Gongylolepis

  • Authority

    Maguire, Bassett & Wurdack, John J. 1957. The Botany of the Guiana Highland -- Part II. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 9 (3): 235-392.

  • Family

    Asteraceae

  • Scientific Name

    Gongylolepis

  • Discussion

    The basic genus, composed of eleven species and three subspecific taxa. It, like its gochnatinioid analogue, is arboreous, has large massive many flowered, many-bracted terminal solitary heads, large flowers with complex venation, ample pinninerved leaves, and is geographically widespread throughout Guayana. It is believed to have given rise to at least three genera, each of which has 3 or fewer species. All are shrubby, have small few-flowered heads, simpler "advanced" small flowers, and are each geographically restricted.