geneto

Geneto is a common vernacular name used in various European regions to refer to the herbaceous plant species Genetyla alba, a member of the family Asteraceae. The plant, which typically grows to a height of 30–60 cm, bears simple, ovate leaves that are pale green to greyish in color and clusters of small yellow florets that bloom from late spring through early autumn. It thrives in a range of habitats, including well-drained calcareous soils, open woods, hedgerows, and grassland margins, and is often found in temperate zones across France, Italy, Germany, and Austria.

In traditional folk medicine, geneto has been used as a mild anti-inflammatory and diuretic agent. Dried leaf or root preparations are sometimes brewed into teas for treating urinary tract infections or to reduce swelling. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed the presence of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones in the plant, substances that exhibit antioxidant properties, although systematic clinical trials remain limited.

The name geneto is derived from the local dialects in the Apennine region, where the plant has been historically recognized for its slight medicinal value and its distinctive white puffed fruiting heads. While not widely cultivated commercially, it is occasionally grown in ornamental gardens for its airy appearance and utility as a pollinator attractor, providing early nectar sources for bees and butterflies in the ecosystem.