View source for Biology:Osteospermum burttianum

{{Short description|South African plant species}}
{{Speciesbox
| genus = Osteospermum
| species = burttianum
| authority = B.Nord.
}}

'''''Osteospermum burttianum''''' is a species of plant from South Africa.

== Description ==

=== Growthform ===
This shrublet is densely leafy and hairless. It grows up to {{Convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall.<ref name="eFlora">e-Flora of South Africa. v1.36. 2022. South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://ipt.sanbi.org.za/iptsanbi/resource?r=flora_descriptions&v=1.36</ref> 

=== Leaves ===
The hairless leaves are attached directly to the stems and are alternately arranged. They have a distinct midrib and the margins are either finely toothed or rough with small, brownish hairs.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Nordenstam |first=B. |date=2004 |title=TWO NEW SPECIES OF OSTEOSPERMUM (COMPOSITAE–CALENDULEAE) FROM SOUTHWESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA |journal=Edinburgh Journal of Botany |volume=60 |issue=3 |pages=259–265 |doi=10.1017/s0960428603000234|s2cid=86462223 |doi-access=free }}</ref> They have a leathery texture.<ref name="Sanbi29Corrections2">{{Cite journal |last1=Goldblatt |first1=P. |last2=Manning |first2=J. C. |last3=Snijman |first3=D. |date=2005-08-29 |title=Cape plants: corrections and additions to the flora. 1 |url=https://journals.abcjournal.aosis.co.za/index.php/abc/article/view/367 |journal=Bothalia |volume=35 |issue=1 |pages=35–46 |doi=10.4102/abc.v35i1.367 |issn=2311-9284|doi-access=free }}</ref>

=== Flowers ===
Flowers are most common between December and May.<ref name="Sanbi29Corrections2" /> Flowers may, however, be present until August. They are yellow in colour.<ref name="eFlora" /> They grow in solitary capitula and are heterogamous. They grow on stalks that are {{Convert|3-10|cm|in|abbr=on}} long with 1-3 bract-like leaves.<ref name=":0" />

The [[Biology:Involucre|involucre]] has a diameter of {{Convert|10-15|mm|in|abbr=on}} and is made of 8-13 narrow bracts. They have short. dark-tipped glandular hairs and net-like veination.<ref name=":0" />

The ray florets are female. There are 8-11 of them per flowerhead. The tube lobes are somewhat oval shaped and crested at the tips. They lack a midvein. The ovary is a narrow hairless and two-veined oblong.<ref name=":0" /> In the male florets, the stamen are {{Convert|2|mm|in|abbr=on}} long. The style is sterile and tipped with a cone surrounded by a fringe of short hairs.<ref name=":0" />

=== Fruit and seeds ===
This plant produces obscurely ribbed [[Biology:Achene|achenes]] (dry fruit containing a single seed)<ref name="eFlora" /> They are {{Convert|5-7|mm|in|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="Sanbi29Corrections2" />

== Distribution and habitat ==
This species is endemic to the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of {{wipe|South Africa}}. It has a range of less than {{Convert|500|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, in which two populations occur.<ref name="eFlora" /><ref name=":1">Kamundi, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2008. [http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=3193-177 Osteospermum burttianum B.Nord. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1]. Accessed on 24 February 2023</ref> It prefers steep rocky sandstone slopes.<ref name="Sanbi29Corrections2" /> It is found on south facing slopes at an altitude of over {{Convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":0" />

== Etymology ==
This species is named after B.L. (Bill) Burtt in honour of his contributions to the knowledge of South African phytogeography and the [[Biology:Asteraceae|Asteraceae]] family.<ref name=":0" />

== Conservation ==
While ''Osteospermum burttianum'' does not currently experience any threats, its small range means that it is currently classified as rare by the [[Organization:South African National Biodiversity Institute|South African National Biodiversity Institute]].<ref name=":1" />

== References ==

<references />
{{Taxonbar|from=Q15576473}}
[[Category:Calenduleae]]

{{Sourceattribution|Osteospermum burttianum}}