Gerbera jamesonii.

 # 06 Transvaal Daisy 


Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Cichorioideae
Tribe: Mutisieae
Genus: Gerbera
Species: G. jamesonii

Scientific Name: Gerbera jamesonii. 

Common Name: Barberton Daisy, African Daisy, and Transvaal Daisy.

Habit: Gerbera jamesonii is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 45 cm tall.

Root: The root system of Gerbera jamesonii is a fibrous root system that grows close to the surface of the soil.

Stem: The stem of Gerbera jamesonii is erect, hairy, and green. It bears a few leaves and flowers.

Leaf: The leaves of Gerbera jamesonii are basal, simple, and arranged in a rosette. They are oval to elliptic in shape, dark green, and hairy on both sides. The leaves have a long petiole and a wavy margin.

Flower: The flowers of Gerbera jamesonii are large, showy, and daisy-like, measuring around 7-12 cm in diameter. They are borne singly on long, upright stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, with a central disk of small, yellow or black florets.

Calyx: The calyx of Gerbera jamesonii is composed of 5 sepals that are fused at the base and form a cylindrical tube around the base of the corolla.

Corolla: The corolla of Gerbera jamesonii is composed of 5 petals that are arranged in a flat or slightly concave disk. The petals are oval to spoon-shaped and have a slightly ruffled or frilly appearance. They come in a variety of colors and often have a darker-colored ring at the base.

Androecium: The androecium of Gerbera jamesonii consists of numerous stamens, which are fused together at the base to form a central column. Each stamen has a long, slender filament and a small, bilobed anther.

Gynoecium: The gynoecium of Gerbera jamesonii is composed of a single carpel, which is located at the base of the corolla. The ovary is inferior, and contains numerous ovules on parietal placentation. The style is long and slender, and terminates in a small, knob-like stigma.

Fruit: The fruit of Gerbera jamesonii is a dry, one-seeded achene that is surrounded by a pappus of feathery hairs. The achenes are oblong in shape, measuring around 1-2 cm in length, and are light brown in color.

Floral formula: The floral formula for Gerbera jamesonii can be represented as:

K(5) C(5) A∞ G(1)

where:

K = calyx with 5 sepals
C = corolla with 5 petals
A = androecium with numerous stamens
G = gynoecium with 1 carpel

Caring: Gerbera jamesonii is a relatively easy-to-care-for plant that requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity, and should be watered regularly but not allowed to become waterlogged. Deadheading spent flowers and regularly fertilizing can promote prolonged blooming.

Significance: Gerbera jamesonii is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its large, colorful, and long-lasting flowers. It is often used in cut flower arrangements, as potted plants, and as bedding plants for landscapes and gardens. The flowers are also popular for use in weddings and other special occasions due to their bright and cheerful appearance.

Economical importance: Gerbera jamesonii is a commercially important crop, with a global market value of several hundred million dollars per year. It is widely cultivated for the cut flower industry, with major production centers in the Netherlands, Colombia, and Kenya. The plant is also grown for the potted plant market, and is a popular choice for gift-giving and floral arrangements. The plant's economic importance has led to extensive breeding programs aimed at developing new cultivars with desirable traits such as disease resistance, prolonged blooming, and unique flower shapes and colors.



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