Nisissa

Nisissa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the daisy family. The genus was described by Asa Gray in 1849. Plants in this genus are native to South America, with most species found in Argentina and Chile. They are typically herbaceous perennials, growing from a rhizomatous root system.

The leaves of Nisissa species are generally basal, meaning they grow from the base of the plant, and can be lobed or entire. The flower heads are characteristic of the Asteraceae family, with a central disc of florets surrounded by ray florets. The color of the ray florets can vary, often appearing white, yellow, or pinkish. The fruits are achenes, a type of dry, single-seeded fruit.

Little detailed information is widely available on the specific ecological roles or traditional uses of Nisissa species. They are part of the diverse flora of the South American temperate grasslands and shrublands. Further botanical research may reveal more about their distribution, genetics, and potential applications. The genus remains a subject of taxonomic study within the vast Asteraceae family.