Kleinia neriifolia, known in Spanish as verode or berode, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is endemic to the Canary Islands. It was formerly named Senecio kleinia.[1]
A succulent plant,[2] Kleinia neriifolia has articulated branches (constrictions that make them look like rows of sausages)[3] and thick, stubby, elongated leaves up to long which grow directly from the main stem or branch without a petiole or footstalk. The leaves grow clustered in crowded circles at the tops of the branches.[3] [2] Plants can reach 3 m (10 ft) or more. Fragrant grey white flowers appear at any time between March and October. The plant is deciduous, the leaves falling at the beginning of the dry season.[4] As with many succulents, reproduction by cuttings is possible.
Kleinia neriifolia grows abundantly in the Tabaibal-Cardonal zone or the arid, subtropical areas, often with steep and eroded substrates which are more pronounced and dominant in the eastern archipelago.[5] The vegetation can be compared with that of the arid areas of Sudan, Ethiopia, Arabia and Iran and is typical of the steppe in the African continent.[3]
The plant is used in gardens with dry conditions. The plant requires a minimum exposure to the sun. The minimum winter temperature it can endure is -2°C.[4]
Kleinia neriifolia has been successfully cultivated as a houseplant and as landscaping. It is on a list of suggested fire safe landscaping.[6]