Blue Chalk Sticks
(Senecio mandraliscae)
Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio mandraliscae)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Forest and Kim Starr
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Curio talinoides, commonly known as Blue Chalk Sticks, is a succulent plant native to rocky slopes and dry river valleys in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It typically grows to a height of 50 to 70 cm with a spread of 30 to 60 cm. The leaves are cylindrical, about 4.5-9.5 cm long, and are thickly fleshed with a waxy, blue-green hue that contributes to its drought tolerance. This species is notable for its striking foliage color, which is among the bluest of the Curio plants. It blooms in summer, producing small, white to pale yellow flowers that add to its ornamental value, although the flowers are not particularly showy compared to the foliage.
Blue Chalk Sticks is valued for its ease of maintenance and drought resistance, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, rockeries, and containers. It is also used as ground cover or in succulent arrangements for its unique color and texture. In cultivation, it requires full sun to maintain its vibrant color and prefers well-draining soil. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. While generally pest-free, mealybugs and aphids can occasionally be a problem. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease issues.CC BY-SA 4.0
Blue Chalk Sticks is valued for its ease of maintenance and drought resistance, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, rockeries, and containers. It is also used as ground cover or in succulent arrangements for its unique color and texture. In cultivation, it requires full sun to maintain its vibrant color and prefers well-draining soil. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. While generally pest-free, mealybugs and aphids can occasionally be a problem. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease issues.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to rocky slopes and dry river valleys in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Blue Finger, Blue Chalksticks
Scientific Names: , Senecio mandraliscae, Kleinia mandraliscae, Curio talinoides var. mandraliscae, Senecio talinoides subsp. mandraliscae,
GBIF Accepted Name: Curio talinoides var. mandraliscae (Tineo) P.V.Heath