Osteospermum moniliferum

Osteospermum moniliferum (syn. Chrysanthemoides monilifera) is a large evergreen shrub of the daisy family growing 1-3 m tall with stout, much-branched stems and a somewhat sprawling habit. Leaves are alternate, ovate to obovate, 2-7 cm long, leathery in texture, dark green above and paler below, with coarsely toothed or slightly lobed margins. Inflorescences are showy terminal capitula 2-3 cm across, each with 5-13 bright yellow ray florets surrounding a yellow disc; the involucral bracts are imbricate in 2-3 rows. The fruits are distinctive: fleshy, bead-like drupes 6-10 mm across, ripening from green through reddish-brown to glossy black, giving rise to the common name bietou or bush-tickberry. Native to coastal scrub, dunes, and forest margins of southern Africa, the species has become an aggressive invader in Australia and elsewhere. Flowering may occur throughout the year, peaking in winter and spring.