Berkheya purpurea (syn. Stobaea purpurea DC.), also known as purple berkheya, is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) of flowering plants. Like most members of its genus, Berkheya, it is native to southern Africa.

Berkheya purpurea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Berkheya
Species:
B. purpurea
Binomial name
Berkheya purpurea

Description

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This herbaceous perennial grows to a height of 75 cm (30 in). It has a 90 cm (35 in) rosette of spiky leaves, each leaf being 45 cm (18 in) in length and 10 cm (3.9 in) broad. The leaves have a white felted underside. From the centre of each rosette grows a stem with 8 cm (3.1 in) successional flowers on side branches. The daisy-like composite blooms have white or pale mauve ray florets surrounding a central head of darker purple. It flowers in summer.[1]

Distribution

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This plant is native to Lesotho and South Africa (in Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape).[2]

Cultivation

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Berkheya purpurea is hardy to −10 °C (14 °F), but requires a sheltered position in full sun, with moist but well-drained soil.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Berkheya purpurea". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  2. ^ "Berkheya purpurea". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
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