Dasystephana

/ˌdæsɪˈstɛfənə/ noun

Definition

A genus of plants in the gentian family with thick, hairy or woolly leaves and flowers with dense covering.

Etymology

From Greek 'dasys' (thick, hairy) + 'stephanos' (crown or wreath). The name describes the plant's hairy crown-like flower structure.

Kelly Says

Dasystephana plants have evolved their hairy coatings as protection in high-altitude environments where UV radiation is intense—the fuzz acts like a botanical sunscreen!

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