Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Medicine- Traditionally, it has been used to treat minor wounds and inflammations. A poultice made from the leaves can be applied to the skin.
Mexico to Tropical America
Thrives in disturbed areas like wastelands and roadsides, including the Himalayas, at an elevation of 1400-1800 m.
It is erect or spreading annual herb with variable appearance growing 10-60 cm tall. Can be single-stemmed or branched.
Stem is single main stem or branching stems, hairy and covered in leaves.
Leaves are oppositely arranged, stalked leaves with an ovate shape and serrated edges. Covered in coarse, bristly hairs, can reach up to 3 cm long.
Flowers are small, with a rounded center filled with numerous bright yellow disc florets. Usually has 5 white ray florets surrounding the center, each with 3 rounded teeth at the tip. Both disc and ray florets produce seeds.
Fruit is achene (dry, single-seeded fruit) with a large pappus (hair-like structure) for wind dispersal.
Flowering: July-October.