Gazania species   Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)   South Africa   Gazania

                                         July Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Mostly perennial herbs with short leafy stems or lvs. crowded in basal tuft, entire or pinnatifid; heads radiate, fairly large, solitary on long peduncles; phyllaries in 2-several rows, united and cuplike at base; rays white, yellow, orange or scarlet, closing at night; receptacle pitted; aks. villous, the pappus of 2 series of delicate scarious toothed scales, often hidden in the ak.-wool.

Habitat:  Occasional escape from gardens.  Blooms many months of the year.

Name:  Named after Theodore of Gaza, 1398-1478, translator of Aristotle and Theophrastus. (Bailey 1012).

General:  Uncommon in the study area, although several varieties have been found, not all have been collected or photographed.   The photograph is probably of G. rigens which has narrow, almost linear leaves and a trailing growth habit.  From the photo, it is impossible to tell what the growth habit is.  Photographed on the bluffs at the northerly end of Eastbluff. (my comments).      About 25 herbaceous species native to S. Africa, a few grown in warm sunny climates.  (Bailey 1012).

Text Ref:  Bailey 1012; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 167.

Photo Ref:  July 3 83 # 8.

Genus identity: by R. De Ruff.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 171.

Last edit 10/15/02.