Osteospermum monstrosum, previously clandestinum

Osteospermum monstrosum, previously O. clandestinum is in Afrikaans called trekkertjie (little puller, little migrant or little tractor; the forgotten namegiver(s) intention unknown but the migrant may be most likely)! None of these translations makes easy sense or readily suggests the cause for such a name. Similarly, the botanical name also changed periodically; was once Tripteris clandestina but DNA studies put paid to the Tripteris genus.

The veil of secrecy or hidden significance of the specific name, clandestinum, gave the blurred photo an excuse. The new name of O. mostrosum may also be justified for purist photographers, albeit only in dealing with this photo.

To add to the somewhat inauspicious foray that the species has had in the nomenclature game, the Australians call the plant stinking Roger; not surprising as it is an invasive weed in their country (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Manning, 2007; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984).