Gazania rigens pronounced is a pretty, South African native and a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is often called the “Treasure Flower”, “African Daisy”, or simply “Gazania.” The Osteospermum is also known as the “African Daisy.”
Gazania plants are considered tender perennials but are grown as annuals in colder climates. The plant with silvery green foliage looks similar in shape to those of wild dandelions. In mild climates, the leaves are evergreen. The stiff flowering plant stems stand between six and ten inches high and topped with three or four-inch daisy-like flowers. This type of flower is called a “ray flower.” The basic Gazania is orange with a dark, contrasting center. Cultivars of the species are available in an ever growing range of flower colors, including white, yellow, orange, bronze, lavender and red. All have a central disk of a deeply contrasting color.
