Common geigeria

Common geigeria (Geigeria ornativa) is to some a beautiful, little herb. It grows in almost any habitat and more commonly on the plains. It has yellow flower-heads which rarely grow over 20cm in height. The dried, older plants remain in the veld for many years, retaining its seeds, gradually releasing a few each season.

Unfortunately, the common geigeria causes a stock poisoning called 'vermeersiekte' causing huge losses in goat, cattle and sheep herds. This disease causes vomiting then paralysis leading to death of the infected animal. Levels of toxicity vary according to the habitat, rainfall patterns and plant growth levels. Vermeersiekte is caused by overgrazing and an emphasis on maintaining healthy veld conditions, with reasonable grass cover combined with sensible grazing levels, appear to cure the disease.

There are some 17 species of Geigeria in Namibia, with most having a different appearance. It is widely distributed throughout the drier regions of southern Africa and Angola.