''Machaeranthera'' is a genus of
North American flowering plants in the family
Asteraceae which are known by the common name tansyaster.
[Flora of North America Vol. 20 Page 394 ''Machaeranthera'' Nees, Gen. Sp. Aster. 13, 224. 1832. ]
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Tansyasters are variable in appearance. Some are small, singular wildflowers, while others are sprawling shrubs. Several species easily hybridize with each other, as well, making identification difficult. In general, members of the genus may be identified by the sharp-pointed, dagger-shaped anthers
The stamen (plural ''stamina'' or ''stamens'') is the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower. Collectively the stamens form the androecium., p. 10
Morphology and terminology
A stamen typically consists of a stalk called the filam ...
in the disc florets at the center of the flower. The flower heads are usually daisylike, and are usually a shade of purple or blue, but may be pink, yellow, or white. Tansyasters are native to western North America.[
The genus ''Machaeranthera'' is distinguished from the genus '']Dieteria
''Dieteria'' is a North American genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.
The genus ''Dieteria'' is closely related to ''Machaeranthera'' but distinguished by having entire to toothed leaves, whereas ''Machaeranthera'' has once or t ...
'' by having once- or twice-pinnate leaves, whereas ''Dieteria'' has entire to toothed leaves.[Mojave Desert Wildflowers, Pam MacKay, 2nd Ed. 2013, p. 39]
''Machaeranthera'' means "swordlike anthers
The stamen (plural ''stamina'' or ''stamens'') is the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower. Collectively the stamens form the androecium., p. 10
Morphology and terminology
A stamen typically consists of a stalk called the filam ...
".[Great Basin Wildflowers, Laird R. Blackwell, 2006, p. 26]
; Species[Biota of North America Program 2013 county distribution maps]
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References
External links
Jepson Manual Treatment
USDA Plants Profile
{{Taxonbar, from=Q547333
Astereae
Asteraceae genera