Senecio sophioides explained

Senecio sophioides is a species of plant from South Africa.

Description

This diffuse plant is covered in small hairs and glands. It grows up to 20cm (10inches) tall.^[1] The pinnatisect leaves have linear lobes and may sometimes have one or two teeth. They have small, white terminal callouses.

Flowers are present between July and October.^[2] They are yellow or purple in colour and are borne in radiate flowerheads on long stalks.

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. It grows on lower to middle sandstone slopes between Calendon and the Cedarberg.^[3]

Conservation

This species is considered to be of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute, even though it is rarely recorded.

References

1. e-Flora of South Africa. v1.36. 2022. South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://ipt.sanbi.org.za/iptsanbi/resource?r=flora_descriptions&v=1.36
2. Book: Manning . John . Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region : 1: the core Cape flora . Goldblatt . Peter . 2012 . South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI . 978-1-919976-74-7 . Pretoria . 852384288.
3. von Staden, L. 2018. Senecio sophioides DC. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 17 February 2023