Kingdom Plantae Higher classification Gazania | Scientific name Gazania rigens Rank Species | |
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Similar Gazania, Daisy family, Ageratum, Blanket flowers, Lobelias | ||
Gazania rigens (syn. G. splendens), sometimes called treasure flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to southern Africa. It is naturalised elsewhere and is widely cultivated as an ornamental garden plant. It is a spreading, low-growing, half-hardy perennial, growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall and wide, with blue-grey foliage and brilliant yellow, daisy-like composite flowerheads throughout the summer.
Contents
Gazania rigens var rigens
Naturalisation
In Australia, where it is known as coastal gazania, the species has become naturalised on coastal dunes and roadsides in the Central Coast and Sydney regions of New South Wales as well as the coast of South East Queensland. In South Australia it is found in the southern Mount Lofty area as well as on the Eyre peninsula.
Varieties
The currently recognised varieties are:
Cultivation
Gazania rigens is grown for the brilliant yellow of its blooms which appear against blue-grey foliage in the late spring and throughout the summer. Plants prefer a sunny position and are tolerant of dryness and poor soils. In temperate regions this plant is usually grown as a half-hardy annual, though it can tolerate short periods of frost.
