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African thistle (Berkheya)
African thistle is a genus of flowering plants in the aster family, Asteraceae. Most species have yellow ray florets, a few have white. This genus includes about 75 species. It is distributed in tropical Africa, especially in southern regions. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About African thistle
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Attributes of African thistle
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of African thistle
Distribution of African thistle
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Distribution Map of African thistle
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for African thistle
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African thistle plants require full sun to partial shade and thrive in well-draining, loamy or sandy soil. Consistent moisture is important, but african thistle plants are drought-tolerant once established. Preferring mild temperatures, they face challenges like aphids and fungal diseases. Seasonally, african thistle requires extra care during harsh winters and may need protection from extreme cold. Summer is the peak growing season, necessitating regular watering. In spring, cut back any dead foliage, and reduce watering in autumn as growth slows.
Exploring the African thistle Plants
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8 most common species：
South african thistle
The delightful daisy-shaped lilac and purple flowers of south african thistle (Berkheya purpurea) make it a welcome garden addition. These flowers also explain the specific scientific name purpurea, which means purple in Latin. This plant offers further garden appeal since it is highly attractive to pollinating bees.
Berkheya umbellata
Berkheya umbellata is part of the thistle family and grows in sandy, rocky soil. The Berkheya genus was named after Dutch scientist Johannes le Francq van Berkhey. Umbellata, meanwhile, refers to the flat-topped flowers. The Afrikaans common name - Geelkossiedissel - translates to ‘yellow fluffy pom-poms.'
Berkheya armata
Berkheya armata is a spiky, resilient perennial with distinctive silver-grey foliage forming a rosette. Its robust, thistle-like appearance is punctuated by bright yellow daisy flowers on tall stalks, a showy contrast against harsh, rocky habitats. Adapted for survival, its armored leaves and stems deter herbivores, while its deep roots anchor and draw water in arid conditions.
African thistle
Native to South Africa, the african thistle is considered an environmental weed in some regions of Australia. The scientific name of the african thistle (Berkheya rigida) comes from the Latin word for "rigid" or "stiff", a reference to the woody nature of the african thistle.
Berkheya cuneata
Berkheya cuneata is a hardy perennial with a rosette of spiny, lance-shaped leaves. It produces striking, yellow, daisy-like flowers on tall stems, adapted to its native South African grasslands. Its toughness allows it to withstand both droughts and grazing, making berkheya cuneata a resilient addition to rockeries or wildflower gardens.
Berkheya barbata
Berkheya barbata is a striking South African perennial with robust, silvery-green leaves that are deeply lobed and covered in coarse hairs. Its most notable feature is the prominent ring of barbed bristles surrounding each flower head, which erupts in a profusion of yellow daisy-like blooms. These adaptations deter herbivores and allow berkheya barbata to thrive in its native grassland habitats.
Berkheya radula
Berkheya radula is a spiny, often silver-gray perennial found in rocky terrains of southern Africa. Its leaves are leathery and toothed, resembling a serrated blade, which helps reduce water loss. The striking yellow flowers, akin to a thistle, sit atop long stems and are adapted to attract pollinators amidst harsh conditions.
Berkheya angustifolia
Berkheya angustifolia is a resilient perennial adorned with spiny foliage and strikingly narrow, serrated leaves. It typically flourishes in well-drained soils, its silver-green leaves forming a thistle-like rosette. In its natural habitat, berkheya angustifolia punctuates the landscape with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, attracting pollinators and embodying the rugged beauty of its native South African grasslands.
All Species of African thistle
South african thistle
South african thistle
The delightful daisy-shaped lilac and purple flowers of south african thistle (Berkheya purpurea) make it a welcome garden addition. These flowers also explain the specific scientific name purpurea, which means purple in Latin. This plant offers further garden appeal since it is highly attractive to pollinating bees.
Berkheya umbellata
Berkheya umbellata
Berkheya umbellata is part of the thistle family and grows in sandy, rocky soil. The Berkheya genus was named after Dutch scientist Johannes le Francq van Berkhey. Umbellata, meanwhile, refers to the flat-topped flowers. The Afrikaans common name - Geelkossiedissel - translates to ‘yellow fluffy pom-poms.'
Berkheya armata
Berkheya armata
Berkheya armata is a spiky, resilient perennial with distinctive silver-grey foliage forming a rosette. Its robust, thistle-like appearance is punctuated by bright yellow daisy flowers on tall stalks, a showy contrast against harsh, rocky habitats. Adapted for survival, its armored leaves and stems deter herbivores, while its deep roots anchor and draw water in arid conditions.
