Cacalia canescens Willd.
Wooly Senecio / Cocoon Plant
Cacalia canescens Willd. is a historical synonym for Caputia tomentosa, a shrubby succulent from the South African Karoo popularly known as the 'cocoon plant' or 'woolly senecio'. Its leaves are densely covered in silvery-white hairs that give it a unique cottony appearance, protecting it from intense solar radiation. Highly prized in succulent collections for its unusual velvety texture and compact habit.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cacalia |
| Growth Habit | Compact succulent shrub, highly branched from the base |
| Conservation Status | Not evaluated (IUCN); cultivated in specialist collections |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Very porous, mineral, low organic content; tolerates calcareous soils |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very porous, mineral, low organic content; tolerates calcareous soils
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
C
W
Every 2–3 years; does not like frequent repotting
Very diluted cactus fertilizer (25% dose) once in spring
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Potentially toxic if ingested (pyrrolizidine alkaloids of the Senecioneae group)
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The name Cacalia canescens Willd. (1814) is a historical synonym. The modern accepted name is Caputia tomentosa (Thunb.) B.Nord. & Pelser (2012). It has also been treated as Senecio haworthii (Sweet) Steudel (1841) and Kleinia haworthii DC. (1838). The genus Caputia was segregated from Senecio in 2012 by Nordenstam and Pelser based on molecular and morphological data."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.