Lasiospermum bipinnatum, ganskweek in Afrikaans, is a perennial herb that grows throughout South Africa but not in Kwazulu-Natal. It may occur in a variety of habitats, but is most common in wetland areas like vleis and near watercourses. The plant typically flowers whenever it has rained. It grows to a height of 40 cm with many stems from an herbaceous rhizome. Some decumbent stems will root at the nodes. The leaves are alternate and concentrated near the base.

The daisy flowers of Lasiospermum bipinnatum have yellow discs and white or purplish pink ray florets. They grow on terminal peduncles. Woolly seeds are freed from a round seed-head. This plant is toxic to livestock, having several harmful effects, but mainly causing liver damage. The plant is naturalised in California where it is known as cocoon-head (www.up.ac.za, JSTOR, http://hdl.handle.net/2263/8489 and plants.usda.gov).

This specimen was photographed in Kirstenbosch during March.