Penumbrassa

Penumbrassa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. The genus was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, with the type species being Penumbrassa maritima. The name "Penumbrassa" is derived from the Latin words "penumbra," meaning shadow, and "brassus," meaning armed, referring to the shadowy, armed appearance of the plant's inflorescence.

Penumbrassa species are perennial herbs, typically growing to a height of 10-30 cm. They have a basal rosette of leaves and a tall, branching inflorescence composed of small, yellow or white flower heads. The flowers are tubular, with five lobes and a prominent anther. The plant's leaves are linear to lanceolate, with a serrated margin, and are often covered in a fine, white pubescence.

Penumbrassa species are known for their ability to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including saline and alkaline soils. They are often used in coastal and rocky habitats, where they can form dense, ground-covering mats. The genus is also known for its medicinal properties, with some species used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Despite their widespread use in traditional medicine, there is limited scientific research on the medicinal properties of Penumbrassa species. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using these plants in medicinal applications.