keraia

Keraia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the daisy family. The genus was described by Christian Friedrich von Ecklon and Carl Ludwig Philipp Zeyher in 1836. Plants in the genus Keraia are native to southern Africa, primarily found in the Cape Provinces of South Africa. They are typically small, herbaceous plants or subshrubs.

The leaves of Keraia species are often simple, arranged alternately along the stem, and can vary in shape and texture depending on the specific species. The flowers are characteristic of the Asteraceae family, featuring a capitulum or flower head composed of ray florets and disc florets. The ray florets are usually sterile and brightly colored, while the disc florets are fertile and located in the center of the head. The fruits are achenes, a type of dry, single-seeded fruit.

Species within the genus Keraia are adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and are often found in fynbos or karoo vegetation types. They are generally considered hardy plants that can tolerate dry conditions. While not widely cultivated, some species may be of interest to botanical enthusiasts for their unique floral structures and adaptation to harsh climates. Research on Keraia continues to explore its evolutionary relationships within the Asteraceae family and its ecological role in its native habitat.