Senecio verbascifolius explained

Senecio verbascifolius, the mullein ragwort, is a species of plant from South Africa.

Description

This perennial species grows to be up to 60cm (20inches) tall.^[1] The leaves are oval shaped or heart shaped with minute teeth along the margins. Flowers are present between September and December.^[2] They are yellow and grow in branched corymbs. The involucre is calyx-like. The bracts are thickened below.

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. It grows on sheltered south facing rocky slopes on the Cape Peninsula and the Hottentots Holland Mountains.^[3] It is a habitat specialist with a range of 347km2.

Conservation

This species is considered to be endangered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its small range and specialist nature. Only about 250 individuals occur in the wild, but the population appears to be stable and does not currently face any threats.

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. Helme, N.A., Raimondo, D., Turner, R.C. & von Staden, L. 2012. Senecio verbascifolius Burm.f. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 13 February 2023