Senecio radicans is native to the Cape Province region of South Africa. In fact, in the desert areas of South Africa where aridity increases, including the Karroid central region, the dominant vegetation consists of xerophytic dwarf shrubs and succulents, including many members of the Genus Senecio. In these areas of very low moisture, the grasslands typical of other areas of Africa give way to areas in which grass is subdominant to these drought-tolerant plants, which are frequently spaced far apart with wide expanses of sandy or rocky stretches in between.
Individuals of this species have a prostrate growth habit with mat-forming stems 15–30 cm long. Its growth in long, matted tendrils makes the “String of Bananas” an excellent groundcover, as well as ideal for cascading over the edges of containers or hanging baskets.
Grown for the shape, texture, and color of its attractive foliage rather than for its blooms[citation needed], Senecio radicans can provide a textural element to a garden. This plant features fleshy, glossy, and elongated succulent leaves that curve and taper to a pointed tip, much like the shape of a banana. Each leaf is cylindrical in shape, 2â23 cm long, and features 2 translucent lines on either side. With an alternate arrangement of leaves and a delicate branching pattern of the strands, this plant’s foliage is truly its most captivating feature.