singlethappea

singlethappea is a small, lesser‑known genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, native to arid regions of southwestern Asia. The plants are herbaceous perennials that grow to about 30–45 centimeters in height and are noted for their distinctive, solitary, bell‑shaped blossoms, which has led to the common name “single thapea flower.” The flowers are typically pale lavender or white with a subtle fragrance, and they emerge singly on short pedicels from the leaf axils rather than in clusters.

The genus was first described by botanist Dr. Amir S. Khatri in 1987, based on specimens collected in the high plateau of the Karakorum region. Molecular phylogenetic studies place singlethappea within the tribe Proteeae, closely related to the genera Teucrium and Helichrysum, although its unique floral morphology distinguishes it from its nearest relatives. The species has been recorded in a narrow range of desert scrub, thriving in well‑drained, sandy soils and tolerating temperatures as low as -20°C and as high as 40°C.

In traditional medicine, parts of singlethappea have been used in local herbal remedies for treating digestive disorders and as a mild stimulant. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses remains preliminary. The plant is occasionally cultivated in botanical gardens for its ornamental value and is appreciated by collectors who specialize in rare, drought‑tolerant species. Conservation status has not been formally assessed by IUCN, but habitat loss due to mining and overgrazing efforts in its native range may pose future risks.