Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Medicine - It is traditionally used to treat wounds and bruises.
Mexico to Central America
Thrives in disturbed areas such as roadsides, wastelands, and abandoned agriCultural/Religious lands. It is well adapted to tropical and subtropical climates and can tolerate a range of soil types.
It is a towering shrub reaching heights of 100-300 cm.
Stem is stout, upright, and densely covered with hair.
Leaves are broadly ovate in shape, with lobes or a simple structure. They are arranged alternately on the stem and measure 15-25 cm in length.
Flowers are large, solitary, and vibrant orange-yellow, resembling sunflowers. Each flower head can be 10-15 cm across.
Fruit is a small, dry achene (seed) with a pappus of hair-like structures. These hairs aid in wind dispersal, allowing the seeds to travel to new locations.
Flowering: September-January.