care for Kleinia talinoides subsp. cylindricus
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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, they need to be replenished with nutrients. 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 risk of frost, then 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, and root in sandy soil in containers.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Senecio."
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Kleinia.
- Explore all plants within the family Asteraceae.