Stabdotes

Stabdotes refers to a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. These plants are native to South America, with species found in various regions including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. The genus is characterized by its herbaceous perennial growth habit and its distinctive inflorescences, which are typically discoid capitula.

The leaves of stabdotes species are generally simple and can vary in shape, often being basal or arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are small and tubular, arranged in composite flower heads that are commonly referred to as capitula. These capitula usually lack ray florets, giving them a discoid appearance, and are often borne in corymbose or paniculate arrangements. The fruit is an achene, a dry, single-seeded fruit characteristic of the Asteraceae family.

Stabdotes species are often found in grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. Their ecological role typically involves contributing to the biodiversity of these habitats and providing a food source for certain insects. While not widely cultivated for ornamental purposes or major economic use, some species may have local or traditional applications. Research into the genus often focuses on its taxonomy, distribution, and phylogenetic relationships within the broader context of the Asteraceae family.