Mrugnicia

Mrugnicia is a fictional genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, devised for use in speculative biology and world-building. The genus is described as consisting of herbaceous perennials that form low, clumping stands in montane forests within the imagined region of Greater Sundara.

Morphology and taxonomy: Plants in Mrugnicia have simple, alternately arranged leaves and produce heads composed of yellow ray florets surrounding a darker central disc. The fruit is a small achenium with a pappus for wind dispersal. In the fictional taxonomy, the genus is placed within the tribe Heliantheae of the Asteraceae.

Species: Two species have been described within Mrugnicia: Mrugnicia aurea, distinguished by golden-ray florets, and Mrugnicia alba, with pale to white ray florets. Both species are described as sharing similar leaf shape and growth form.

Distribution and habitat: In the imagined setting, Mrugnicia is endemic to cloud forests of Greater Sundara, at elevations roughly 900–1600 meters, where humidity is high and seasonality is moderate. Habitat fragmentation is noted as a potential threat in speculative conservation assessments.

Ecology and reproduction: Pollination is attributed to bees and hoverflies; seed dispersal is wind-driven. Flowering occurs during the early wet season in the fictional calendar, with peak activity in midsummer. The genus is described as having relatively slow growth and drought tolerance limits in its native range.

Cultivation and use: In the fictional world, Mrugnicia is sometimes included in ornamental gardens within botanical collections for its bright inflorescences. No real-world economic uses are attributed to the genus outside its fictional context.