Fauna
Plant

String-of-beads

Curio rowleyanus

Also known as String of Pearls, Pea Vine

String-of-beads is a specialized trailing succulent adapted to harsh, arid microclimates where its spherical foliage minimizes surface area to reduce water loss. Each pea-like bead features a narrow, translucent longitudinal slit called a leaf window that allows sunlight to penetrate deep into the photosynthetic interior while protecting the plant from intense solar heat. Small, cinnamon-scented white flower heads appear on slender stalks in late summer, attracting wild bees and butterflies.

SucculentTrailingSouth African
String-of-beads reference1 / 2
(c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Mealybugs
  • Aphids
  • Scale Insects
ThreatsHabitat conversion, overcollection, root rot from excess moisture
HabitatsArid rocky slopes, shaded succulent scrubland
Life span10–20+ years
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusCurio
  4. SpeciesCurio rowleyanus
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
Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; keep out of reach of pets and children and never ingest.
Why it is dangerous
Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and liver toxicity if consumed by mammals.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by round green leaf beads strung along thin vine stems and small white composite flowers.
What to do
Place hanging containers high out of reach of domestic pets and wash hands after pruning.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look closely at individual beads to spot the translucent window line running down each leaf.
  • Cultivation: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent stem and root rot.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…