About Osteospermum spinosum L.
Osteospermum spinosum L. is a strongly and intricately branched aromatic shrub that has a somewhat sticky texture. It reaches a maximum height of 120 cm (47 in). Its branchlets and stems grow from spikes and remain thorny; after the plant’s flowers fade and fall, the stem that held the flowers may also be modified into a spine. Pale yellow flowers grow at the ends of the branches, and they most commonly appear between May and October. The plant’s achenes—small, dry fruits that each contain a single seed—are dry, angled, and measure approximately 8 mm (0.31 in) long. This species is endemic to South Africa, where it occurs in the Pakhuis Mountains, Tulbagh Mountains, and Riviersonderend Mountains. It grows on gravelly slopes and flats, mostly at lower elevations.
