Lasiovisia

Lasiovisia is a genus of extinct flowering plants belonging to the family Asteraceae. Fossil evidence suggests these plants lived during the Oligocene epoch, approximately 34 to 23 million years ago. The genus name is derived from the Greek words "lasios," meaning hairy, and "ousia," meaning essence or being, likely referring to the pubescent nature of the plant's reproductive structures or leaves.

Fossils attributed to Lasiovisia have been found in several locations, primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, including North America and Europe. These fossils often consist of preserved capitula (flower heads) and achenes (the fruit of the Asteraceae family). Studies of these fossils indicate that Lasiovisia possessed composite flowers, characteristic of the daisy family, with ray florets and disc florets. The achenes are typically small and exhibit structures that suggest adaptation for wind dispersal.

The ecological role of Lasiovisia in its ancient environment is not fully understood, but its presence contributes to the broader understanding of plant evolution and biodiversity during the Oligocene. The discovery and analysis of Lasiovisia fossils provide valuable data for paleobotanists studying the diversification of angiosperms and the paleoenvironments of the Tertiary period. Further research may uncover more details about its morphology, reproductive strategies, and phylogenetic relationships within the Asteraceae.