More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Sunflowers, Bellflowers, and Fanflowers of Zihuatanejo
ORDER ASTERALES
Snow Squarestem
Melanthera nivea
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Sunflowers, Bellflowers, Fanflowers, and Allies (Order Asterales)
-Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies (Family Asteraceae)
-Subfamily Asteroideae
-Sunflowers and Allies (Tribe Heliantheae)
-Subtribe Ecliptinae
-Genus Melanthera
-Snow Squarestem (Melanthera nivea)
Snow squarestem is a robust bushy wildflower that occurs naturally in dry to moist flatwoods, prairies and disturbed open habitats. It attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The white florets are assembled into a dense, showy flowerhead that is held by rough hairy bracts. It is distributed from the US southeastern states south through Mexico, and Central America.
Description
• Melanthera nivea, commonly known as snow squarestem or white melanthera, is a perennial herb or subshrub in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It has branching stems, opposite leaves with toothed margins, and small flower heads composed of numerous whitish to pale lavender disk florets. The flower heads lack the prominent ray florets typical of many daisies, giving them a compact, brush-like appearance. The stems may have distinct ridges or angles, and the plant can form sprawling growth in open areas.
Range
• Melanthera nivea is native to tropical and subtropical America, ranging from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America and parts of South America. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• This species grows in warm, sunny to partially shaded habitats, including roadsides, open woodland, scrub, forest edges, and disturbed ground. It is often found in seasonally dry tropical environments and along sites where vegetation has been disturbed. Its small flowers attract insect pollinators, and its seeds help the plant spread through suitable open habitats.
