Pittocaulon

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Pittocaulon
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Genus: Pittocaulon
H.Rob. & Brettell

Pittocaulon is a genus of Mexican shrubs and small trees in the tribe Senecioneae within the family Asteraceae.[1][2]

Pittocaulon is native to the dry parts of central and southern Mexico. In addition to the strange appearance of these plants, Pittocaulon is of interest due to the remarkable range of habitats in which the species occur, from dry highland scrub well above 3000 meters, to tropical dry forest in hot country as low as 300 meters and on rocks, often in very steep situations. Pittocaulon species are conspicuous when they flower at the end of the dry season are popularly called "palo loco" or "crazy tree", because they flower at the very end of the dry season when most other plants are suffering the effects of drought.[3]

Species

Species accepted by the Plants of the World Online as of May 2023:[4][5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Robinson, Harold Ernest & Brettell, R. D. 1973. Phytologia 26(6): 451–453 descriptions in Latin, commentary in English
  2. ^ Tropicos, Pittocaulon H.Rob. & Brettell
  3. ^ Olson, Mark E. "The Pittocaulon Page (succulent Mexican Senecios)". Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
  4. ^ "Pittocaulon H.Rob. & Brettell". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  5. ^ Davidse, G., M. Sousa-Peña, S. Knapp & F. Chiang Cabrera. 2015. In G. Davidse, M. Sousa Sánchez, S. Knapp & F. Chiang Cabrera (eds.) Flora Mesoamericana. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F.

External links[edit]

Media related to Pittocaulon at Wikimedia Commons