Senecio is a genus of the daisy family (Asteraceae) that includes ragworts and groundsels. 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 over 1000 species of varied form, including leaf, stem and tuber succulents, annuals, perennials, aquatics, climbers, shrubs and small trees. Some species produce natural biocides (especially alkaloids) to deter or even kill animals that would eat them.

Senecio articulatus (Curio articulatus) or Candle Plant as it is commonly known is an unusual deciduous species, endemic to South Africa, with swollen silver-blue stems topped with a bunch of heart-shaped leaves. During spring and summer it bears pale yellow flowers. It prefers a part sun to lightly shaded area of the garden.

A rare and an unusual plant, it best grown as an ornamental plant as a container plant in well draining soil and part shade. It is also drought-resistant, growing in dry arid areas in southern Africa. It can grown indoors as a pot plant, but for it to thrive outdoors the temperature should not regularly drop below 7°C (45°F), although it can survive in temperatures as low as -4°C (25°F).