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Widespread across the Andean highlands of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, this perennial shrublet is adapted to páramo and high-montane ecosystems between 8,000 and 13,000 feet, where it forms part of the open shrub layer on rocky slopes and exposed ridgelines. The species is recognized by its woolly, light-gray stems and tight inflorescences of rounded yellow flower heads that never open fully, a typical feature of the group. Traditionally used in folk medicine for respiratory ailments, it contains bioactive flavonoids and terpenes. The flowers have a faint, dry aromatic scent and are long-lasting when cut, which supports their occasional use in traditional floral crafts in Ecuador. Photographed in Ecuador.