Gazanias
GAZANIAS (gay-ZAY-nee-uhs) are daisy-like flowers that grow in an assortment of stunning colours.
Scientifically referred to as Gazania Splendens, the Gazania is part of the asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)  family, also referred to as the Aster, Daisy or Sunflower family.
Also known as the Treasure Flower, the Gazania is named after the Greek-Italian humanist, Theodoros Gazos, who lived during the 15th Century.
It originates  in South Africa, and can be found there in some 25 varieties.
The plant  grows to a height of about 15 inches.
Its leaves are finely lobed, dark green above gray in colour, and grow in compact clumps some eight to 10 inches tall.
Each clump supports a number of flowers, held above the leaves on six to 10-inch stems.
Each flower has a yellow or orange centre disc, which is typical of Daisies.
Many varieties have ray florets, marked with a green or darker patch.
The ray florets sit around the middle cushion, and their colours range from white, pink and yellow to orange and chestnut or wild colour combinations, with splashy stripes or rings of contrasting colours.
Most varieties have glowing gold flowers, which can reach a diameter of 10cm, and look a lot like the Daisy when in full bloom.
The amazing thing about the plant is the way in which it interacts with sunshine. The Gazania’s vivid flowers add sparkle to the garden, but only when the sun shines.
The ray florets close up early in the afternoon, and remain shut until the following morning.
Like the dandelion and the Tulip, they do not open at all on overcast days.
In terms of use, Gazanias, are used to provide wonderful splashes of colour in pots, in the home, in gardens, on terraces and patios, and in borders or next to walls and steps.
The plant is also attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.
Gardeners worldwide like to grow Gazanias, largely because of their vivid colours, but also because the plant loves sunshine (during summer in temperate countries; year-round in the tropics), and adapts to almost all soil types, and hardly ever needs to be watered, unless the weather is exceptionally dry.
Gazanias  were recently advertised as being  available for purchase at Eccles Public Road Plant Shop on the  East Bank, just opposite Jumbo.
Proprietor,  Leon Nazir (Tel# 233-3029) told Green Corner that he has them  available at a price of $500 per pot.