Spear Head (Senecio 'Kleiniiformis')


I couldn't find either of these spellings at the CoL.

This is a tough one. S. kleiniaeformis is an outdated spelling of S. kleiniiformis, but the newer name hasn't been an accepted name for a long time. The Plant List says it's accepted, but its source dates back to 2007. It probably became a synonym after that, long enough ago that it's no longer listed even as a synonym by the Catalogue of Life, ITIS, and GRIN. A couple of sites on the Web suggest that S. kleiniiformis is also known as Senecio tropaeolifolius, but that name is also a synonym now for Senecio oxyriifolius subsp. tropaeolifolius.

I'll start by merging the two entries you've listed, Lin, but I'm hesitant to declare Senecio kleiniiformis a synonym for Senecio oxyriifolius subsp. tropaeolifolius until I can find more information. I don't know much about senecios. Do we have any Senecio experts on our site?

Thanks Zuzu; I wasn't sure if either was legitimate since I couldn't find them at the CoL. I don't often visit the Cacti-Succulent forum so I'm not sure if we have any Senecio officianado's around.

I found a new lead. Some websites say S. kleiniiformis is also known as S. cuneatus, which is an accepted name, and it certainly resembles those photos more than S. oxyriifolius subsp. tropaeolifolius, which does seem to always have foliage resembling tropaeolum leaves.

https://www.google.com/search?...:

https://www.google.com/search?...

I do not envy you having to figure out these names, Zuzu. I have nothing specific to add except that it is all very confusing.

The plot thickens. Here's what the Encyclopedia of Succulents has to say about Senecio kleiniiformis:

"Taxonomy: This plant is of controversial origin, possibly a cultigen (i.e. a plant of commerce that has been selected by humans and used in horticulture), and does not have any naturally occurring populations though closely related Senecio occur in South Africa."

If the plant is a cultigen and the name is strictly horticultural, this would explain why it isn't listed as an accepted botanical name or as a botanical synonym in taxonomic sources. In view of this, it might be best to edit the entry to show 'Kleiniiformis' as a cultivar name and to include a plant comment to explain why we aren't listing it as a species.

Zuzu, you are a super sleuth!

Great sleuthing Zuzu.