Marciamus

Marciamus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the southern and eastern Mediterranean region, where it grows in open grasslands and rocky hillsides. The genus currently contains two described species found in Greece, Albania, and nearby regions.

The two species are Marciamus alba and Marciamus ruber. The type species is Marciamus alba, described from specimens collected in the Epirus region of Greece. Marciamus ruber differs mainly in its ray florets, which range from pale pink to crimson.

Marciamus plants are herbaceous perennials that form low, compact tussocks. They typically reach 15–40 cm in height. Leaves are basal and oblong to lanceolate, with flowering stems bearing a single to several heads. Each head has 12–18 ray florets surrounding a central disk of yellow florets. Achenes are light and may be winged, aiding wind dispersal.

Habitat and ecology: They prefer well-drained, calcareous soils in meadows, scrublands, and hillside clearings, often in full sun. Pollination is by generalist bees and butterflies; seeds disperse by wind. The species have relatively restricted geographic ranges and are subject to habitat pressure from grazing and land-use change.

Taxonomy and nomenclature: The genus name Marciamus combines the personal name Marcia with the Latin suffix -mus. It was first described in 2023 by botanist A. L. Faber in the journal Flora Mediterranea. The type locality is in northwestern Greece.