cape marigold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Horticultural
Quick answer
What does “cape marigold” mean?
A flowering plant, typically of the genus Dimorphotheca, native to South Africa, with daisy-like flowers that close at night or in low light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flowering plant, typically of the genus Dimorphotheca, native to South Africa, with daisy-like flowers that close at night or in low light.
Any of several related African plants, particularly in the genera Dimorphotheca and Osteospermum, cultivated as annual ornamentals in gardens worldwide for their bright, sun-loving blooms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in gardening/horticulture in both regions.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes a bright, sun-loving, non-hardy annual garden plant.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined primarily to gardening catalogs, plant nurseries, and enthusiast discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “cape marigold” in a Sentence
[GARDENER] + [planted/sowed/grew] + [cape marigold] + [in the border/bed]The [cape marigold] + [thrives/closes/wilts] + [in full sun/at night]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used in niche horticultural retail or seed company catalogs.
Academic
Used in botany or horticulture texts and papers for precise species identification.
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly used by keen gardeners.
Technical
Standard term in horticulture and botany for specific plants within Asteraceae family.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cape marigold”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape marigold”
- Misspelling as 'cap marigold'.
- Using it as a common name for all marigolds.
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'Cape Marigold' is often seen but not strictly required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are in different botanical genera. Common marigolds are Tagetes or Calendula, while cape marigolds are Dimorphotheca or Osteospermum.
It refers to the Cape of Good Hope region in South Africa, which is the native habitat of these plants.
Generally, no. They are typically grown as frost-tender annuals in temperate climates.
Common colours include white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, and purple, often with a contrasting central disc.
A flowering plant, typically of the genus Dimorphotheca, native to South Africa, with daisy-like flowers that close at night or in low light.
Cape marigold is usually technical/horticultural in register.
Cape marigold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪp ˈmærɪɡəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪp ˈmerəˌɡoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa where it's native, and its flower looks like a marigold. A 'marigold from the Cape.'
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIGHTNESS/OPTIMISM IS A FLOWER (e.g., 'Her mood was as cheerful as a bed of cape marigolds').
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of the cape marigold?