Oriastrum chilense

syn. Chaetanthera pusilla, Farallones area, NE of Santiago, Metropolitan
Oriastrum chilense (J. Rémy) Wedd. - Photographed by Marijn van den Brink. This species was recognised until very recently as a Chaetanthera, but is now restored to an original name following a recent careful and intensive study and monograph of the group. Note that the specific epithet chilense has nothing to do with Chaetanthera chilensis (Willd.) DC:, as still recognised, which is a totally different plant. Oriastrum chilense (always white-flowered) and O. pusillum Poepp. & Endl. (white or yellow flowered) are quite common and very similar little annuals in the Andes of Santiago. Until the monograph, and when recognised as chaetantheras, they were much confused. Any white population was generally called Chaetanthera pusilla (D. Don) Hook. & Arn., and any all-yellow or yellow and white populations Chaetanthera planiseta Cabrera. This is how you will find them in Plantas Altoandinas field guide, but this will be corrected in the the forthcoming new second edition.

AsteraceaeChileSouth America