Family: Asteraceae
Author: (Thunb.) Druce
Bibliography: Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4(Suppl. 2): 624 (1917)
Year: 1917
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gazania
Vegetable: False
Observations: Cape Prov. to KwaZulu-Natal
Description
Gazania, known scientifically as Gazania linearis, is a vibrant and decorative flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This stunning plant is indigenous to the regions stretching from Cape Province to KwaZulu-Natal. Identified and documented in the botanical literature by (Thunb.) Druce in 1917, Gazania linearis adds a splash of color to gardens and wild landscapes alike.
These perennials are famed for their striking, daisy-like flowers that exhibit a range of bright colors including shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink, often adorned with intricate patterns or contrasting spots. The foliage consists of narrow, silver-green leaves that form a neat, ground-hugging rosette, providing an elegant backdrop to the flamboyant blooms.
Gazania thrives in sunny locales and sandy, well-drained soils, making it an ideal choice for gardeners in warmer climates or regions prone to drought. Its robust and hardy nature permits it to flourish in less-than-ideal conditions where other plants may struggle. During the day, the flowers open fully to absorb sunlight and brighten their surroundings, closing again as evening approaches or under cloudy skies.
This plant not only brings aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the ecosystem by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local biodiversity. Due to its resilience and minimal maintenance, Gazania is often used in landscaping for ground cover, erosion control, and in rock gardens.
In summary, Gazania linearis is a versatile and eye-catching addition to any garden. With its historical significance, ecological benefits, and undeniable beauty, it continues to be celebrated and planted widely both in its native regions and around the world.
Common Names
Eng: treasureflower, gazania
En: Gazania, Treasureflower, Clumping Gazania
Ar: غازانيا خطية
Synonyms
- Gorteria linearis (Thunb.)
- Mussinia linearis ((Thunb.) Willd.)
- Meridiana linearis ((Thunb.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Cape Provinces (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- California (introduced)
- Ethiopia (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- New Mexico (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 12, 2019 by Brittany Grass (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2022 by mlb le (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2021 by prateek sachan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 5, 2022 by witt1 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Lidia Fernandes (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 4, 2016 by EOL − Jennifer Rycenga (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 26, 2014 by EOL − twsummer (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 26, 2015 by EOL − Phil Bendle (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Maria Bravo (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Jannie Breedt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Martinez Sonia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2020 by Regan Matthews (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2022 by Simone Mourolin (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Chaitali Saqcena (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2022 by John Sycorax (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Eli Small (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3112491)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:208700-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gazania linearis (Thunb.) Druce)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb