Gazania

General description

Perennial low-growing, clump-forming daisies. Leaves are < 10 cm long with dark green upper surfaces and white undersides. G. linearis has short stems and persistent dead leaves. G. rigens has longer stems and dead leaves don't persist. Flowers are composite, bright orange/yellow with a dark basal blotch. Achenes are covered with long hairs.

What you need to know

Although gazania is not a legally declared pest plant, it may still be invasive in some situations. Consider lower risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Habitats

Coastal areas, dunes, grassland, rocky outcrops, cliffs, riparian margins, wasteland, roadsides.

Dispersal

Seeds dispersed by wind, water and attachment to animals. Vegetative spread from stem fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste, deliberate plantings and movement of contaminated vehicles and clothing.

Impact on environment

Competes with and suppresses native coastal vegetation.

Control

Site Management

Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Recommended approaches

Physical control

Method: Dig out.

Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts.

Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill if practical.

Biocontrol

Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.

Community agrichemical control recommendations

No qualifications: Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water.

Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water and 20ml penetrant. For infestations amongst desirable species - Ffliar spray with 40ml clopyralid per 10L of water and 20ml penetrant (not for use in home gardens).