Achyrocline alata

Native to Bolivia, this is an herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. 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.