For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Cape Dandelion (Arctotheca calendula)
Family Asteraceae
The Cape Dandelion is widespread and occurs in coastal areas or on disturbed soil the Western and Eastern Cape extending into Natal. There are about five species of Arctotheca in Southern Africa. In the Cape it is well known by its common name, the Cape weed.
The name Actotheca is derived from Greek word arktos meaning a bear, theke means a capsule or a case. The species name 'calendula' comes from a Greek word 'calendae' meaning the first day of the month.
This species is an annual herb or sprawling perennial growing up to 25cm high. The basal leaves form a rosette and are woolly above. They have deeply divided margins. The daisy-type flowers, up to 6cm, across are a striking yellow and are mostly pollinated by butterflies.
