South african ragwort (Senecio inaequidens, (1838). Prodr. (DC.) 6)

Family: Asteraceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: (1838). Prodr. (DC.) 6

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Senecio

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mozambique to S. Africa

Description

South African ragwort, scientifically known as Senecio inaequidens, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. Originating from the diverse terrains of Mozambique to South Africa, this resilient plant has been observed flourishing extensively across these regions.

First described in 1838 by the eminent botanist DC., South African ragwort has been recognized for its adaptability and vigorous growth. This herbaceous perennial plant typically thrives in a variety of environments, ranging from grasslands and open fields to disturbed areas, where its presence often indicates robust resilience.

Characterized by its bright yellow flowers, South African ragwort adds a splash of color to the landscape. Its daisy-like blooms cluster together in a bushy habit, creating a striking visual appeal. Each flower head is composed of both disc and ray florets, a distinctive feature of the Asteraceae family. The plant’s leaves are narrow, elongated, and lightly serrated, providing a delicate balance to the vibrant blossoms.

The ecological impact of Senecio inaequidens is significant. While it contributes to the biodiversity of its native regions, it has also shown a propensity for rapid spread, which can sometimes lead to concerns about its effect on local ecosystems. Its ability to colonize disturbed habitats makes it a species to watch in terms of environmental management and conservation efforts.

In horticulture, South African ragwort is appreciated for its hardiness and long flowering season. However, potential growers should be mindful of its invasive tendencies, ensuring that it is planted and managed responsibly to prevent unintended spread.

Overall, South African ragwort is a fascinating plant with a rich history and a dynamic role within its native habitats. Its vibrant flowers and robust nature reflect the diverse and resilient landscapes from which it hails, making it a plant worthy of both admiration and diligent management in the world of botany and horticulture.

Common Names

Nld: bezemkruiskruid
Eng: narrow-leaved ragwort, south african ragwort, narrow-leaf ragwort
Deu: schmalblatt-greiskraut, schmalblättriges greiskraut, suedafrikanisches greiskraut, südafrikanisches greiskraut
Ita: senecio sudafricano, senecione sudafricano
Dan: smalbladet brandbæger
Pol: starzec nierównozębny
Fra: sénecon sud-africain, séneçon sud-africain, seneçon sud-africain
Nno: boarsvineblom
Swe: boerstånds, buurivillakko
Nob: boersvineblom
Fin: buurivillakko
Spa: senecio, senecio del cabo
Ces: star
Hun: vesszős aggófű
Cym: creulys gulddail
En: South African ragwort, Narrow-leaf ragwort, Molteno disease weed, Slender sececio, Narrow-leaved ragwort
Af: Geelgif, Slanke senecio
Zh: 窄葉黃菀
Cs: Starček úzkolistý, Star
Da: Smalbladet brandbæger
Nl: Bezemkruiskruid, Bezem Kruiskruid
Fi: Buurivillakko
Fr: Seneçon sud-africain, Sénecon sud-africain, Séneçon sud-africain, Séneçon de Mazamet, Séneçon du Cap, Séneçon des Saussaies, Séneçon vivace
De: Schmalblättriges Greiskraut, Südafrikanisches Greiskraut, Schmalblatt-Greiskraut, Suedafrikanisches Greiskraut, Schmalblättriges Kreuzkraut
Hu: Vesszős aggófű
It: Senecione sudafricano, Senecio sudafricano
No: Boarsvineblom, Boersvineblom
Nb: Boersvineblom
Nn: Boarsvineblom
Pl: Starzec nierównozębny
Sk: Starček úzkolistý
Es: Senecio, Senecio del Cabo
Sv: Boerstånds, Buurivillakko
Zh-tw: 窄葉黃菀
Cy: Creulys gulddail
: South african ragwort

Synonyms

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Free State (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 27, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by claude lerat -gentet Mme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 5, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Alain rivière (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Martine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Nicolas Lagarrigue (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 9, 2020 by R K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2018 by Emanuele Congiu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by alex andre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Gaël Covain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 28, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by David Ginoux (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3109086)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:245637-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senecio inaequidens DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 5