Senecio macroglossus

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Plant
ID 137 Senecio macroglossus
Botanic Name Senecio macroglossus
Common Name Wax Vine, German Ivy, Cape Ivy
Family Name Asteraceae
Cultivars Varigatus
Origin South Africa, Zone 10-11
Growth Type Climber
Bark Type Woody
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Medium
No. of Species 1000
Growth Habit Climbing-twining Growth Rate Fast
Height 2 - 3 m (7 - 10 ft) Spread 1 m (3 ft)
Plant Overview
This evergreen vine has slender twinning woody stems and forms a dense cover. It has glossy green triangular leaves and the daisy-like flowers are deep yellow faiding to white and appear in solitary during summer.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Deltoid
The 80 mm (3 in) long deltoid leaves are a glossy green with a reddish tinge on the margins. They appear triangular in shape with 3 to 5 pointed lobes and have a fleshy-brittle texture.
Arrangement Alternate
Margin Entire
Colour Glossy green
Size 60 - 80 mm ( 2.4 - 3.1 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Radiate
The radiate flowers have slender-oblong pale yellow-white ray florets and yellow disk florets and are up to 60 mm (2 3/8 in) wide. The calyx is cylindrical up to 13 mm (½ in) long with 12 to 14 purplish teeth and the flowers appear during summer.
Inflorescence Capitulum
Colour Yellow
Size 40 - 60 mm ( 1.6 - 2.4 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Cypsela Additional Information
Colour Black
The small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.
Edible No
Bird Attractive No
Size 2 - 3 mm ( 0.1 - 0.1 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained sandy loam, dryer soil type, tending alkaline, pH 6.5 to 7.5
Container Hanging baskets, pots, tubs, under glass in frost prone climates
Climate Sub-tropical
Aspect Full sun, open position, tolerates part shade, frost tender, drought hardy
Pest & Diseases Susceptible to rust, white flys, grey mold, downy & powdery mildew
Fertiliser Light application of complete fertiliser during spring
Pruning Prune as necessary after flowering to keep tidy
Cultural Uses Propagation
Wax Vine is grown for its foliage and flowers and is trained over a wire fence or trellis for screening. It is also grown in containers or hanging baskets and can be used in roof gardens. This plant is suitable for coastal or inland regions.
Take stem cuttings up to 150 mm (6 in) long throughout the year.
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