Fauna
Plant

Snake Ragwort

Curio repens

Also known as Blue Chalksticks, Blue Chalk Fingers

Low-growing and remarkably drought-resilient, this South African succulent carpets dry rocky ground with dense clusters of powdery, upward-curving blue-grey leaves. A waxy white bloom coats each fleshy leaf, reflecting intense ultraviolet light and conserving moisture during extended droughts. Small pom-poms of creamy white to pale yellow disc florets rise above the silvery foliage on slender stalks from midsummer to early autumn.

SucculentDrought-TolerantGroundcover
Snake Ragwort reference
(c) Chris Vynbos, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Chris Vynbos · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil minerals
Predators
  • Snails
  • Slugs
  • Mealybugs
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, urbanization, and displacement by invasive plants
HabitatsRocky outcrops, dry scrublands, and coastal succulent karoo
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusCurio
  4. SpeciesCurio repens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock if ingested; harmless to observe and touch.
Why it is dangerous
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause cumulative liver damage and vomiting in cats and dogs.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for dense mats of chalky blue-green, finger-shaped fleshy leaves pointed upward.
What to do
Place away from grazing household pets and wash hands after pruning stem cuttings.
Responsible observation
  • Sunlight: Observe or cultivate in direct sunlight to maintain the distinctive powdery blue hue.
  • Watering: Ensure sandy, well-draining soil to prevent moisture accumulation and root rot.
  • Handling: Avoid rubbing the foliage to protect the delicate waxy coating that prevents dehydration.
Related species
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