Among the botanical gems of the Klein River Mountains is Gazania serrata. Like most members of the genus Gazania, known as treasure flowers, it is one of the colourful daisies that brighten the Cape spring. Its large bright orange flowerheads are scattered across the slopes, often forming small clumps in open patches of fynbos, especially beside paths. It is one of the most familiar species in the area. And yet, despite being so common, it has frequently been mistaken for Gazania pectinata.

At first glance the confusion is understandable. The flowers of the two species are almost indistinguishable — bright orange, often with dark markings at the base of the rays. In fact, looking at the flowers alone from above, it is impossible to identify the species with certainty.

Look beyond the flowers

The real differences lie in the leaves and the involucre (overlapping bracts) beneath the flowerhead.

One of the most reliable features of Gazania serrata is that it usually has at least some undivided leaves, typically towards the outside of the rosette. These are especially evident in overwintering plants, but there are usually some present even when flowering. When the leaves are divided, the lobes are relatively broad (2–7 mm wide) and uneven, with the terminal lobe noticeably larger than those below. By contrast, Gazania pectinata almost always has all leaves divided, with very narrow, uniform lobes (1–2 mm wide) that are much the same size throughout. This gives the effect of a comb, from which the name pectinata derives.

Equally important is the feel of the plant. Gazania serrata is a much rougher species. The upper surface of the leaves, as well as the peduncles and involucral bracts, are distinctly bristly, giving the plant a harsh feel. Gazania pectinata, on the other hand, is comparatively smooth, with only a few scattered bristles. The involucre of Gazania serrata can also be slightly sticky, which causes sand grains to adhere around the outside. However, I have also seen sand grains stick to some degree on Gazania pectinata, so it is not totally reliable.

Habitat also provides a useful clue. Gazania serrata is a plant of the inland fynbos slopes of the Klein River Mountains, growing on often rocky or pebbly soils. Gazania pectinata is primarily a coastal species of deep sands, and is not typical of the mountain slopes.

The dark spots at the base of the ray florets, so characteristic of many Gazanias, are usually present in G. pectinata and frequently present in G. serrata. These markings are not just decorative — they act as visual guides for monkey beetles, the main pollinators of the genus. The beetles are attracted to these contrasting patches, possibly thinking that other monkey beetles are already there and so suggesting a good source of food or possible mates.

Other confusing species

Another species that may occasionally cause confusion is Gazania ciliaris, which occurs nearby. However, this species is immediately recognisable by the base of the flowerhead: the involucre is truncate with a thickened ring and a distinct recess where the peduncle attaches, a feature not seen in either G. serrata or G. pectinata.

Lastly, Gazania serrata is very similar to the Karoo species Gazania rigida and the limits between the two species are not clear. . In general G. serrata usually has teeth on the margins of the lobes (from which it derives its botanical name) and a sticky appearance to the involucre. Furthermore, the involucral bracts are more pointed than G. rigida. Despite Roessler listing a specimen of G. rigida from Hermanus we do not consider it to be present in the area.

For those wanting to separate the species in the field, the following simple guide is useful:

1a. Involucre base flat, with a thickened ring and distinct recess …… Gazania ciliaris
1b. Involucre base rounded, without a thickened ring …… 2

2a. Leaves always divided; lobes narrow and uniform (1–2 mm); plant relatively smooth …… Gazania pectinata
2b. Leaves sometimes undivided; lobes broad and uneven (2–7 mm); plant rough and bristly …… 3

3a. Growing in the Overberg; leaf lobes toothed; involucral bracts very pointed …… Gazania serrata
3b. Growing in the Karoo; leaf lobes untoothed; involucral bracts pointed but not drawn out …… Gazania rigida

Although often overlooked, these characters make identification straightforward once you know what to look for. With a bit of familiarity, Gazania serrata becomes easy to recognise — not just as a bright splash of colour — as the characteristic Gazania of the Klein River Mountains.