Gaudryi

Gaudryi is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region. The genus contains only one known species, Gaudryi tricornuta, which is a perennial herb. The plant is characterized by its distinctive, tridentate (three-toothed) leaves, from which it derives its specific epithet "tricornuta," meaning "three-horned."

Gaudryi tricornuta is a low-growing plant, typically reaching heights of 10-30 centimeters. It has a rosette of leaves at the base of the stem, with each leaf having a central stalk and three lobes. The inflorescence is a dense, compact cluster of yellow disc florets, surrounded by ray florets that are often white or pale yellow. The plant blooms from spring to summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Gaudryi is a rare and endemic species, found primarily in the coastal regions of France, particularly in the departments of Bouches-du-Rhône and Var. Its habitat includes rocky outcrops, cliffs, and sandy beaches, where it grows in well-drained soils. The plant is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to its limited range and declining population, primarily threatened by habitat destruction and disturbance.

Conservation efforts for Gaudryi include habitat protection and restoration, as well as research into its ecology and reproduction. The species is also of interest to botanists studying the evolution and diversity of Mediterranean flora. Gaudryi tricornuta serves as a unique and important component of the Mediterranean ecosystem, highlighting the need for continued conservation and research in the region.