Moquinia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, historically recognized for the single species Moquinia racemosa. The genus was named in honor of Alfred Moquin-Tandon, a French botanist.
Taxonomy and Classification
Historically, Moquinia racemosa was the sole species attributed to the genus Moquinia. However, modern phylogenetic studies and taxonomic revisions have led to the reclassification of Moquinia racemosa. It is now often considered a synonym of Gochnatia racemosa or, in some classifications, placed within the genus Richterago (as Richterago racemosa). The genus Moquinia is therefore largely considered obsolete or a synonym of Gochnatia within the tribe Gochnatieae, a group known for its complex taxonomic history and distinct morphology within the family Asteraceae.
Distribution and Habitat
The species formerly known as Moquinia racemosa is endemic to Brazil, particularly found in the southeastern regions. It typically inhabits dry forests and savannah-like ecosystems, often growing on rocky or sandy soils.
Characteristics
As Moquinia racemosa, the plant is characterized by its shrubby or small tree form, reaching several meters in height. It features simple, alternate leaves and produces inflorescences composed of numerous small, whitish to yellowish flower heads, typical of the Asteraceae family. Its fruit is an achene, often topped with a pappus, aiding in wind dispersal.
Etymology
The genus name Moquinia was established by Augustin Saint-Hilaire and Charles Gaudichaud in 1842 to honor Christian Horace Bénédict Alfred Moquin-Tandon (1804–1863), a prominent French botanist, physician, and zoologist.