Description
Pteronia tricephala (also called Three-Fold Pteronia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and is found in dry grasslands, rocky slopes and open woodlands. It has a basal rosette of leaves and a single, erect stem, growing up to 1 m tall. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, up to 15 cm long, with toothed margins. The flower heads are yellow, up to 4 cm in diameter, with numerous ray florets.
Uses & Benefits
Pteronia tricephala is used as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments such as fever, headache, and stomachache. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Pteronia tricephala are small, yellow and daisy-like, with a single row of ray florets surrounding a yellow disc. The seeds are small and black, with a tuft of white hairs at one end. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of oval-shaped cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Pteronia tricephala is a perennial herb that grows in dry, sunny areas. It can be propagated by seed or by division. The seeds should be sown in spring or autumn in a well-drained soil. The seedlings should be thinned out to give each plant enough space to grow. Division should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing.