Dasyphyllum diacanthoides

Dasyphyllum diacanthoides. Distinctive common names: Trevo and Tayu is a species of tree endemic to Chile and Argentina in the Asteraceae family. It occurs from Curico to Chiloe (35 to 42°S) between 200 and 800 m above sea level. It grows on moist and shaded sites and on arid soils.

Description

It is an evergreen tree or that measures up to 15 m (50 ft) tall and over 2 m (80 in) in diameter, soft, thin and brown bark, with deep vertical cracks, it is one of the few genera of Asteraceae which are trees. The leaves are alternate, entire edge, elliptical shaped with acute apex which ends in a micro. The leaves are yellowish green, 2-6 long and 1-2.5 cm wide, glabrous on both surfaces and pubescent on the margins, the petioles are 1-4 mm long.

Provided with two thorns (modified stipules), deciduous at the base of the leaves, the flowers are clustered in inflorescences (terminal Flower heads). The flowers are white and hermaphrodite, 5 stamens with the anthers attached. The fruit is a cylindrical achene about 3-3.5 mm long and 1 mm wide, pubescent, reddish pappi 5 mm long.

Etimology

Dasyphyllum is derived from Greek hairy leaves, diacanthoides from Greek two thorns.

Trevo worm

The larvae of Chilecomadia moorei feed on this plant. They are highly appreciated by terrarium enthusiasts for their use as live food for reptiles and amphibians.

References

• "Dasyphyllum diacanthoides". Enciclopedia de la Flora Chilena. Retrieved 2010-04-07. 
• "Dasyphyllum diacanthoides". Chilebosque. Retrieved 2010-04-07.