Gazania krebsiana with flair

Colour, shape and size differences in the flowerheads of Gazania krebsiana flowerheads, particularly the ray florets and their basal markings, are common and highly variable.

There are also several brightly coloured and sought after cultivars of this plant obtainable from South African nurseries and abroad.

The plant is palatable to livestock and game. A common name of botterblom (butter flower) exists in Afrikaans. Its derivation? Children sometimes eat the flowers that taste of butter. But be careful to know what you are eating (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Manning, 2009; iSpot).