lanaticum

Lanaticum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to South America. The genus is characterized by its small, annual herbs, typically growing to a height of 10-30 centimeters. Lanaticum species are known for their distinctive inflorescences, which are composed of small, daisy-like flowers arranged in a flat-topped cluster. The flowers are typically yellow or white, and the central disc is often surrounded by a ring of petal-like ligules.

The genus Lanaticum was first described by the German botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow in 1809. It is closely related to other genera in the tribe Heliantheae, such as Helianthemum and Echinacea. Lanaticum species are often used in horticulture for their ornamental value, and some are cultivated for their medicinal properties.

The taxonomy of the genus Lanaticum is still a subject of ongoing research. Some species have been reclassified or synonymized with other genera, and new species continue to be discovered. As of the latest revisions, the genus Lanaticum includes approximately 15 recognized species, distributed across South America.

Lanaticum plants are typically self-pollinating and have a short flowering period, usually from late spring to early summer. They are adapted to a variety of habitats, including grasslands, rocky outcrops, and disturbed areas. The genus is not considered to be threatened, but some species may be locally rare or endangered due to habitat loss or other factors.