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Science & Nature • Botany

Osteospermum

Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, commonly known as African daisies or daisybushes.

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

Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, commonly known as African daisies or daisybushes. The genus includes about 70 species native to southern and eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In Canada, it is grown as an ornamental bedding and container plant, often treated as an annual due to frost sensitivity.

Taxonomy

Osteospermum belongs to the tribe Calenduleae within the family Asteraceae. Sources note that the genus was once broader and that some species were moved to or retained in related genera such as Dimorphotheca.

Distribution and habitat

The genus is native mainly to southern and eastern Africa, with additional native species in the Arabian Peninsula. Species occur in regions associated with Mediterranean and subtropical climates.

Horticultural use

Osteospermums are widely cultivated as ornamental plants for their daisy-like flowers. In commercial gardening, many plants sold as African daisies are hybrids or cultivars derived from a small number of species.

Etymology

The genus name is derived from Greek words commonly interpreted as meaning “bone” and “seed,” a reference to the hard seeds.

Key facts

  • Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family.
  • Its members are widely known as African daisies or daisybushes.
  • The genus contains about 70 species native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Many ornamental plants sold under the name are hybrids and cultivars rather than species plants.
  • Plants in the genus typically bear daisy-like flower heads in a range of colours.
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Canadian context

Osteospermum is grown in Canada as an ornamental bedding and container plant, often treated as an annual in colder climates because it is frost-tender.

Frequently asked questions

What is Osteospermum?
Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, commonly called African daisies or daisybushes.
Where are Osteospermum plants native to?
They are native to southern and eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
How many species are there?
Sources describe the genus as having about 70 species.
Are all garden “African daisies” true species?
No. Many are cultivars and hybrids derived from a few Osteospermum species.
What family does Osteospermum belong to?
It belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae.
What does the name Osteospermum mean?
The name refers to “bone” and “seed,” describing the hard seeds.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteospermum
    Supports: Genus placement in Asteraceae, common names, approximate species count, native range.
  2. Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b725
    Supports: About 70 species, native range, horticultural forms, common names, etymology.
  3. GBIF — https://www.gbif.org/species/144098246
    Supports: Taxonomic placement, common names, approximate species count, note on former placement in Dimorphotheca.
  4. NCBI Taxonomy — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=41617
    Supports: Taxonomic lineage placing Osteospermum in Asteraceae and Calenduleae.
  5. Gardenia.net — https://www.gardenia.net/genus/osteospermum-african-daisy
    Supports: Ornamental use, tender perennial status, common names.