Boneseed
Chrysanthemoides monilifera

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A low shrub or small tree. It grows 1-6 m high. The bark is mottled grey and smooth. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are oval and 1.5-7.5 cm long by 0.5-4 cm wide. They are leathery and greyish-green. The young leaves are covered with cobweb-like hairs. The mature leaves are glossy. The edges are toothed. The flowers are in daisy-like heads. These are bright yellow and 4 cm across. They can be single or in small groups in the axils of leaves or near the ends of branches. Flowers can be both sexes or female only. The fruit are round and fleshy. They are 6 mm across. They are purple when mature. They are arranged around the edge of the receptacle. Several subspecies occur. The fleshy fruit are edible.

There are 2 Chrysanthemoides species. It is often regarded as a problem plant because it crowds out other plants. It is now a prohibited import into Australia. It can become invasive.

Where it is found

It grows in warm temperate and subtropical locations. It grows in a range of locations. It can grow on coastal dunes and on the edges of evergreen forest. It can grow in dry sandy soils. It grows in warm temperate places. It can grow between 90-2,250 m above sea level. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 150-200 mm. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, Europe, France, Kenya, Lesotho, Lord Howe Island, Malawi, Mediterranean, Mozambique, New Zealand, South Africa, Southern Africa, St Helena, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tasmania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are sweet and palatable. They can be used for jam and also dried.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

It is a fast growing plant.

Its other names

Local names

Bitou, Bush-tick berry, Itholonja, Jungleflower, Umtholombe

Synonyms

Osteospermum moniliferum L.; and others