Plant · GBIF taxon 3107720
Wax Vine
Senecio macroglossusAlso known as Natal Ivy, Marguerite Ivy, Climbing Senecio, Wax Ivy
Climbing gracefully through subtropical coastal forests and rocky thickets, this succulent vine produces glossy, ivy-shaped leaves that store moisture during prolonged dry spells. Pale yellow, daisy-like flower heads bloom across late summer and winter, attracting butterflies, hoverflies, and native solitary bees. Often mistaken for true English ivy, its thick fleshy foliage and composite flowers reveal its surprising kinship with daisies and sunflowers.
ClimbingSucculentFlowering
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthesis
Predators
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Mealybugs
ThreatsHabitat clearing, invasive exotic plants, and localized coastal development
HabitatsCoastal scrub, evergreen thickets, forest margins, and rocky outcrops
Life span10–20+ years (perennial)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsterales
- FamilyAsteraceae
- GenusSenecio
- SpeciesSenecio macroglossus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Toxic to pets and humans if ingested; keep away from curious companion animals.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause cumulative liver damage and gastrointestinal distress if chewed or swallowed by pets or humans.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by its fleshy, glossy ivy-shaped leaves, twining green stems, and pale yellow daisy flower heads.
- What to do
- Grow out of reach of companion animals and wash hands thoroughly after pruning or propagating.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Pinch vine tips during the active growing season to encourage bushier branching along trellises.
- Pet Safety: Hang baskets at a safe height to ensure domestic pets cannot chew the foliage.
Look-alike (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda · cc-by
Look-alike (c) Marianna Boi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marianna Boi · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Nicola van Berkel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Nicola van Berkel · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Jeremy Gilmore, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jeremy Gilmore · cc-by
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