Annual Daisy

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Annual Daisy

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is the genus Bellis, representing the species Bellis annua.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its range extends to the islands of Great Britain. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found growing within Germany. The distribution also spans Southwestern Europe, where it inhabits the Baleares and Corse. Finally, the plant is widely recorded throughout the mainland of France.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bellis annua is characterized by its ability to thrive in a diverse array of habitats, ranging from disturbed grasslands and meadows to garden settings and coastal areas. It typically occupies open environments where it can access ample sunlight, often appearing as a pioneer species in areas with low competition. This plant exhibits a specific altitudinal distribution, primarily inhabiting low-to-mid altitude regions. Its ecological niche is defined by an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 100 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 900 m AMSL. Within these parameters, it adapts well to various soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it plays a role in supporting local pollinator populations through its seasonal flowering cycles.

Elevational range max:

900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Bellis annua is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, completing its entire developmental cycle from germination to seed production within a single growing season. As a therophyte, it follows a life strategy where the plant survives unfavorable environmental conditions in the form of seeds, with the vegetative body dying off completely at the end of the cycle. This life form allows the species to rapidly colonize disturbed areas and exploit seasonal resources efficiently.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Bellis annua is characterized by its growth as a non-woody herb that functions as an independent, terrestrial organism rather than an epiphyte or parasite. This self-supporting plant exhibits an ascending shoot orientation and typically maintains a relatively low stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.02 m to a maximum of 0.15 m. Although it can exist in various moisture gradients, its primary habitat is terrestrial rather than aquatic or semiaquatic.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.15 m

Plant height min:

0.02 m

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bellis annua is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic process typical of many temperate herbaceous plants that utilizes the Calvin cycle to fix carbon dioxide. Its vegetative morphology features leaves with an obovate form, which provides a broad surface area for light interception and gas exchange. Furthermore, the plant exhibits an alternate leaf arrangement, dictating the spatial distribution of its foliage along the stem to optimize photosynthetic efficiency and minimize self-shading.

Leaf arrangement :

alternate

Leaf form :

obovate

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bellis annua is characterized by a specific flowering window and specialized fruit morphology. The plant typically begins its flowering season in February and concludes around May, though the timing can be variable. The flowers are white in color and exhibit dimensions ranging from a minimum flower length of 0.1 cm to a maximum of 0.85 cm, with a flower width spanning between 1 cm and 2 cm. Following pollination, the plant produces fruits classified as achenes. These fruits are small and indehiscent, measuring between a minimum length of 0.08 cm and a maximum length of 0.1 cm. For the distribution of its progeny, the species utilizes an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind to transport its seeds.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flower colour :

white

Flower length max:

0.85 cm

Flower length min:

0.1 cm

Flower width max:

2 cm

Flower width min:

1 cm

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

May

Fruit length max:

0.1 cm

Fruit length min:

0.08 cm

Fruit type :

achene

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Bellis annua has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Saponins.

Saponins

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Bellis annua has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include mild alkaline hydrolysis.

Mild alkaline hydrolysis

1. Planta medica