The scientific name is derived from the Greek osteon (= bone) and Latin spermum (= seed). It has been given several common names: African Daisy, South African Daisy, Cape Daisy and Blue-eyed Daisy.
There are about 50 species, native to Africa, 35 species in southern Africa, and southwestern Arabia. They are half-hardy perennials or subshrubs. Therefore they do not survive outdoor wintery conditions, but there is still a wide range of hardiness.
