Tree daisy

Tree daisy

Montanoa hibiscifolia (Asteraceae)

Common Name:

Tree daisy

Scientific Name:

Montanoa hibiscifolia (Asteraceae)


Alternative common names:

Montanoa (Afrikaans), ubhongobhongo (isiZulu).

Description:

A perennial half-shrub growing up to 6m high with dark green, large, palmately-lobed leaves which are paler beneath and softly hairy on both surfaces. The flower petals are white and the disc yellow and are borne in terminal clusters from May to October. Reddish-brown fruits borne in the rounded, papery old flowerheads. It invades forests, woodlands, bush clumps, roadsides, river banks and disturbed sites.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Central America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape

How does it spread?

Seeds may be moved from place to place by moving vehicles and water

Why is it a problem?

It competes with indigenous species

What does it look like?

General description: A shrub that scarcely branches and grows up to 6 metres high.
Leaves: Dark green above, paler below, softly hairy on both surfaces, up to 250 mm long x 250 mm wide, broadly ovate (egg-shaped with broad end at base) in outline, deeply palmately lobed, with a pair of an earlike projection on the base of a leaf.
Flowers: Ray petals white, disc yellow; about 40mm across; many in terminal, branched inflorescences. Flowering time is in May-October.
Fruit/Seeds: Reddish-brown one seeded, 3,5mm long, borne in the rounded, papery, old flower-heads

Does the plant have any uses?

Cultivated as a garden plant

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