26 - Erva-grossa - Orthopappus angustifolius (Sw.) Gleason (ASTERACEAE)

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Herb of 30 cm and up to 1.5 meters when in bloom, with a simple, hairy stem. Leaves 10-30 x 3-cm, pointed or slightly rounded, with a prominent central and secondary rib, with a rough texture to the touch. Inflorescence starting from a single scape, composed of a profusion of small flowers, lilacs or purplish, forming straw-like fruits.

 

Distribution: They occur all over Brazil and in Latin America.

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Situation in São Paulo: Plant completely ruderal and typical of the city, occurring in sunny environments, but also with diffused light.

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How to plant: It can be found on the street and it is an unnecessary task to do transplants, better to collect the seeds and spread.

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Uses: Plant with leaves of little ornamental value, thick and rough, Usually does not form dense infestations, but has a marked presence especially when it is considered a weed in lawns, however the flowering stem can be an interesting composition element in naturalist gardens . Due to its great resistance, it can be cultivated in the areas of greatest stress in the infinite cerrado.

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ALMEIDA, GRACINEIDE SELMA SANTOS DE ET AL. ASTERACEAE DUMORT. IN THE RUPESTRAL FIELDS OF THE ITACOLOMI STATE PARK, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL. DISSERTATION. MASTERS IN BOTANICS. VIÇOSA. 2008.

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LORENZI, H. DANINE PLANTS IN BRAZIL: TERRESTRIAL, AQUATIC, PARASITE AND TOXIC. PLANTARUM INSTITUTE. NOVA ODESSA, SP, 4th ED. 2008. 672P. IL.

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NOVARA, LAZARO. ASTERACEAE-VERNONIEAE. BOTANICAL SUPPORTS OF SALTA-SERIE FLORA, V. 2, N. 1, P. 1-32, 1993.