African thistle
African thistle
Native to South Africa, the african thistle is considered an environmental weed in some regions of Australia. The scientific name of the african thistle (Berkheya rigida) comes from the Latin word for "rigid" or "stiff", a reference to the woody nature of the african thistle.
Berkheya cuneata
Berkheya cuneata
Berkheya cuneata is a hardy perennial with a rosette of spiny, lance-shaped leaves. It produces striking, yellow, daisy-like flowers on tall stems, adapted to its native South African grasslands. Its toughness allows it to withstand both droughts and grazing, making berkheya cuneata a resilient addition to rockeries or wildflower gardens.
Berkheya barbata
Berkheya barbata
Berkheya barbata is a striking South African perennial with robust, silvery-green leaves that are deeply lobed and covered in coarse hairs. Its most notable feature is the prominent ring of barbed bristles surrounding each flower head, which erupts in a profusion of yellow daisy-like blooms. These adaptations deter herbivores and allow berkheya barbata to thrive in its native grassland habitats.
Berkheya radula
Berkheya radula
Berkheya radula is a spiny, often silver-gray perennial found in rocky terrains of southern Africa. Its leaves are leathery and toothed, resembling a serrated blade, which helps reduce water loss. The striking yellow flowers, akin to a thistle, sit atop long stems and are adapted to attract pollinators amidst harsh conditions.
Berkheya angustifolia
Berkheya angustifolia
Berkheya angustifolia is a resilient perennial adorned with spiny foliage and strikingly narrow, serrated leaves. It typically flourishes in well-drained soils, its silver-green leaves forming a thistle-like rosette. In its natural habitat, berkheya angustifolia punctuates the landscape with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, attracting pollinators and embodying the rugged beauty of its native South African grasslands.
Berkheya cruciata
Berkheya cruciata
Berkheya cruciata features striking spiny silver-gray leaves, forming a dense rosette at its base. This plant typically displays vibrant yellow daisy-like flowers perched atop sturdy, upright stems, evolved to catch the gaze of pollinators in its native dry grassland habitat. Berkheya cruciata's robust root system is well-adapted to endure sporadic rainfall and nutrient-poor soils.
Berkheya herbacea
Berkheya herbacea
Berkheya herbacea features spiny, silver-green foliage with a rosette growth habit, giving it a distinctive appearance in its native South African grasslands. Its tough leaves and prominent yellow daisy-like flowers are well-suited to the challenging conditions of its habitat, evolving to conserve water and deter grazing animals. Its striking presence is often observed in rocky terrain and open fields.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
African thistle
Berkheya
African thistle is a genus of flowering plants in the aster family, Asteraceae. Most species have yellow ray florets, a few have white. This genus includes about 75 species. It is distributed in tropical Africa, especially in southern regions.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About African thistle
Feedback
Attributes of African thistle
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of African thistle
Distribution of African thistle
Feedback
Distribution Map of African thistle
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for African thistle
Feedback
African thistle plants require full sun to partial shade and thrive in well-draining, loamy or sandy soil. Consistent moisture is important, but african thistle plants are drought-tolerant once established. Preferring mild temperatures, they face challenges like aphids and fungal diseases. Seasonally, african thistle requires extra care during harsh winters and may need protection from extreme cold. Summer is the peak growing season, necessitating regular watering. In spring, cut back any dead foliage, and reduce watering in autumn as growth slows.
Exploring the African thistle Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
South african thistle
The delightful daisy-shaped lilac and purple flowers of south african thistle (Berkheya purpurea) make it a welcome garden addition. These flowers also explain the specific scientific name purpurea, which means purple in Latin. This plant offers further garden appeal since it is highly attractive to pollinating bees.
Berkheya umbellata
Berkheya umbellata is part of the thistle family and grows in sandy, rocky soil. The Berkheya genus was named after Dutch scientist Johannes le Francq van Berkhey. Umbellata, meanwhile, refers to the flat-topped flowers. The Afrikaans common name - Geelkossiedissel - translates to ‘yellow fluffy pom-poms.'
Berkheya armata
Berkheya armata is a spiky, resilient perennial with distinctive silver-grey foliage forming a rosette. Its robust, thistle-like appearance is punctuated by bright yellow daisy flowers on tall stalks, a showy contrast against harsh, rocky habitats. Adapted for survival, its armored leaves and stems deter herbivores, while its deep roots anchor and draw water in arid conditions.
African thistle
Native to South Africa, the african thistle is considered an environmental weed in some regions of Australia. The scientific name of the african thistle (Berkheya rigida) comes from the Latin word for "rigid" or "stiff", a reference to the woody nature of the african thistle.
Show More Species
All Species of African thistle
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
