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Gazania
Botanical name: Gazania linearis
Gazania dominating Mona Vale Dunes Gazania close up Photos: Marita Macrae
Description
Gazania is a tough, low-growing perennial herb with lance-shaped leaves and brightly coloured daisy-like flowers in bronze, yellow and orange tones. It withstands salt-laden winds and grows well in sandy soils.
It is a popular choice for landscaping, particularly near beaches.
Dispersal
It produces abundant wind-blown seeds and spreads rapidly. It is often spread in garden waste.
Impact on bushland
The furry seeds often blow into dunes and it is becoming a major environmental weed. It can tolerate light shade under Coastal Wattle which has a lifespan of about 8 years. On its death the Gazania beneath thrives in the extra light and prevents any regeneration of coastal native species.
Control
Manual: While younger plants may be easily pulled out, older ones become very deep rooted and difficult to remove. It is resistant to glyphosate herbicide.
See Manual Weed Control Techniques.