Osmitopsis asteriscoides (P.J.Bergius) Less.

국표에 없다.

This attractive white daisy has been in use for various medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. During spring and early summer many of the wetland areas of the Western Cape are arrayed with dense groups of this aromatic plant in full flower.

Fast growing, Osmitopsis asteriscoides is a leggy, erect, herbaceous perennial which can grow to 2 m. It is sparsely branched at the base while the upper stems are well branched. The lower parts of the stems are leafless, showing the cracked grayish bark. The aromatic leaves are densely arranged towards the branch ends. The leaves are lance shaped and may be smooth or velvety, 10 - 18 mm wide and 60 - 80 mm long and have a distinctive camphor-like smell.

The typical daisy flower heads are grouped on the short upper branches. Each flower head is about 35 mm across, the outer ray florets are white while the central disc florets are yellow. Flowers may be found throughout the year but the main flowering season is in spring and early summer.

The small 3 - 4 ribbed or angled fruit, known as an achene, is dry and brownish and does not have a pappus (a tuft of hairs or bristles) which many of the daisy family have. Each fruit contains a single seed but does not split open to release it.

In the Red List of South African Plants 2009 Osmitopsis asteriscoides is listed as Least Concern.

Osmitopsis asteriscoides | PlantZAfrica (sanbi.org)

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