Senecio inaequidens

Narrow-leaved Ragwort

The narrow-leaved ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) belongs to the composite family and originates from South Africa. It is an annual to perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 1 metre. Typical of the narrow-leaved ragwort are the long, narrow, dark green leaves and the bright yellow flowers, which are arranged in baskets with up to 20 ray florets. The flowering period is mainly from July to October. The plant prefers sunny locations and lean, well-drained soil. It is often found in urban areas, along traffic routes and on gravelly or stony sites. Narrow-leaved ragwort has successfully established itself as a neophyte in many regions worldwide and often forms dense populations.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Due to its rapid reproduction and adaptability, narrow-leaved ragwort can suppress native plant species and thus reduce biodiversity, especially on ruderal areas and coastal dunes.

Economical damage

Senecio inaequidens can populate agricultural land and thus reduce the yield. In addition, grazing animals, especially horses, can be poisoned by eating the plant as it contains liver-toxic alkaloids.

Damage to health

Narrow-leaved ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to many mammals, including humans, and can cause liver damage, especially with prolonged exposure. The ingredients are also toxic to bees.

Region of origin

Southern Africa

Introduction vectors

Agriculture

The narrow-leaved ragwort arrived in Germany from South Africa through the trade in sheep's wool to which seeds were attached.

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The daisy family (Asteraceae), also known as Asteraceae or Compositae, is one of the largest plant families with more than 23,000 species in about 1,620 genera. A distinguishing feature is their complex inflorescence, which consists of many small individual flowers forming a "basket". This family is globally distributed and contains species ranging from annual plants to perennial shrubs and trees. Well-known representatives are the sunflower, daisy, dandelion and many species of chrysanthemum. Many asteraceae are important for honey production, and some, such as artichoke and endive, are important crops.

Climate change

Senecio inaequidens has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are temperature in winter, soil type, rail infrastructure, road infrastructure and temperature in summer.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Senecio inaequidens where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.