Gerbera is a genus of plants in the Asteraceae family. The species are perennial herbs, often with a woolly crown, up to 80 cm high. The genus includes 22 accepted species. Numerous species once considered members of Gerbera are now placed in other genera, among them Chaptalia, Leibnitzia, Mairia, Perdicium, Trichocline and Oreoseris.
The genus is native to tropical regions of Africa. It was introduced into countries of Latin America and Southeast Asia. Gerbera jamesonii is indigenous to South Eastern Africa and is endemic to Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Eswatini. It grows from 500 to 1670 m above sea level on rocky slopes in woodland, usually in some shade or under bushes and trees. Its flower heads are 4-5 cm in diameter, with normally orange-red ray florets.
Gerbera jamesonii is a tufted perennial herb whose naked flowering stems reach 75 cm. The leaves are 15 to 42 cm long and 4 to 14 cm wide, deeply undulating or lobed, and gathered in a rosette. It flowers from September to December, and bees and other insects pollinate the flowers. The seeds are light and easily dispersed by wind.
Gerbera is grown as a decorative garden plant and as cut flowers. The domesticated cultivars are mostly a result of a cross between Gerbera jamesonii and another South African species, Gerbera viridifolia, a cross known as Gerbera × hybrida. Thousands of cultivars exist, varying greatly in shape, size, and color, which include white, yellow, orange, red, and pink. Cultivars are propagated by tissue culture and by seeds. Gerbera is also used as a model organism in studying flower formation. Gerbera contains naturally occurring coumarin derivatives. It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds, but resistant to deer.
Gerbera flowers take the meanings of innocence and purity from the daisy family, and add cheerfulness, which stems from the range of colors. The flag and coat of arms of the Province of Mpumalanga include a depiction of this flower.
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