© Pieter Pelser, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Crassocephalum spp. is a genus of roughly 25 species of annual and short-lived perennial herbs in the daisy family, native to tropical and subtropical Africa, with C. crepidioides naturalized across Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. Plants form erect, soft-stemmed growth 12-71 inches (30-180 cm) tall, with alternate leaves that are often lobed or coarsely toothed and 2-7 inches (5-18 cm) long. The flower heads are discoid, lacking ray florets, and held in nodding clusters at the stem tips; they range from orange and brick-red to reddish-brown and measure about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across. Each head opens to release a white pappus, and seeds disperse on the wind in the manner typical of the family. Several species, including C. crepidioides and C. rubens, are gathered as leafy vegetables and potherbs in their native range. As a group the genus tolerates disturbed ground and warm, moist conditions, and some members behave as agricultural weeds outside cultivation. Frost ends the growth of the annual species, and the genus has no tolerance for prolonged cold.
Native Range
The genus is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, from West Africa across to East Africa and south to southern Africa, with some species reaching Madagascar. C. crepidioides has naturalized widely in tropical Asia, northern Australia, and Pacific islands following human movement of crops.Suggested Uses
Several species are cultivated in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia as leafy vegetables and potherbs. In ornamental settings, the genus is occasionally grown in warm-climate beds for its orange to brick-red flower heads. Outside cultivation, some members colonize roadsides, gardens, and farmland as weeds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'11"
Width/Spread8" - 2'
Bloom Information
Across the genus, flowering occurs through the warm and wet months and can continue much of the year in frost-free climates. In seasonal tropics, most species set flower heads from the late wet season into the dry season. Individual heads open over a few days before converting to wind-borne seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
orange to brick-redFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight