Cacalia dulcis Salisb.
Blue Chalk Sticks
Cacalia dulcis Salisb. is a historical synonym for Curio ficoides, a trailing or ground-cover succulent native to the Western Cape and Namaqualand (South Africa), popularly known as 'blue chalk sticks' for its cylindrical, glaucous, silvery-blue leaves. It forms dense mats up to 30 cm tall, with turgid, chubby-finger-like bluish leaves. In spring it produces white to yellow flowers in capitula on erect stalks.
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© 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 | Trailing or hanging succulent, mat-forming |
| Conservation Status | Not threatened; widely naturalized in Mediterranean regions |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Sandy, calcareous or granitic; well-drained; neutral to slightly alkaline pH |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy, calcareous or granitic; well-drained; neutral to slightly alkaline pH
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
R
E
Every 2–4 years; tolerates confinement in pots well
50% diluted cactus fertilizer once a month during spring and summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities; contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids
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"The name Cacalia dulcis Salisb. (1796) is a historical heterotypic synonym. The modern accepted name is Curio ficoides (L.) P.V.Heath (1999). The basionym is Cacalia ficoides L. (1753), from which Cacalia dulcis differs as a later independent name based on different material. Also known as Senecio ficoides (L.) Sch.Bip. (1845) and Kleinia ficoides (L.) Haw. (1812). The plant was reclassified to genus Curio by Paul V. Heath in 1999."
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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.