Senecio lyratus

Senecio lyratus, commonly known as Lyrate Groundsel, is a distinctive herbaceous plant characterized by its deeply lobed, lyre-shaped leaves. Often found in disturbed soils and coastal regions, this species plays a vital role in local ecosystems, offering unique botanical interest through its striking foliage and seasonal flowering patterns.

  • Scientific name: Senecio lyratus
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement within the genus Senecio.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Senecio WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Senecio lyratus, is referred to by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly known as lyrate groundsel, while in German, it is called Leierblättriger Greiskraut. In French, the species is called séneçon à feuilles lyratées, and in Spanish, it is identified as senecio de hojas de lira.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the tropical regions of Africa. In Northeast Tropical Africa, it can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Its presence extends further into the Horn of Africa, specifically within the borders of Somalia. Additionally, the species is documented across the territories of Sudan and South Sudan. Finally, its range reaches into East Tropical Africa, where it is located in Kenya.

Region Area Source
Northeast Tropical Africa Eritrea WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Ethiopia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Sudan-South Sudan WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Saudi Arabia WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Yemen WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Senecio lyratus, is primarily utilized in traditional medicinal practices through its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the stems, leaves, and flowers, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic effects. By harvesting the aerial parts, practitioners can access the plant's concentrated phytochemicals while leaving the root system intact, allowing for potential regrowth.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Senecio lyratus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include beta-sitosterol.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
beta-sitosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