Senecio crassissimus

Senecio crassissimus, or thick-leaved ragwort, stands out with its upright stems bearing fleshy blue-green leaves, which are lanceolate with purple edges, arranged vertically, which reduces direct sun exposure and limits moisture loss. In summer and autumn, it produces yellow daisy-like flowers. This is not a trailing senecio but rather a bushy and erect one.

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, Senecio crassissimus is a succulent bush endemic to Madagascar, where it has adapted to arid environments by positioning its leaves vertically to minimise sun exposure. This species is often found in rocky, well-drained areas. Its thick, upright stems (which sometimes earn it the nickname "Vertical Leaf") are purple, while its flattened, blue-green, evergreen leaves measure about 5 to 10 cm long and 3 cm wide, with purple margins. In summer and autumn, Senecio crassissimus produces yellow daisy-like inflorescences, in 6 mm diameter heads composed of 5 to 6 ligulate florets, borne on flowering stems that can rise up to 60 cm above the foliage. This flowering adds a splash of bright colour, contrasting with the plant's silvery foliage, which can reach a height of 60 cm and a spread of 45 cm.
The Senecio genus is one of the largest in the vegetable kingdom, comprising over 1,250 species distributed worldwide. This highly diverse genus includes both herbaceous plants, bushes, climbers, and succulents, adapted to a wide range of climates, from arid zones to mountainous regions.

To grow Senecio crassissimus indoors, place it in a spot with bright light. It pairs harmoniously with other succulents offering contrasting shapes and colours, such as Echeveria or Crassula.