Lanatum

Lanatum refers to a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. This genus is characterized by its typically perennial herbs, often featuring woolly or lanate (hence the name lanatum, derived from Latin for woolly) foliage. The leaves are usually pinnately lobed and can be quite rough to the touch.

The flowers of lanatum plants are typically borne in capitula, which are composite flower heads resembling those of other daisy-like plants. These heads usually consist of ray florets and disc florets, often with colors ranging from yellow to purple. The fruit is an achene, a small, dry, indehiscent fruit.

Species within the lanatum genus are found across various regions, particularly in the Mediterranean basin, parts of Europe, and extending into Asia. They often thrive in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fallow fields, and pastures. Some species have a history of use in traditional medicine, though scientific validation for these uses varies. Due to their sometimes vigorous growth, certain lanatum species can be considered weeds in agricultural contexts, while others are appreciated for their ornamental value in gardens. The taxonomy of the genus lanatum is complex, with ongoing research and revisions to species classifications.