Subtribe Senecioninae Higher classification Daisy family | Tribe Senecioneae Scientific name Senecio Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications Senecio vulgaris, Senecio rowleyanus, Senecio inaequidens, Senecio vernalis, Senecio ovatus | ||
How to propagate the string of pearls plant senecio rowleyanus
Senecio /sᵻˈniːʃi.oʊ/ is a genus of the daisy family (Asteraceae) that includes ragworts and groundsels. The scientific Latin genus name, Senecio, means "old man."
Contents
- How to propagate the string of pearls plant senecio rowleyanus
- How to care for a string of pearls plant senecio rowleyanus
- Morphology
- Distribution
- Phylogeny
- Synonyms
- Selected species
- References
Variously circumscribed taxonomically, the genus Senecio is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. The traditional circumscription of Senecio is artificial, being polyphyletic, even in its new circumscription which is based on genetic data. Despite the separation of many species into other genera, the genus still contains c. 1250 species and is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. As no morphological synapomorphies are known to determine which species belong to the genus or not, no exact species numbers are known. The genus has an almost worldwide distribution and evolved in the mid to late Miocene.
Some species produce natural biocides (especially alkaloids) to deter or even kill animals that would eat them.
Senecio species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species — see list of Lepidoptera that feed on Senecio. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in Senecio nemorensis and in Senecio cannabifolius var. integrilifolius.
How to care for a string of pearls plant senecio rowleyanus
Morphology
The flower heads are normally rayed with the heads borne in branched clusters, and usually completely yellow, but green, purple, white and blue flowers are known as well.
In its current circumscription, the genus contains species that are annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, small trees, aquatics or climbers. The only species which are trees are the species formerly belonging to Robinsonia occurring on the Juan Fernández Islands.
Distribution
The genus Senecio is distributed almost worldwide. It is one of the few genera occurring in all five regions with a Mediterranean climate. Furthermore, species are found in mountainous regions, including tropical alpine-like areas.
Phylogeny
Many genera and the whole tribe are in need of revision. Many species actually being placed in the genus need to be transferred to other or new genera, and others have been retransferred to Senecio. In its new delimitation the genus is still not monophyletic.
Genera that have been included are the following:
Synonyms
The following genera contain species that are or have been included within Senecio.
Selected species
Formerly in Senecio