Allocyclus

Allocyclus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The genus is characterized by its small, annual herbs, typically growing to a height of 10-30 centimeters. The leaves are alternate, simple, and often hairy, with a serrated margin. The inflorescence is a small, flat-topped cluster of flowers, each with a yellow or white corolla and a five-lobed disk.

Allocyclus species are known for their ability to produce a large number of seeds, which are dispersed by wind. The seeds are small, light, and have a pappus, a ring of bristles that aids in their dispersal. The genus is of particular interest to botanists due to its unique reproductive strategy, which involves the production of a large number of small seeds, rather than a few large ones.

Allocyclus is named after the Greek words "allo," meaning "other," and "cyclus," meaning "circle," reflecting the genus' unique reproductive strategy. The genus includes several species, the most well-known of which is Allocyclus subulatus, commonly known as the "Mediterranean allocyclus." This species is native to the Mediterranean region and is often found growing in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and waste places.

Allocyclus species are not typically cultivated as ornamentals, but they can be grown in gardens as ground covers or in rock gardens. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and are relatively low-maintenance. However, they are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold temperatures.