Plagiolophus millspaughii

Plagiolophus millspaughii is a perennial herb or shrubby plant in the family Asteraceae, belonging to the small genus Plagiolophus, distributed in the Caribbean region and Central America. The genus name Plagiolophus derives from Greek meaning 'oblique crest,' likely referring to an asymmetrical or obliquely arranged pappus, a feature that is taxonomically diagnostic. The species is named in honor of Charles Frederick Millspaugh, an American botanist and physician active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, who made extensive botanical collections in the Caribbean, Yucatan Peninsula, and other regions of the Americas. Given this patronym, the species likely occurs in the Caribbean islands or adjacent Central American mainland where Millspaugh conducted fieldwork. Like other composites in this tribe, Plagiolophus species likely produce alternate leaves, erect branched stems, and capitula with tubular florets arranged in loose paniculate or corymbose inflorescences. Caribbean composite flora is characterized by many genera with restricted island distributions, and Plagiolophus represents this pattern of island endemism within the family. The capitula may be small and numerous, bearing purple, white, or pinkish florets. Achenes have the characteristic oblique pappus that distinguishes the genus. Plants of Caribbean dry forests and shrublands experience distinct wet and dry seasons, influencing their phenology. Botanical documentation of Caribbean Asteraceae remains an important area of ongoing research.