Another South African invader has been found in the Surf Coast in the sand about 200 metres west of Hutt Gully. The Cape Beach Daisy, Arctotheca populifolia, is a perennial herb that forms clumps on the beach. It grows to about 30 cm high and has broad, soft leaves up to about four cm long. The white fleecy surface of the leaves distinguishes it from native species. Its bright yellow flowers bloom throughout the year.
Cape Beach Daisy
The Cape Beach Daisy was introduced to Western Australia in the 1930s to help stabilise eroding dunes. It is now a coastal weed in much of temperate Australia. It is related to another more familiar African import, the Common Capeweed, Arctotheca calendula.
Sally White