African daisy (Senecio pterophorus, Prodr. 6: 389 (1838))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 6: 389 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Senecio

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mozambique to S. Africa

Description

The African daisy, known scientifically as Senecio pterophorus, is a captivating plant admired for its vibrant and diverse floral displays. This species falls within the Asteraceae family, a group renowned for its composite flowers and economic importance worldwide.

Senecio pterophorus was first described in 1838, a testament to its long-standing recognition within botanical circles. This historical documentation was made by the authoritative botanist DC., who contributed significantly to our understanding of plant classifications.

Native to a vast range stretching from Mozambique to South Africa, the African daisy thrives in diverse climatic conditions, showcasing its adaptability. These regions provide the warm and moderately wet environments that Senecio pterophorus favors, allowing it to flourish in both wild and cultivated settings.

The African daisy is distinguished by its lush, green foliage and strikingly colorful flowers, which can brighten any landscape. The blooms are typically characterized by their daisy-like appearance, with petals radiating outwards from a central disc. This unique floral structure not only attracts human admirers but also plays a crucial role in pollinator attraction, contributing to the plant’s reproductive success.

In addition to its ornamental value, the African daisy’s robust nature makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet visually appealing addition to their plant collections. Its ability to withstand various environmental stresses further underscores its suitability for a range of gardening contexts.

Overall, Senecio pterophorus embodies the beauty and resilience of the natural world, offering both aesthetic pleasure and ecological benefits to those who cultivate or simply admire it. Whether in its native habitats or as part of cultivated landscapes, the African daisy continues to captivate and inspire.

Common Names

Eng: african daisy, shoddy ragwort, wing-groundsel, south african daisy
Afr: perdegifbos
Cym: creulys y gwlân
En: African daisy, Shoddy ragwort, Wing-groundsel, South African daisy
Af: Perdegifbos
Cy: Creulys y Gwlân

Synonyms

• Senecio polyanthemus var. subserratus (DC.)
• Senecio pterophorus var. apterus (Harv.)
• Senecio pterophorus var. verus (Harv.)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Sastre Oriol (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by David McDonald (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2021 by Robledo Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Losantos Marga (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Cristina Chiodi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Losantos Marga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Losantos Marga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Cahit NART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2021 by Recreo Fernando (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 18, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by Tim Lossen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Sastre Oriol (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Recreo Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3107177)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:247117-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senecio pterophorus DC.)

Specifications

Growth