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 stapeliiformis, also known as Kleinia stapeliiformis and commonly known as Pickle Plant, Candle Plant, Candle Stick, Stapelia Stemmed Senecio, Groundsel, Belisha Beacon Plant and Spider Plant is an attractive succulent plant perennial which has distinctive pencil-shaped stems with soft spines and purple-green patterns. This succulent species has reclining to erect stems, which branch out from its rhizomes stem base. The pencil-like stems with purple-green colour are highly succulent, soft brittle, cylindrical, and jointed. Each stem grows 25cm tall and roughly 2.5cm wide. They have four to six grooves or angles with scale leaves sprouting all along the ribs. The leaves are typically dark green, and also have an unusual pinkish tinge. Moreover, underground shoots appear with purple arrowhead markings and silvery green striations underneath each node. Senecio stapeliiformis grow hawkweed-like, large flowers that are often orange or red.