Gazania flowers, often called Treasure Flowers or African Daisies, are popular for their vibrant, daisy-like blooms and ability to thrive in sunny, dry conditions. Native to Southern Africa, these flowers display colors ranging from bright yellows and oranges to deep reds. Gardeners often notice a distinct pattern in their daily appearance, which is a direct result of the flower’s unique relationship with light intensity.
Daily Rhythms The Closing Mechanism
Traditional Gazania flowers close their petals at night in a direct response to the lack of sunlight. This movement is a plant response known as photonasty, a non-directional movement triggered by light levels. The flowers remain open during the day to maximize visibility to daytime pollinators, such as bees, before performing a nightly “sleep” movement.
The primary purpose of closing is to protect the delicate reproductive parts, specifically the pollen. By closing, the flower guards against moisture, such as heavy dew or rain, which could ruin the pollen and reduce fertilization success. This closure also helps the plant conserve energy and heat during cooler hours when insect pollinators are inactive. Specialized cells at the base change their internal pressure to push the petals shut.
Environmental Triggers for Movement
The closing of the Gazania flower is not strictly tied to the clock but is an immediate reaction to the surrounding environment. This makes the flowers natural indicators of current weather conditions. The key trigger for movement is light intensity; the flowers will close any time the sunlight drops below a certain threshold.
On an overcast or rainy day, the flowers often remain tightly closed, even at midday, because the cloud cover mimics the low light of evening. A sudden drop in temperature can also hasten the closing process. Therefore, a closed Gazania flower during the day signals that the light level is insufficient or that a sudden shift in weather conditions has occurred.
Exceptions to the Rule Modern Hybrids
While the closing behavior is characteristic of the original species and many common garden varieties, modern horticulture has introduced exceptions. Plant breeders have worked to develop specific cultivars that overcome this natural tendency for daily closure. These newer varieties are designed to provide continuous color for the gardener, regardless of the time of day.
Cultivars often found in series names such as ‘Daybreak’ or ‘Kiss’ have been bred to remain open under lower light levels. This means they may stay fully or partially open throughout the night. These flowers are popular because they maximize the visual impact in the garden, extending the period of color display into the evening and on cloudy days. When purchasing Gazanias, checking the cultivar name can determine whether the plant will follow the traditional pattern or offer all-day blooms.