Scharfensteinia

Scharfensteinia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region. The genus was first described by Carl Friedrich von Ledebour in 1830, and it includes two species: Scharfensteinia corymbosa and Scharfensteinia corymbosa var. corymbosa. The plants are perennial herbs, typically growing to a height of 30-60 cm. They have a woody base and produce clusters of small, yellow flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are hermaphroditic, with both male and female reproductive structures. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a serrated margin. The plant is known for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional medicine, where it is used to treat various ailments such as digestive issues and skin conditions. Despite its potential benefits, Scharfensteinia is not widely cultivated or studied in modern botany.