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 cotyledonis is a South African endemic perennial species from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. Senecio cotyledonis grows into a thick-stemmed succulent shrublet of up to 60cm tall. It has fleshy cylindrical leaves. From winter to spring it bears yellow flowers in dense corymbs. Senecio cotyledonis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat skin diseases.