Chaptalia nutans

Chaptalia nutans is a species of plant in the Asteraceae family native to tropical and subtropical America. It is the most common species of its genus.

Vegetative characteristics
Chaptalia nutans is a terrestrial herb with a short primary root and fibrous lateral roots. The small stem produces sessile, hairy leaves.

Generative characteristics
The peduncles 10–60 cm long. The nodding capitulum has 150-320 florets. The pappus is cream-coloured.

Cytology
The diploid chromosome count is 2n = 48.

Reproduction
In Brazil, flowering and fruiting occurs in October to January, when the dry season is coming to an end.

Habitat
It occurs in warm and humid habitats in shade, and may also be found in habitats experiencing seasonal droughts.

Publication
It was first published as Tussilago nutans L. by Carl Linnaeus in 1759. It was transferred to the genus Chaptalia Vent. as Chaptalia nutans (L.) Pol. by Hellmuth Polakowski (1847–1917) in 1878.

Etymology
The specific epithet nutans means "nodding". It refers to the nodding inflorescences.

Use
It has applications in folk medicine.

Cultivation
It is easy to grow.