heliabiga

Heliabiga is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus was first described in 1993 by botanist Vicki A. Funk. Plants in this genus are native to South America, primarily found in the Andes region of Peru and Bolivia.

Heliabiga species are herbaceous perennials that typically grow to be small shrubs. They are characterized by their distinctive foliage and flower heads. The leaves are usually simple, ovate to lanceolate, and arranged alternately on the stem. The flower heads are composite, meaning they are made up of many small florets. These heads are often solitary or borne in cymes, and can vary in color, though typically they exhibit shades of yellow or white.

The ecology of Heliabiga is not extensively documented, but they are generally found in high-altitude environments, often in grasslands or rocky slopes. Their pollination is likely carried out by insects, as is common for many Asteraceae species.

Research into Heliabiga has focused on its phylogenetic relationships within the Asteraceae family, with molecular studies helping to clarify its placement. Further ecological and ethnobotanical studies may reveal more about the role of these plants in their native ecosystems and potential uses by local communities.