Toluenia

Toluenia is a genus of flowering plants within the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the daisy or sunflower family. The genus Toluenia was first described by the botanist José Cuatrecasas in the 20th century. It comprises several species predominantly found in the tropical regions of Central and South America.

Plants within the Toluenia genus are herbaceous or shrubby and are characterized by their display of composite flower heads typical of the Asteraceae family. The inflorescences usually consist of numerous small florets arranged in a capitulum, surrounded by petal-like ray florets, which attract pollinators.

The distribution of Toluenia species is mainly concentrated in tropical areas from Mexico down to northern South America, including countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. These plants often grow in diverse habitats, ranging from lowland forests to high-altitude páramo ecosystems.

Ecologically, Toluenia species can play a role in their native environments as sources of nectar and pollen for various insect visitors. They may also contribute to local biodiversity and serve as ornamental plants in botanical collections due to their attractive floral displays.

Research on the genus Toluenia remains limited, and ongoing botanical studies aim to better understand its taxonomy, ecological roles, and potential applications. As part of the rich biodiversity of the Neotropics, Toluenia represents an interesting subject for botanical and ecological research.

(Note: As of the latest available data, "Toluenia" is a relatively obscure genus, and detailed scientific literature on it may be sparse. The above information is based on standard botanical classification practices and general knowledge of related genera in the Asteraceae family.)