Osteospermum spinosum

Osteospermum spinosum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Osteospermum
Species:
O. spinosum
Binomial name
Osteospermum spinosum
L.
Varieties
  • Osteospermum spinosum var. runcinatum P.J.Bergius
  • Osteospermum spinosum L. var. spinosum
Synonyms[1]
  • Buphthalmum durum L.
  • Eriocline obovata Cass.
  • Osteospermum osteospermum f. integrifolium O.Hoffm.
  • Osteospermum osteospermum subsp. integrifolium O.Hoffm.

Osteospermum spinosum is a species of plant from South Africa.

Description

This strongly and intricately branched shrub is aromatic and somewhat sticky. It grows up to 120 cm (47 in) tall.[2]  Branchlets and stems develop from spikes and remain thorny.[2][3] Pale yellow flowers occur at the ends of the branches.[2] They are most commonly present between May and October.[3] After they fall and die, the stem holding them may be modified into spines. The achenes (small, dry fruit that contain a single seed) are dry and angled. They are about 8 mm (0.31 in) long.[2]

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to South Africa. It is found in the Pakhuis Mountains, the Tulbagh Mountains and the Riviersonderend Mountains. It grows on gravelly slopes and flats, mostly at lower elevations.[2][3]

References

  1. ^ "Osteospermum spinosum". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e e-Flora of South Africa. v1.36. 2022. South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://ipt.sanbi.org.za/iptsanbi/resource?r=flora_descriptions&v=1.36
  3. ^ a b c Manning, John; Goldblatt, Peter (2012). Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region : 1: the core Cape flora (PDF). Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI. ISBN 978-1-919976-74-7. OCLC 852384288.


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