Osmitopsis parvifolia

Littleleaf Swampdaisy
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Osmitopsis
Species:
O. parvifolia
Binomial name
Osmitopsis parvifolia
(DC.) Hofmeyr
Synonyms[1]
  • Osmitopsis parvifolia D.C.

Osmitopsis parvifolia, known as the littleleaf swampdaisy,[2] is a species of plant from South Africa.

Description

This shrublet grows up to 40 cm (16 in) tall and is densely covered in oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are reflexed (bent downwards) and toothed. They are 4–10 mm (0.16–0.39 in) long.[3] Flowers are present between September and February.[4] The flower heads are radiate and solitary. They are yellow with white rays.[3] The pappus (a modified calyx that surround the individual floret) is absent.[4]

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it grows between Betty's Bay and Sir Lowry's Pass.[3] It grows on stony sandstone slopes and in crevices.[4] There are three known crevices which have a collective area of 200 km2 (77 sq mi). It is found at an altitude of 420–1,250 m (1,380–4,100 ft).[5]

Conservation

Although the species has no known threats, it has a small range. As such, it is considered to be rare by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Osmitopsis parvifolia". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  2. ^ "Littleleaf Swampdaisy - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
  3. ^ a b c e-Flora of South Africa. v1.36. 2022. South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://ipt.sanbi.org.za/iptsanbi/resource?r=flora_descriptions&v=1.36
  4. ^ a b c Manning, John; Goldblatt, Peter (2012). Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region : 1: the core Cape flora (PDF). Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI. ISBN 978-1-919976-74-7. OCLC 852384288.
  5. ^ a b Kamundi, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Osmitopsis parvifolia (DC.) Hofmeyr. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 14 February 2023