Teesdalia

Teesdalia is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae. The genus is named in honor of the Scottish botanist and physician Matthew Teesdale. Teesdalia species are native to Europe and North Africa, with a center of diversity in the Mediterranean region. These plants are typically found in sandy or stony soils, often in disturbed habitats such as roadsides and agricultural fields.

The species within Teesdalia are generally small, annual herbs characterized by their delicate, white or pinkish flowers. The flowers are arranged in a raceme and have four petals, which are often unequal in size, a distinguishing feature of the genus. The leaves are usually basal, forming a rosette, and can be entire or lobed. Teesdalia plants are often short-lived, completing their life cycle within a single growing season.

A well-known species is Teesdalia nudicaulis, commonly known as Shepherd's Cress or Whitlowgrass. This species is widespread across Europe and is often found in open, nutrient-poor habitats. Other species include Teesdalia coronopifolia and Teesdalia triphysa, each with their own specific geographical distributions and habitat preferences. The genus Teesdalia is considered a minor component of the Brassicaceae family, but its unique floral morphology and ecological adaptations make it of interest to botanists studying plant evolution and taxonomy.