Hemistepta lyrata, a
biennial herb found on roadsides or in vacant lots in rural
districts, grows to 60-90cm in height. Leaves are tender, pinnately
profoundly cleft, and the apertures between the segments are broadly
open. Flower heads, red-purple, 2.5cm across, put themselves on
branch tips and bloom facing upward. Involucres are spherical; their
bracts arrange in 8 rows, with crest-like projections on the
backside upper parts. Bloom time: May-June. |