Senecio nikoensis — Edible Plant | Edible Plant Database

Summary

Senecio nikoensis is a perennial herb reaching 1 m tall with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. It grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acid to basic pH levels. The plant thrives in semi-shade to full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions, making it suitable for maritime environments.

Description

Senecio nikoensis is a perennial herb reaching 1 m tall with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. It grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acid to basic pH levels. The plant thrives in semi-shade to full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions, making it suitable for maritime environments.

Edible Uses

Leaves are edible cooked. Some caution is advised given the plant's noted toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

The plant has medicinal uses, though no details are available.

Known Hazards

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus that contains a number of plants with a cumulative poisonous effect on the liver. Some caution is advised.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained moderately fertile soils.

Propagation

Seed - sow in spring in a greenhouse, barely covering the seed, and keep the compost moist. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out in early summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant out the following year after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Root cuttings in early spring.