GERBERA JAMESONII, BARBERTON DAISY SEEDS INDIGENOUS IN PORT ELIZABETH

Gerbera is a genus of approximately 30 species from the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It was named in honour of the German botanist and naturalist Traugott Gerber. They are found in South America, Africa and tropical Asia. Gerbera species bear a large capitulum with striking, two-lipped ray florets in yellow, orange, white, pink or red colours. The capitulum, which has the appearance of a single flower, is actually composed of hundreds of individual flowers. The morphology of the flowers varies depending on their position in the capitulum. Gerbera is very popular and widely used as a decorative garden plant or as cut flowers. Gerbera contains naturally occurring coumarin derivatives. They are attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Their soil should be kept moist but not soaked.           Gerbera jamesonii is a South African indigenous species from the Barberton area in the Northern Province is a deservedly popular garden plant throughout the world and is one of the parents of the many showy Gerbera hybrids seen in florist shops. It is a perennial herb with deeply lobed leaves covered with silky hairs arising from a crown. The striking inflorescence is borne on a long stalk and the outermost petals (ray florets) may be cream, red, orange or pink, while the central flowers (disc florets) are cream. Flowering occurs in spring and autumn. Gerbera jamesonii is found naturally in grassland in sandy, well-drained soils in Mpumalanga. A favourite of many people; they are bright, colourful, pretty flowers that make both the garden and any floral arrangement appear vibrant and alive. Growing your own at home is easy provided that you have suitable garden space. You can even grow some in a windowsill pot if wished.