Marguerite daisy

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Paris Daisy
• Boston daisy
• Paris marguerite
• white marguerite
• Federation daisy
• Marguerite daisy

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chrysanthemum frutescens
• Pyrethrum frutescens

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Asterales and placed in the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is specifically categorized under the genus Argyranthemum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence can be documented within the borders of Germany. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it is found throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically on the islands of Corse and Sardegna, as well as on the mainland of Spain. Furthermore, the species extends into Southeastern Europe, where it inhabits various areas of Italy. Together, these locations define the diverse geographical range of Argyranthemum frutescens.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Argyranthemum frutescens is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution and a strong affinity for maritime environments. This species is typically found in coastal habitats, where it is adapted to the unique conditions of seaside ecosystems. Its vertical distribution is extensive, ranging from sea level at 0 m AMSL up to a maximum elevation of 2800 m AMSL, allowing it to inhabit a diverse array of ecological niches across varying topographical gradients.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Coastal

Life history

The life history of Argyranthemum frutescens is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth habit and ecological positioning, it is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with the phanerophyte life form category. This indicates that its perennially existing buds are elevated above the soil surface, contributing to its woody or semi-woody stature as it develops throughout its life cycle.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Argyranthemum frutescens is characterized by a woody, shrub-like growth form that can also exhibit forb-like qualities. This terrestrial species is non-parasitic, functioning as an independent organism rather than an obligate or facultative parasite. As a self-supporting plant, it does not require external structures for climbing, such as lianas or vines, and its shoot orientation is typically prostrate. The plant reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 1.5 m, with a mean height of approximately 1 m. It is strictly a terrestrial plant, lacking any epiphytic or aquatic tendencies.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Shoot orientation :

prostrate

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Argyranthemum frutescens is characterized by distinct morphological adaptations in its foliage, which plays a critical role in its metabolic processes. The leaves exhibit a pinnate form, contributing to a complex surface area designed for efficient light interception and gas exchange. These leaves demonstrate significant dimensional variability, with an average length of 4.5 cm, though they can range from a minimum of 1.5 cm to a maximum of 12 cm. The width of the leaves is similarly variable, showing a mean width of 5 cm, a maximum width of 5 cm, and a minimum width as narrow as 0.5 cm. Furthermore, the plant exhibits succulence, a physiological trait that suggests specialized water storage capabilities within its tissues, allowing it to manage hydration levels and maintain turgor pressure effectively during varying environmental conditions.

Leaf form :

pinnate

Leaf length max:

12 cm

Leaf length mean:

4.5 cm

Leaf length min:

1.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

5 cm

Leaf width min:

0.5 cm

Succulence :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Argyranthemum frutescens is characterized by a sexual process involving bisexual flowers that are adapted for biotic pollination, specifically through an insect pollination syndrome. The flowers, which are white in color, typically range in length from a minimum of 0.4 cm to a maximum of 3 cm. The flowering period is variable but generally occurs between January and April. Self-fertilization is notably absent in this species, necessitating cross-pollination. Following fertilization, the plant produces fruits classified as achenes, which are indehiscent in nature and maintain a mean fruit length of 0.4 cm. These fruits are highly prolific, yielding more than 1000 seeds per fruit, with each individual seed possessing a mean mass of approximately 0.00087 g. Regarding seed dispersal, the plant exhibits an unspecialized syndrome that also includes anthropochorous tendencies, meaning dispersal is facilitated by both general methods and human activity.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

unspecialized

Dispersal syndrome :

anthropochorous

Flower colour :

white

Flower length max:

3 cm

Flower length min:

0.4 cm

Flowering time :

Jan

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit length mean:

0.4 cm

Fruit type :

achene

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Seed mass mean:

0.00087 g

Seeds_per_fruit :

>1000

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Argyranthemum frutescens has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Coumarins, Frutescinol isovalerate, Saponins, Tannins.

Flavonoids

1. Natural product research
2. Scientific reports

Coumarins

1. Natural product research

Frutescinol isovalerate

1. Phytochemistry

Saponins

1. Scientific reports

Tannins

1. Scientific reports

Preparations

Argyranthemum frutescens has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extract.

Methanol extract

1. Natural product research