Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Chrysanthemoides monilifera or Boneseed

The genus Chrysanthemoides, family Asteraceae, includes only 2 species of shrubs native to southern Africa: Chrysanthemoides monilifera and Chrysanthemoides incana.

Common names: Boneseed, Bitou bush, Tick berry, Bietou, Jungle flower, Brother berry, Mort's curse, Salt bush. This species is native to the Cape Province, South Africa.

They are semi-succulent shrubs of rapid growth and compact size that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The fleshy leaves are simple, alternate, oval or lanceolate and intense green. The showy yellow flowers are daisies 4 cm (1.57") in diameter. They bloom in late fall and winter but may bloom again in other seasons. The edible, egg-shaped fruits measure up to 0.6 cm (0.23") in diameter.

These easy-to-grow plants are used as pioneer plants, in bushy groups, on borders and as isolated specimens. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. In Australia and New Zealand they are considered invasive plants.

Chrysanthemoides monilifera needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist very light and occasional frosts.

The soil can be normal, well-drained garden soil with coarse sand.

Water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry completely. They resist drought well.

Fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 3 weeks during the winter.

They can be lightly pruned after winter flowering to maintain a compact habit.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring; they need scarification (abrasion of the outer wall of the seed).

Images of the shrub Chrysanthemoides monilifera or Boneseed