Overview
Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly known as the Treasure Flower. The plant is native to South Africa and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant around the world. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in a range of conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike.
Appearance
The Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. has thick, succulent leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves can vary in color from gray-green to silver-gray and have a hairy texture. The plant produces flowers on long stems that can reach up to 30 cm in height. The flowers have a single row of brightly colored petals in shades of orange, yellow, and red, all with a central disc of a contrasting color.
Uses
The Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its stunning flowers and hardiness. It is commonly used in flowerbeds, rock gardens, and as ground cover. The plant's roots are also used in traditional medicine in South Africa to treat a range of ailments, including stomach and kidney problems.
Common names
The Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. is also known by several other common names depending on the location, including:
- Treasure Flower
- Sun Gazania
- African Daisy
- Clown Flower
- Wild Marigold
Light Requirements
Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri prefers full sun exposure to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate some amount of shade, but it harms its flowering and growth. Therefore, it is advisable to plant the species in a location where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri is native to South Africa and can withstand high temperatures. It grows best in a warm climate with a temperature range of 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). The plant can tolerate slightly lower temperatures during the winter months, but frost can damage or kill it. Therefore, it is best to grow Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri in areas with a warm climate or protected from frost.
Soil Requirements
Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri prefers a well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, yet not too heavy. Heavy soil can lead to waterlogging and root rot, which can damage or kill the plant. It is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter to improve its texture, drainage, and fertility. This plant is drought tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, during prolonged drought periods, it needs water, so regular watering should be given preference.
Cultivation Method
Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. can be cultivated outside as an ornamental plant either through seed or with cuttings. For germination, sow the seed in well-drained soil and receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Keep the soil damp and maintain a temperature between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. are low. This plant is susceptible to root rot, so it is essential not to overwater. Water the plant once every two weeks if there is no rainfall. In drought conditions or very high temperatures, water the plant once a week.
Fertilization
Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. is a low-maintenance plant and is not heavy feeders. As a result, fertilization is not required. The plant will grow well even in nutrient-poor soils. However, if you want to provide some nutrients to the plant, you can apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. as it helps to encourage bushy growth and to remove diseased or dead plant parts. Prune the plant when it has finished flowering. Cut back the spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Also, prune any yellow or dead leaves and stems. Regular pruning will keep the plant looking attractive and encourage more abundant blooms.
Propagation of Gazania Pavonia var. Zeyheri
Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. is a beautiful flowering plant, commonly known as "treasure flower." It is native to southern Africa, particularly in the Northern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. The plant is easy to propagate and can be grown by a variety of methods, including from seeds, cuttings, division, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri can be propagated by seeds. The plant produces small black seeds that can be harvested when they are mature. To propagate the plant from seeds, the seeds need to be planted in well-draining soil in a sunny location. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs in three to four weeks. After germination, seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or containers for further growth.
Propagation by Cuttings
Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growth season, typically in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm long and should include a few leaves. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, with about two-thirds of the cutting buried in the soil. After planting, the cuttings should be watered and kept in a warm, humid place until they start developing roots.
Propagation by Division
Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. The best time for division is during the dormant season, which is usually in fall or winter. To divide the plant, carefully remove it from the ground, remove excess soil, and then divide it into sections using a sharp knife or spade. The divided sections should then be planted in well-draining soil in a sunny location and watered well.
Propagation by Grafting
Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri can also be propagated by grafting. This method involves attaching a cutting or scion of the desired variety onto a rootstock of a related species of Gazania. Grafting is commonly used in plant breeding to combine desirable traits of different plants. However, the grafting process can be complicated and requires a high level of skill and expertise.
In conclusion, Gazania pavonia var. zeyheri can be propagated by various methods, including from seeds, cuttings, division, and grafting. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the availability of resources, time, and skills.
Disease Management
Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: Appears as black or brown spots on the leaves, caused by fungi. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves, water in the morning to allow leaves to dry during the day, and apply fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: Creates a white, powdery coating on leaves, caused by fungi. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves, increase air circulation, water in the morning, and apply fungicide.
- Root rot: Causes the plant to wilt and eventually die, caused by fungi. To manage root rot, remove infected plants, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicide.
Pest Management
Gazania pavonia (Andrews) R.Br. var. zeyheri Harv. is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from leaves. To manage aphids, spray leaves with water to knock off insects, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, and apply insecticidal soap.
- Mites: Tiny arachnids that suck the sap from leaves, causing yellowing and curling. To manage mites, spray leaves with water to increase humidity, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, and apply miticide.
- Caterpillars: Larvae of moths and butterflies that chew on leaves. To manage caterpillars, handpick and remove from the plant, introduce natural predators like birds or parasitic wasps, and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
