Species of flowering plant
Curio repens (syn. Senecio serpens) is a species of succulent groundcover plant in the genus Curio, in the Asteraceae family. Commonly named blue chalksticks, blue chalk fingers and also snake ragwort,[2] it is frequently used in Mediterranean climate landscaping and as an ornamental plant.
Description
It is a semi-trailing, low-growing dwarf shrub that forms a dense mat that reaches only about 20 cm in height and features silvery-blueish, finger-like fleshy leaves.[3] It produces small and round, pompom-like flowers that may superficially resemble a virus. The flowers appear as off-white from distance, but would have yellow and pink tinges on the stamen up-close. Flowering season is usually between spring and autumn. It was first formally described as Cacalia repens by Carl Linnaeus in 1767.[4]
It should be distinguished from Curio talinoides by its shorter, broader and often boat-shaped leaves.[5]
Cultivation
Drought tolerant, the plant is used as a ground cover, border plant or in a rock garden. It is grown in sandy, dry to slightly moist soils in sun or some partial shade. It is easily propagated by cuttings. Visually-similar to the ice plants of Mesembryanthemum, C. repens is typically found growing in and among rocky crevices and exposed ledges on dry, rubble-strewn sandstone slopes, where drainage is swift and sun exposure and airflow is high.
There is a hybrid of this and Curio talinoides that is known as 'Trident Blue'.
Gallery
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In a rock garden
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Mass growing
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Close up
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Mat formation
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Flower up-close
References
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| Curio repens | |
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| Senecio serpens | |
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| Cacalia repens | |
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