38- Branqueja - Pterocaulon lanatum O. Kuntze (Asteraceae)

 

Herbaceous or sub-shrub plant, annual or biannual, from 60 to 120 cm in height. It has a branched, erect, winged stem covered with gray down. Simple leaves, arranged alternately, in a spear shape, with serrated margins and covered with white down on both sides, with a greater quantity on the underside. Flowers located at the apex of the branches, composed of small rounded groups and accompanied by leaf bracts. Dried fruit with silky white hair crown.

 

I saw this sister of the white girl in a field infested with brachiariae, where she stood out, for her almost velvety texture and a strong light green color that looked phosphorescent with the intense sunlight.

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It was curious, it seemed that the plant had a different "presence" there, maybe it was impossible for me to stop looking at it, and it became a point of reference every time I entered that space. Perhaps with some plants I will establish a certain bond, by periodically visiting the place where they are. I would probably say good morning if she did, but I don't want to give the impression that I'm one of those crazy people who hug trees. My relationship with plants does not have this kind of “humanizing” affection. But I confess that I was sad when I saw that they made a fire next to her and I didn't have much left.

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Distribution: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and South of Brazil, vegetating even in places occupied with crops and pastures.

Situation in São Paulo: Considered invasive or harmful, without dense populations.

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How to plant: You can do a transplant or use the seeds and spread them on the ground, with occasional germination.

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Uses: Interesting in cerrado landscaping, as an adjunct to other species. Planted in massifs, it has a formidable appearance, both for its appearance and for the soft touch like wool, when for the leaves of coloration that changes according to the growing conditions, and often gets to be slightly silver. Interesting plant for sensory gardens, because it is very soft to the touch and regenerates very easily

 

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LORENZI, H. DANINE PLANTS IN BRAZIL: TERRESTRIAL, AQUATIC, PARASITE AND TOXIC. PLANTARUM INSTITUTE. NOVA ODESSA, SP, 4th ED. 2008. 672P. IL.

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MOREIRA, HJC; BRAGANÇA, HBN MANUAL OF IDENTIFICATION OF INFESTING PLANTS - HORTIFRUTI. SÃO PAULO: FMC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, 2011.