Flora Detail
| Common Name | Prostrate Cape weed |
| Family | Asteraceae (Daisy Family) |
| Date Observed | 20-09-2022 |
| Category | Ground cover |
|---|---|
| Catalogue No. | 1144RG |
| Flowering Time | Spring,Summer |
| Colour | Yellow |
| Locations Observed | |
| Estuary | |
| Koppie | |
| Nature Reserve | |
| Small Holding | |
| Village | Few,Many |
| Greater Rooiels | Few,Many |
Arctotheca prostrata
Information
Prostrate Cape weed
Arctotheca prostrata (Prostrate Capeweed) is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial (or annual) herb native to South Africa, recognized by its deeply lobed, woolly-white underside leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It spreads rapidly via rooting, creeping stolons, creating a dense blanket effect, often blooming in winter and spring.
Key Details About Arctotheca prostrata:
Appearance: Prostrate, mat-forming, with stems up to 30 cm tall; features basal rosettes or spreading runners.
Leaves: Simple, 5–25 cm long, with deeply lobed, toothed margins, green/hairy above, and silvery-white/felted below.
Flowers: Bright yellow, daisy-like heads, 2.5–6 cm across, with 20–26 petals; often have a darker yellow ring in the center.
Habitat & Range: Native to South Africa and Namibia, it is now an invasive weed in California and Australia, commonly found in disturbed areas and coastal prairies.
Reproduction: Spreads primarily by creeping stolons (runners).
Distinction: Similar to A. calendula (Fertile Capeweed) but generally has more prostrate, sterile, or less-fertile habits.
It is commonly used as a groundcover, but its, sometimes, aggressive spread can lead to it being classified as a nuisance in some regions.
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