Foulingia

Foulingia is a genus of small, perennial herbs belonging to the family Asteraceae. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region, with species found in countries such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. The name "Foulingia" is derived from the French botanist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck, who named the genus in honor of his friend, the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck.

Foulingia species are characterized by their small, grayish-green leaves and small, yellow or white flowers that bloom in the spring. The flowers are typically arranged in a flat-topped cluster, and they are pollinated by bees and other insects. The plants are often used as ground cover in gardens and landscaping, as they are low-growing and have a dense, mat-like growth habit.

There are currently three recognized species of Foulingia:

1. Foulingia arvensis, commonly known as the field foulingia, is native to Spain and Portugal. It is a small, perennial herb with grayish-green leaves and small, yellow flowers.

2. Foulingia fournieri, commonly known as the Fournier's foulingia, is native to France and Italy. It is a small, perennial herb with grayish-green leaves and small, white flowers.

3. Foulingia neglecta, commonly known as the neglected foulingia, is native to Greece. It is a small, perennial herb with grayish-green leaves and small, yellow flowers.

Foulingia species are not typically cultivated for their ornamental value, but they are occasionally used in gardens and landscaping as ground cover. They are also used in traditional medicine in some Mediterranean countries, where they are believed to have various health benefits. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential medicinal uses.