kirtillia

Kirtillia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region. The genus was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, with the type species being Kirtillia campanulata. The name "Kirtillia" is derived from the Greek word "kirtos," meaning "to bend," referring to the shape of the plant's inflorescence.

Kirtillia species are perennial herbs, typically growing to a height of 10-30 cm. They have a basal rosette of leaves and a single stem that bears a terminal inflorescence of small, daisy-like flowers. The flowers are usually white or pink, with a yellow center. The plant's leaves are alternate, simple, and often have a serrated margin.

Kirtillia plants are known for their ability to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including poor and rocky soils. They are also drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. The genus is not particularly well-known and is not commonly cultivated in gardens, but it can be found in natural habitats such as grasslands, scrublands, and rocky slopes.

The genus Kirtillia is monotypic, meaning it contains only one recognized species, Kirtillia campanulata. This species is found in the Mediterranean region, from Portugal to Turkey. It is a rare plant and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The main threats to its survival are habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization.