Volkensii

Volkensii is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to South Africa. The genus was first described by botanist Harriet Margaret Louisa Bolus in 1904. The name "Volkensii" is derived from the Latinized form of the German surname "Volkens," in honor of the German botanist and explorer, Carl Ludwig Willdenow.

The genus includes several species, with the most well-known being Volkensia paradoxa. This species is notable for its unique and distinctive flowers, which are often described as having a "paradoxical" appearance due to their unusual shape and coloration. The flowers are typically bright yellow or orange, with a dark center and long, slender petals that curve inward at the tips.

Volkensii plants are perennial herbs, growing to a height of about 30-60 cm. They have a basal rosette of leaves and produce inflorescences of small, daisy-like flowers in the summer months. The plants are often found growing in rocky or sandy soils in the fynbos biome of the Western Cape province of South Africa.

The genus Volkensii is not widely cultivated outside of its native range, but it is appreciated by botanists and plant enthusiasts for its unique and striking appearance. The species within the genus are generally considered to be of low conservation concern, as they are adapted to the harsh conditions of their native habitat and are not threatened by significant human activities. However, like all native plants, they play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological health of their natural environment.