The Genus

The genus Osteospermum belongs to the plant family Compositae (Asteraceae) or Daisy family. The plant originates from South Africa and is therefore also known under the common name 'African Daisy'.

The word Osteospermum comes from Greek 'osteon' (=bone) and Latin 'spermum' (=seed): bone seed. Osteospermums are half hardy perennials and will therefore not survive frost conditions. However, they can be propagated by cuttings or may be over-wintered in a greenhouse or conservatory.