About Muscosomorphe aretioides (Turcz.) J.C.Manning
Muscosomorphe is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, which means it contains only one species: Muscosomorphe aretioides. This species is endemic to South Africa, restricted to the Western Cape where it grows in sandstone fynbos. It is a compact, tufted plant that looks similar to a patch of moss on the surface, and forms a mound only a few centimeters tall. Its branches are covered in small, linear leaves. Each of its flower heads holds 6 or 7 white ray florets and 7 to 9 red disc florets. The fruit produced by this species has a plumelike white pappus. Muscosomorphe aretioides grows in exposed, rocky habitat, anchoring itself in thin soil that has accumulated in rock crevices. It can tolerate cold temperatures, dry conditions, wind, and snow. Across its native range, the plant is widespread and its population is not declining.
