Biology:Senecio decaryi
| Senecio decaryi | |
|---|---|
| File:210820 150 SD Botanic Garden - Hamilton Children's Garden, Senecio decaryi Madagascar Senecio.jpg | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Senecio |
| Species: | S. decaryi
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| Binomial name | |
| Senecio decaryi Humbert
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Senecio decaryi, also called yellow puffs and Madagascar senecio, is a succulent plant native to Madagascar.[1] Its epithet tributes French botanist and ethnologist Raymond Decary (1891–1973).[2]
Description
It is an upright, meandering, shrubby plant that grows to 1.2 m to 1.5 m (around 4 ft to 5 ft) in height, where it branches at the base and as well as higher up. Having fleshy roots, the spread of the plant frequently surpasses its height.[1]
The succulent leaves are spoon-shaped (oblanceolate) and feature a small point at the tip. The leaves are glossy green and are upright, with their purple-veined backsides being visible. As they age, the leaves become more spread and gray-green in colour, with the veins no longer conspicuous. Mature leaves are up to 7½ cm (3 inches) long or a slightly more longer.[1] Its stem is similar to that of Senecio crassissimus, though its leaves are less stout and wider, with lavender margins.[3]
Inflorescence
The terminal inflorescences appear from the tips of the branches, where they ascend to a height of up to 25 cm (10 inches) to produce a bouquet of yellow daisy-like, ray flowers that are bright yellow with an orange disc. They are bunched inside a cup called a capitulum and have mildly sweet fragrance.[2] The plant usually flowers during the summer and autumn, and it may have more than one round of flowering within a year.[1] In Australia, it begins to flower in January.[3]
Habitat
The plant is found on rocky outcrops in the south-central, arid areas of Madagascar. Therefore, it prefers dry environments, particularly in winter, although summer rain is beneficial for it.[2] It thrives in sandy soil and cactus mix. The leaves will shed under extremely dry conditions.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Plant Highlight: Senecio decaryi". The Ruth Bancroft Garden. November 2018. https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/plants/senecio-decaryi/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Senecio decaryi - Madagascar Senecio". Senecio decaryi - Madagascar Senecio. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3171.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Senecio Decaryi". https://succies.com.au/succulent-varieties/senecio/senecio-decari/.
- ↑ "Senecio decaryi". Flora Grubb Gardens. https://www.floragrubb.com/guides?da=0&nk=senecio-decaryi.
Wikidata ☰ Q15597017 entry
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