At the end of a sun-drenched day, tired of being fabulous flowering extroverts, with their roots in poor soil, gazanias close their petals. No, gazania flowers are photosensitive. Their blooms are wide open in full bright sunlight but close when light levels are low — at night, in shade, during rainy or overcast weather.
This behaviour of the gazania plant, commonly known as the Treasure Flower orgousblom, is fascinating if you notice it. Architectural systems have been developed after studying the phenomena, using the gazania’s light response as design inspiration. Gazanias belong to the Asteracaea family.
They are indigenous to SA and are drought tolerant, able to grow in arid, sunny environments. This survival in harsh conditions has afforded them the symbolism of joy, cheerfulness and resilience. Their flowers can be orange, yellow, red, pink, white or bi-colour.
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They can be perennials or annuals. In Victorian times, when gifts given had a message, gazanias represented cheerfulness and optimism (though with their tendency to close their flowers indoors this sentiment would have been best shared at outdoor garden parties or a country picnic). Their ability to withstand harsh conditions, and their low maintenance requirements and resistance to pests and diseases, make them a good choice for gardeners needing to add effortless colour to their garden.
You have probably encountered many different varieties of gazanias. Each has its unique application, be it in decorative landscaping, as subjects for hanging baskets, garden borders and planters.
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