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Description
Senecio Amplectens is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to South Africa. It is commonly known as the “Climbing Senecio” due to its ability to climb and spread over rocks, shrubs, and trees. This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 9 feet wide, with a woody stem and a sprawling habit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Senecio |
Appearance
Senecio Amplectens has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 5 inches long and 1 inch wide. The leaves are dark green on the upper side and lighter green on the lower side. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are 1 inch wide and bloom in clusters in the spring and summer. The flowers are followed by fluffy white seed heads that are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Water
Senecio Amplectens requires regular watering during the growing season, but it is drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Feed Senecio Amplectens with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to weak growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Soil
Senecio Amplectens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils.
Sunlight
Senecio Amplectens thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Hardiness Zones
Senecio Amplectens is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Senecio Amplectens is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can occur if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.
Habitat
Senecio Amplectens is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky outcrops and scrublands. It is well-suited to hot, dry climates and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Senecio Amplectens poisonous?
A: Yes, Senecio Amplectens is toxic if ingested. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage or even death in large quantities.
Q: Can Senecio Amplectens be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Senecio Amplectens can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location. However, it may require staking or trellising to support its sprawling habit.
Q: How often should Senecio Amplectens be pruned?
A: Senecio Amplectens does not require much pruning, but you can trim back any dead or damaged stems in the spring to promote new growth.
Q: How fast does Senecio Amplectens grow?
A: Senecio Amplectens is a fast-growing plant that can spread up to 9 feet wide in a single growing season.
Related Plants
- Senecio Angel Wings
- Senecio Barbertonicus
- Senecio Blue Chalksticks
- Senecio Cineraria
- Senecio Radicans
References
- “Senecio Amplectens.” PlantZAfrica, National Botanical Institute, January 2004, http://pza.sanbi.org/senecio-amplectens.
- “Senecio Amplectens.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c763.
- “Senecio Amplectens.” Dave’s Garden, https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/185724/.
