The flower, calledOvicula biradiataand dubbed the wooly devil, is described in astudypublished February in the journal PhytoKeys.
biradiatabelongs to the sunflower family, even though it doesnt immediately resemble its typically radiant, sunburst-like kin.
Agenusis the biological classification between species and family.
The newly discovered Ovicula biradiata.© James Bailey, California Academy of Sciences
This small plant features furry white leaves and maroon-striped rayflorets(petal-looking parts of a flower head).
Botanists call it a belly plant because its easiest to observe when lying down.
It thrives in rocky, dry habitats and blooms only after it rains.
Wooly devils growing in rocky earth. © Big Bend National Park
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Park botanist Carolyn Whiting photographs the small wooly devil. © Big Bend National Park
