Senecio
Senecio /sɨˈniːʃi.oʊ/ is a genus of the daisy family that includes
ragworts and
groundsels. Variously circumscribed, the genus
Senecio is one of the largest genera of flowering plants, cleaved or not of species belonging to other genera. The 'traditional' circumscription of
Senecio is artificial, being polyphyletic. The flower heads are normally rayed, completely yellow, and the heads are borne in branched clusters.
Senecio is one of the largest genera of flowering plants, and despite the separation of many species into other genera it still contains c. 1250 species of varied form, including leaf, stem and tuber succulents, annuals, perennials, aquatics, climbers, shrubs and small trees. Some species produce natural biocides to deter or even kill animals that would eat them.
Senecio species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species — see list of Lepidoptera that feed on Senecio. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in
Senecio nemorensis and in
Senecio cannabifolius var. integrilifolius The name means "old man".