Biology:Leontopodium

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Short description: Genus of flowering plants

Leontopodium
Alpen Edelweiß, Leontopodium alpinum 2.JPG
Edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale)
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Gnaphalieae
Genus: Leontopodium
(Pers.) R.Br. ex Cass.
L. shinanense

Leontopodium is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus is native to Europe and Asia.[1][2] The fuzzy and somewhat stocky "petals" (technically, bracts) could be thought of as somewhat resembling lions' paws—hence the genus name combining Greek léōn ('lion') and pódion ('foot').[3][4][5]

The genus includes the edelweiss (L. nivale),[6][7] a well-known plant from the mountains of Europe. The term edelweiss can, more rarely, refer to other members of the genus.[8]

Taxonomy

The following species are currently recognized:[9]

In popular culture

Leontopodium nivale, the edelweiss, has been regarded as a national symbol of Austria, worn as a cap emblem by Austrian troops and displayed on Austrian coins.[10] A song about the plant, written by Oscar Hammerstein, was featured in the musical production The Sound of Music.[11]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q1483297 entry