Caputia scaposa (DC.) B.Nord. & Pelser
Silver senecio, blue chalk sticks senecio
Caputia scaposa, commonly known as silver senecio or blue-leaved senecio, is a shrubby succulent from southern Africa with great ornamental value. Its cylindrical to semi-cylindrical leaves are covered with waxy trichomes of grey-silver to blue-green color, giving it a very distinctive appearance. It was reclassified from Senecio to Caputia by B.Nord & Pelser in 2016. It is widely used in Mediterranean, xeric and low-maintenance gardening.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Caputia |
| Growth Habit | Erect succulent shrub |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN); common within its range |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Sandy-stony, very well-drained, nutrient-poor |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-stony, very well-drained, nutrient-poor
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
C
O
Every 2–3 years in spring, or when necessary due to size.
Very diluted low-nitrogen fertilizer, once or twice a year in spring. Excess fertilizer promotes fast growth at the expense of coloration.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Slightly toxic if ingested. Not recommended in gardens with grazing animals.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"Reclassified from Senecio scaposus DC. to Caputia scaposa by B.Nord. & Pelser in 2016, based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. In the trade and in old collections it may still appear under the names Senecio scaposus or Kleinia scaposa. It is the type species of the genus Caputia."
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.