Senecio malacitanus explained

Senecio malacitanus, also known as Senecio linifolius is a species of plant from South Africa.

Description

This loosely branched shrub grows up to NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet) long.^{[1] [2]} The young stems are densely leafy and hey turn grey with age. The leaves are narrow and fleshy. Flowers are present between October and July. They are very small. Yellow disc shaped flowers grow in branched inflorescences. The cylindrical seeds have ribs with short hairs.

Distribution and habitat

This plant is found growing on stony slopes between Humansdorp and the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including the Karoo, Albany Thicket, grassland, fynbos and renosterveld.

Conservation

This species is considered to be of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. It is common and widespread so faces little risk of extinction.^[3]

Notes and 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. 2011. Senecio linifolius L. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 7 January 2023