Lewisbaasina

Lewisbaasina is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to South Africa. The genus was named after South African botanist Lewis William Baas, who made significant contributions to the study of the flora of the region. Lewisbaasina is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species, Lewisbaasina fucata.

Lewisbaasina fucata is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 30 centimeters tall. It has narrow, linear leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a silvery appearance. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in dense, rounded clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms in the summer, from December to February in its native habitat.

The genus Lewisbaasina is part of the tribe Vernonieae, which is characterized by its distinctive flower heads and a chromosome base number of 19. The genus is closely related to the genera Heterocypsela and Stenocephalum, which are also found in South Africa.

Lewisbaasina fucata grows in rocky, well-drained soils, often on steep slopes. It is found in the Western Cape province of South Africa, in the fynbos biome. This biome is known for its high levels of biodiversity and endemism, with many plant species found nowhere else in the world.

The conservation status of Lewisbaasina fucata is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many plants in the fynbos biome, it is threatened by habitat loss due to urban expansion, agriculture, and invasive species. Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the unique flora of this region.