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African daisy
Scientific Name: Arctotis stoechadifolia
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Osteospermum: The Radiant African Daisy
The name Osteospermum might be a bit of a mouthful, but this plant, commonly known as the African Daisy, is celebrated for its daisy-like flowers, often displaying unique petal colors and a captivating blue center.
Considerations for Pets
- Some African Daisy varieties have sharply pointed petals.
Considerations for Children
- Some African Daisy varieties have sharply pointed petals.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Osteospermum
- Common Names: African Daisy, Cape Daisy, South African Daisy, Star-of-the-Veldt
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Asteraceae (also known as the composite family)
- Synonyms and Related Genera: The text mentions other genera including Arctotis, Dimorphotheca, Gerbera, and Lonas, often grouped under the umbrella of "African Daisy". Some plants sold as African Daisies are cultivars and hybrids derived from O. ecklonis, O. jucundum, and others. The scientific names Dimorphotheca sinuata and Gerbera jamesonii are also associated with the common name "African Daisy".
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to South Africa.
- Specifically mentioned is the Namaqualand region in Africa and Namibia as origin points for some varieties.
- Adapted to dry, arid areas and stony soils.
- Has naturalized in some regions.
Ecological Role
- In some regions (Wimmera, North Central, Corangamite, Goulburn Broken, North East and West Gippsland), it's considered regionally prohibited.
- Mentioned as a weedy plant that can threaten the health of local environments.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Daisy-like flowers, often with eyelike markings.
- Flowers can be up to 4 inches across.
- Hybrids grow to be 12-18 inches high and 12 inches wide.
- Some varieties have lobed leaves.
- Some species have glossy-green leaves with white or grey, cobweb-like undersides (e.g., Senecio pterophorus).
- Can be grown as annuals or perennials, depending on the variety and climate.
- Mounding form.
Quirky Facts
- The name Osteospermum comes from the Greek word "osteon" (bone) and the Latin word "spermum" (seed).
- African Daisies will not open their flowers on cold, dull days and close in mid-afternoon if the weather is not warm enough for pollinators.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Pollinators are mentioned in relation to the flower's opening and closing behavior.