Chandlera

Chandlera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region. The genus is characterized by its small, annual herbs, typically growing to a height of 10-30 centimeters. Chandlera species are known for their distinctive, daisy-like flowers, which are usually yellow or white and arranged in a flat, disk-like inflorescence.

The genus was first described by the French botanist René Louiche Desfontaines in 1813, and it is named in honor of the English botanist William Chandler. Chandlera is closely related to other genera in the tribe Heliantheae, such as Helianthemum and Helianthemopsis.

There are currently three recognized species in the genus Chandlera:

1. Chandlera canescens, commonly known as the gray chandlera, is native to Spain and Portugal. It has grayish-green leaves and small, yellow flowers.

2. Chandlera pinnatifida, also known as the lobed-leaved chandlera, is native to Morocco and Spain. It has lobed leaves and white flowers.

3. Chandlera tomentosa, known as the hairy chandlera, is native to Spain and Portugal. It has hairy leaves and yellow flowers.

Chandlera species are often cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and rockeries due to their attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements. They are well-suited to dry, sunny conditions and are relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, they are not frost-tolerant and should be protected during cold winters.