Raoulia | |
---|---|
Raoulia glabra | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Asteraceae |
Subfamily: | Asteroideae |
Tribe: | Gnaphalieae |
Genus: | Raoulia Hook.f. ex Raoul |
Type species | |
Raoulia australis | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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[2]Raoulia is a genus of New Zealand plants in the tribe Gnaphalieae within the family Asteraceae.[3][4]
Many Raoulia species grow in alpine areas, forming very fine and dense growths.[5] These compact growths form large amorphous cushion-like masses with only the growing tips visible. Due to their shape and form, the plant clusters resemble sheep from afar, this giving them their alternate name, vegetable sheep.[6]
The range of some species, such as Raoulia beauverdii, includes coastal places.[7]