Stifftia chrysantha

Stifftia chrysantha is a Brazil-centered member of the molecularly circumscribed tribe Stiffteae, in genus Stifftia.  The genus is currently of great interest due to the uncertainty of its position in the basal grade of Compositae.  Certain characteristics of S. chrysantha support its relation with the Guyana tepui-centered Gongylolepis clade.

S. chyrsantha has a woody stem with rough bark and can grow up between 8 and 10 ft.  It has alternate, entire smooth leaves and reticulate veins.  The involucre has 30 to 40 green, imbricated scales with short hairs.  Actinomorphic corollas are pale orange below and darker above.