Fauna
Plant

Bluestraws

Curio talinoides

Also known as Blue Chalksticks, Narrow-leaf Chalksticks, Dassieharpuis

Bluestraws form dense, low-growing mats of slender, finger-like leaves coated in a waxy pale blue farina that reflects intense sunlight and reduces water loss. Native to semi-arid regions of South Africa, these succulents thrive in rocky crevices and shallow, well-draining soils subject to prolonged dry spells. In late spring to midsummer, stems send up small clusters of dull white to pale yellow disc florets that attract bees and other pollinating insects.

SucculentDrought-TolerantGroundcover
Bluestraws reference
(c) Nicola van Berkel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Nicola van Berkel · 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 (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale Insects
  • Snails
ThreatsOverwatering, root rot, and localized habitat disturbance
HabitatsSemi-arid scrublands, rocky slopes, and succulent thickets
Life span10 to 20 years
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusCurio
  4. SpeciesCurio talinoides
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 pyrrolizidine alkaloids toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep away from household pets.
Why it is dangerous
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause progressive liver damage when consumed by dogs, cats, or grazing livestock.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for spreading mats of upright, narrow, cylindrical leaves covered in a dusty chalk-blue powdery coating.
What to do
Grow out of reach of curious pets, wash hands after trimming stems, and never ingest plant tissue.
Responsible observation
  • Sunlight exposure: Provide full sun to bring out the richest powdery blue leaf coloration.
  • Water management: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Related species
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