Cacalia articularis Salisb.
Succulent Groundsel
Cacalia articularis Salisb. is the historical name for the succulent today known as Baculellum articulatum or Curio articulatus, commonly called the candle plant or pickle plant. It is a deciduous succulent characterized by cylindrical articulated stems, blue-glaucous green, that shrink and wrinkle during the dry season, when it also produces trilobed leaves. Native to the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cacalia |
| Growth Habit | Erect to semi-trailing articulate-stemmed succulent with basal tubers |
| Conservation Status | Not evaluated (IUCN); widely cultivated in botanical collections |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Sandy, highly porous, low in nutrients |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy, highly porous, low in nutrients
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
W
Every 2–3 years at the start of the growing season
50% diluted cactus fertilizer once a month in spring and autumn
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Moderately toxic if ingested; contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids common in Senecioneae
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"The name Cacalia articularis Salisb. (1796) is a historical synonym. The modern accepted name varies by taxonomic authority: Baculellum articulatum (L.f.) M.A.H.Stace & Puttock (2017) in recent treatments, or Curio articulatus (L.f.) P.V.Heath (1997) in others. Also known as Senecio articulatus (L.f.) Sch.Bip. and Kleinia articulata (L.f.) Haw. The basionym is Cacalia articulata L.f. (1782), with Cacalia articularis Salisb. being a later nomenclatural synonym."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.