Pentanema hirtum
Pentanema hirtum is a species of perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The specific Latin name hirtum refers to the type of hairiness of the plant.
Description
Pentanema hirtum reaches a height of. The stem is ascending, simple and cylindrical, the surface is striped and hairy. These plants are covered with stiff hairs, almost bristly and light in color. The underground portion consists of a moderate-sized oblique rhizome of a light color. The average size of the rhizome is in width and in length.All the leaves along the stem are alternately arranged, irregularly toothed, erect, tomentose on both sides and hairy on the edge. They are usually laminar, leathery and rough. The base is rounded and the apex is obtuse. The average size of the leaves varies from of width to a length of. Lower leaves have an elliptical or elliptical-lanceolate shape and have a thin petiole. Their size is more or less similar to that of the cauline. Upper leaves are sessile, amplexicaul and more lanceolate.
The flowers are hermaphrodite. The outer flowers are ligulate, bright yellow and female, while the inner ones are tubular, dark yellow and bisexual. The diameter of the flower varies from. The flowering period extends from May through late September. The fruits are glabrous achenes with hairy appendages.