Arctotheca

Arctotheca is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to southern Africa. The genus contains two species: Arctotheca calendula and Arctotheca populifolia. Both are commonly known as cape weed.

Arctotheca calendula is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has lobed leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowers that are about 3 cm in diameter. The plant is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It has become a widespread weed in many other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and North America.

Arctotheca populifolia is a shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall. It has ovate leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowers that are about 2 cm in diameter. The plant is native to the coastal areas of the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It is also considered a weed in some regions.

Cape weed is a common weed of disturbed ground, pastures, and gardens. It is an opportunistic plant that can spread quickly in disturbed areas. The plant is easily spread by seed, which can be carried by wind, water, and animals.

The ecological impact of cape weed can be significant. It can outcompete native vegetation for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. This can lead to a reduction in biodiversity. In agricultural areas, cape weed can reduce crop yields and increase harvesting costs.

Control measures for cape weed include manual removal, herbicides, and cultural practices such as improving pasture management. Early detection and rapid response are important for preventing the spread of this invasive plant.