5-31-2020

Heartleaf Arnica (Arnica cordifolia) The Asteraceae family features composite flowers, where what appears as a single flower here, is actually composed of lots of individual ‘disc’ flowers in the center, each with their own pistil and stamens protruding surrounded by the actual, mini petals. And then each of what look like the petals of the single big composite flower are actually individual flowers themselves, known as ‘ray’ flowers, with their pistils seen as little curly cues protruding at the base of each ray flower, on the perimeter of the assembled disc flowers. This all is to promote improved range for fertilization, as these Aster species adapted to the broader spacing of the more northerly climates they were moving into, riding the shifting tectonic plates. Asters account for more plants than any other family. What a whimsical world we have evolved into. Shame about that whole Anthropocene extinction event thing, but you can figure weedy Asters will be among the survivors.