Euryops is a genus of about 97 species of flowering shrubs and subshrubs in the daisy family Asteraceae, order Asterales. The genus is native primarily to southern Africa, where most species grow on rocky slopes, cliff faces, and mountain fynbos habitats. A smaller number of species extend into tropical Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Plants in the genus typically form rounded, bushy shrubs, often with aromatic foliage. The leaves are deeply divided and fern-like or comb-like (pectinate) in appearance, frequently greyish-green and sometimes covered with fine hairs. The flowerheads are solitary and daisy-like, with bright yellow ray florets surrounding a central yellow disc, and are borne on long, erect peduncles well above the foliage. Many species flower over an extended season, with peak display in spring.
The best-known cultivated member is Euryops pectinatus, a shrub from the Western Cape of South Africa that produces golden-yellow flowers nearly year-round and is widely grown in temperate gardens worldwide. Other species, such as Euryops acraeus, are valued as compact plants for rock gardens and alpine troughs.
Etymology
The genus name Euryops derives from the Greek words εὐρύς (eurys), meaning "wide" or "large," and ὄψις (opsis), meaning "eye" or "appearance." This is generally understood to refer to the conspicuously large, showy flowerheads relative to the narrow, divided leaves.
Distribution
Euryops is distributed primarily across southern Africa, with the greatest diversity in South Africa, particularly in the Cape Floristic Region and the Drakensberg. The genus also extends into tropical and east Africa, and a few species occur on the Arabian Peninsula. Most species grow on rocky outcrops, mountain slopes, and scrubland.
Cultivation
Many Euryops species are cultivated as ornamental shrubs in temperate gardens. They prefer well-drained soils and a sunny position. In summer-rainfall climates, supplemental watering during the dry winter period is beneficial. Plants respond well to light pruning after flowering and tolerate harder pruning every few years to maintain a compact shape. Propagation is readily achieved from seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings struck in washed river sand kept consistently moist.
