Iotehosta

Iotehosta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the Americas. The genus is characterized by its small, annual to perennial herbs, typically growing to a height of 10-50 cm. The leaves are alternate, simple, and often lobed or toothed. The inflorescences are composed of one to several flower heads, each surrounded by a phyllary involucre. The flowers are typically small, with a yellow or white corolla and a central disc. The fruit is a small achene, often with a pappus for dispersal.

Iotehosta is closely related to the genus Eupatorium, and the two genera are often difficult to distinguish. However, Iotehosta can be distinguished by its smaller size, simpler leaves, and the presence of a central disc in the flowers. The genus is named after the Greek words "io" meaning "I", and "tehosta" meaning "to be seen", in reference to the visibility of the central disc in the flowers.

Iotehosta is not a commonly cultivated genus, but it is of interest to botanists and horticulturists due to its unique characteristics and the challenges it presents in identification. The genus is represented by a small number of species, with the most well-known being Iotehosta grandiflora, which is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.