Felicia erigeroides flowerhead

The daisy-shaped flowerheads of Felicia erigeroides grow in clusters at stem tips, each solitary upon its erect, green peduncle of up to 4 cm in length. Flowerheads may about cover a healthy plant at bloom-time, the show lasting from autumn to midwinter.

One row of initially often pale ray florets, varying in shades of white, pink, mauve and lilac, surround the yellow discs; their colour deepening as they age. Flowerheads measure from 1 cm to 2 cm in diameter, although older flowers have their rays curling back, reducing flowerhead width.

After flowering the seedheads appear fluffy for a while before wind disperses the tiny, pale brown seeds. The flight is facilitated by a hairy pappus attached at the tip of each seed (www.plantzafrica.com).