Melanthera


Melanthera, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the tropical and subtropical Americas.
Despite their general hardiness, leaves of Melanthera species are often attacked by rusts such as Uromyces columbianus and Uromyces martinii.

Taxonomy

The classification of this genus was uncertain. At times it included species native North and South America, as well as Africa, Asia and Oceania, including Hawaii. Further studies are needed to clarify its taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships.
The genus now includes three species native to the tropical Americas. Species formerly placed in genus Melanthera are now placed in Lipochaeta, Lipotriche, and Wollastonia.

Species

Three species are currently accepted.Melanthera latifolia Cabrera - Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern ArgentinaMelanthera nivea Small - Pineland Squarestem, Snow Squarestem, Yerba de Cabra; SE United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America Melanthera parvifolia Small - Small-leaf Squarestem - southern Florida

Unplaced names

Melanthera cinerea Schweinf. - Africa

Formerly placed here

Lipochaeta bryanii - Pili Nehe; Hawaii Lipochaeta fauriei - Olokele Canyon Nehe; Hawaii Lipochaeta integrifolia - Kure Atoll Nehe; Hawaii Lipochaeta kamolensis - Maui Nehe; MauI W.L.Wagner & H.Rob.)Lipochaeta lavarum - Coastal Nehe; Hawaii. Lipochaeta micrantha - Hawaii Lipochaeta perdita - Kookoolau; Hawaii Lipochaeta populifolia - Grassland Nehe; Hawaii Lipochaeta remyi - Annual Nehe; Hawaii Lipochaeta subcordata - Hawaii Lipochaeta tenuis - Streambed Nehe; Hawaii Lipochaeta tenuifolia - Waianae Range Nehe; Oahu Lipochaeta venosa - Spreading Nehe; Hawaii Lipochaeta waimeaensis - Waimea Canyon Nehe; KauaI Lipotriche abyssinica Lipotriche elliptica Lipotriche felicis Lipotriche gambica Lipotriche marlothiana Lipotriche pungens Lipotriche rhombifolia ) Lipotriche richardsiae Lipotriche robinsonii Lipotriche scaberrima Lipotriche scandens Lipotriche tithonioides Lipotriche triternata Wollastonia biflora Wollastonia dentata