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Gerbera

Gerbera is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gerbera is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is best known for bright, daisy-like blooms used widely as ornamental plants and cut flowers, including the popular gerbera daisy.

Description

Gerberas are perennial flowering plants with bold, daisy-shaped flower heads on long stems. The visible 'petals' are ray florets, while the central disk contains many tiny disc florets.

Taxonomy and naming

Gerbera belongs to the Asteraceae family. The genus was named in honour of Traugott Gerber, a German botanist and physician.

Distribution and habitat

Gerbera species are native mainly to southern Africa, with some sources also noting populations or related species in Asia, South America, and Tasmania. They are now cultivated widely in gardens and the floristry trade.

Uses

Gerberas are widely grown as ornamental plants, in containers, borders, and greenhouse production. They are also among the most popular cut flowers in commercial floristry.

Key facts

  • Gerbera is a genus in the Asteraceae family, the same family as sunflowers and other daisies.
  • Its flower heads are composite structures made of many small florets rather than a single flower.
  • Gerbera species are valued as ornamental garden plants and as cut flowers.
  • The genus includes the well-known species Gerbera jamesonii.
  • Gerberas are commonly associated with bright colours and daisy-like blooms.
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Canadian context

Gerberas are widely sold in Canada as cut flowers and potted ornamentals, especially for home décor, weddings, and floral arrangements.

Frequently asked questions

What is a gerbera?
Gerbera is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, known for colourful, daisy-like blooms.
Is gerbera the same as a gerbera daisy?
Yes. 'Gerbera daisy' is a common name for plants in the genus Gerbera, especially Gerbera jamesonii.
What family does gerbera belong to?
Gerbera belongs to the Asteraceae, or daisy, family.
Where do gerberas come from?
Gerberas are native mainly to South Africa, though some sources also include other parts of Africa and Asia.
Why are gerbera flowers called composite blooms?
Because what looks like one flower is actually many tiny florets grouped together in a flower head.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerbera
    Supports: Gerbera is a genus in the Asteraceae family.
  2. Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/gerbera/growing-guide
    Supports: Gerberas are perennial plants with bold daisy flowers and are often grown as houseplants or cut flowers.
  3. Clemson Home & Garden Information Center — https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/gerbera-daisy/
    Supports: Gerbera daisies are native to South Africa and belong to the aster family.
  4. Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland — https://www.plantsandflowersfoundationholland.org/en/flowerguide/gerbera/
    Supports: Gerbera is a member of the daisy family and was named after Traugott Gerber.
  5. Flower.Style — https://www.flower.style/flowers-we-love/gerbera
    Supports: Gerbera flower heads are composite blooms made of ray florets and disc florets.