A collection of 28 Osteospermum clones and cultivated varieties of different origin were evaluated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. All the clones were identified by 12 decamers selected from a set of 30. This is the first characterization by molecular markers of the genetic material of Osteospermum. The level of genetic diversity among genotypes was assayed and all the accessions tested were then classified into six groups by UPGMA cluster analysis; the clustering of genotypes using the RAPD data proved to be in accordance with their breeding group origin. RAPD analysis can therefore be a useful tool for evaluating genetic variability in other Osteospermum germplasm collections for breeding purposes and for protecting intellectual property rights of improved varieties.