Mokkae

Mokkae is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the coastal ecosystems of the fictional archipelago of Mokkasia. The name Mokkae derives from the local language of Mokkasia, meaning "sun crown." The genus comprises six accepted species and includes herbaceous perennials and small shrubs, typically 15–60 cm tall. Leaves are opposite, oval to lanceolate; inflorescences are composite heads with yellow to orange ray florets surrounding a darker central disk.

Habitat for Mokkae includes sandy dunes, coastal scrub, and rocky outcrops, from sea level to 400 m. Plants tolerate salt spray and wind and prefer sunny, well-drained soils. They are often found in disturbed coastal habitats where they contribute to dune stabilization and local biodiversity.

Taxonomy and history: Mokkae was first described by botanist L. M. Hartley in 1987. The genus underwent revisions in 1999 and 2012, with molecular data supporting the current circumscription and species boundaries. The six accepted species are distinguished by variations in leaf texture, inflorescence color, and growth habit.

Species recognized within the genus include Mokkae aurantiaca, Mokkae littorea, Mokkae montana, Mokkae sericea, Mokkae alba, and Mokkae rubra. Each species occupies a particular niche within Mokkasian coastal habitats, from dune slopes to rocky headlands.

Uses and conservation: Mokkae is primarily valued for ornamental horticulture in warmer regions and has potential in coastal restoration projects because of its tolerance to salt and wind. Some species are mentioned in local ethnobotany, though broader medicinal uses are not well documented. Conservation concerns focus on habitat loss from coastal development and sea-level rise, with several species considered vulnerable in coastal regions of Mokkasia.