I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
This is the well-known first verse of "Daffodils" by William Wordsworth.

Daffodils are still commonly seen in the UK, but are probably different varieties to the ones Wordsworth wrote about in the 19th century.

The daffodil is a type of Narcissus which was first cultivated in Britain some 2000 years ago. There are literally thousands of varieties, mostly yellow, orange and white. The flower is regarded as a sign of Spring (and Easter) as it flowers in March and April. Grown from bulbs, it is seen in many gardens and hedgerows, and is often planted by local authorities to brighten up the roadside and roundabouts.

The daffodil is the national emblem of Wales. Its welsh name Cenhinen Pedr is similar to the name for Wales's other emblem, the leek (Cenhinen). In early springtime, Wales is a mass of yellow as these flowers are everywhere. Traditionally, a daffodil is worn on clothing on St David's Day - 1 March.

BBC Gardening

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town

Botanical Gardens, Durban