Felicia heterophylla


Felicia heterophylla

Felicia heterophylla

Scientific name

Felicia heterophylla is an annual herb of 0.3 x 0.3 m. The oblanceolate leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, 10-50 mm long, hairy, sometimes with 3 main nerves in the broader leaves. The margins are smooth or rarely obscurely toothed.

The blue flowerheads, consisting of blue ray and disc florets, are borne singly on long peduncles during spring (August-October). The 'seeds' (cypselas) are small, 4.5 x 2 mm, elliptic or obovate, yellowish brown and hairy. They are topped with a tuft of white hairs (pappus hairs) which helps with wind dispersal.

Propagation instructions

By seed

Propagate from seed sown in late summer to early autumn (early March in the southern hemisphere). Seed is best sown in a seed bed or seedtray and seedlings transplanted to a sheltered position in the garden whilst they are still fairly small. Germination takes place within one week.

References and further reading

PlantZAfrica profile »

Wikipedia page »

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Important characteristics

Conservation status: Least Concern

This species was selected because it has various important characteristics.

Attracts butterflies

Suitable for sandy soil

It provides food for:

Honeybees/flies

Felicia heterophylla is indigenous to: Cape Flats Sand Fynbos

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