Galinsoga quadriradiata

Galinsoga quadriradiata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Galinsoga
Species: G. quadriradiata
Binomial name
Galinsoga quadriradiata
Ruiz & Pav., 1798
Synonyms

Galinsoga aristulata
Galinsoga bicolorata
Galinsoga caracasana
Galinsoga ciliata

Galinsoga quadriradiata is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family which is known by several common names, including shaggy soldier, hairy galinsoga, and fringed quickweed. It is found throughout most of the temperate world, but apparently its native home is Mexico. In Portuguese-speaking countries where it is widely naturalized - e.g. in Brazil - it is known as botão-de-ouro. As an agricultural weed it can reduce crop yields by up to 50%.[1]

Description

This is an annual herb which varies in appearance. The main stem reaches anywhere from 10 to 60 centimeters in height and may branch or not. The petioled leaves are oval and serrated and are covered in a coat of soft hairs. The small flower heads are up to a centimeter wide and have rounded center filled with many disc florets usually in a shade of bright yellow. There are five white ray florets widely spaced around the center, each an oval shape with one or two deep notches in the end. The fruit is a small achene with a large pappus.

External links

References

Wikispecies has information related to: Galinsoga quadriradiata
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