Ovicula
| Ovicula | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: | Asteroideae |
| Tribe: | Helenieae |
| Subtribe: | Tetraneurinae |
| Genus: | Ovicula Manley[1] |
| Species: | O. biradiata |
| Binomial name | |
| Ovicula biradiata | |
| |
| It is native to Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA[1] | |
Ovicula biradiata is a species of plant in the family Asteraceae from the Chihuahuan Desert in Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA.[1] It is the only species in the genus Ovicula.
Description
Vegetative characteristics
Ovicula is a small, annual, 1–2(–3) cm tall, and 1–7 cm wide plant.[1]
Generative characteristics
The solitary inflorescences are sessile with 1 mm long peduncles.[1]
Taxonomy
It was published by Debra L. Manley in 2025. It is placed in the subtribe Tetraneurinae.[1]
Etymology
The generic name Ovicula is derived from the Latin Ovis meaning sheep, referring to the woolly appearance of the plant. The specific epithet biradiata refers to the two ray florets of the inflorescences.[1][2][3]
Ecology
Habitat
It occurs in dry, rocky habitats.[3]
Conservation
The preliminary conservation status is vulnerable (VU).[1] The exact location of the populations are not disclosed, due to conservation concerns.[4] It may be threatened by climate change.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Manley, D. L., Marck, I. H. L., Peralta, K., Castro, A. C., Wogan, K. A., Whiting, C. V., & Powell, A. M. (2025). Ovicula biradiata, a new genus of Compositae from Big Bend National Park in Trans-Pecos Texas. PhytoKeys, 252, 141-162.
- ^ a b Large, H. (2025, February 20). “Wooly Devil” is first new plant genus found in US National Park for nearly 50 years. IFLScience. https://www.iflscience.com/wooly-devil-is-first-new-plant-genus-found-in-us-national-park-for-nearly-50-years-78131
- ^ a b California Academy of Sciences and Partners Uncover New Sunflower Species in Big Bend National Park, Texas. (n.d.). California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.calacademy.org/press/releases/california-academy-of-sciences-and-partners-uncover-new-sunflower-species-in-big-bend
- ^ Willetts, M. (2025, February 20). ‘Devil’-like flower with ‘horns’ found in Texas is new species. Its location is secret. Centre Daily Times. https://www.centredaily.com/news/nation-world/national/article300688074.html