9169.000 Sclerocarpus Jacq.

Scabrid or hispid-pubescent annual herb (in ours). Leaves usually alternate, occasionally opposite, simple. Capitula terminal on the branches, solitary (in ours). Capitula heterogamous; ray florets neuter, few or 0; disk florets tubular, fertile. Phyllaries few, lfy, equalling or exceeding the capitulum. Receptacular scales boat-shaped, clasping the florets, becoming contracted above the achene into a ± tubular neck. Achenes asymmetrically obovoid. Pappus a minute ring or 0.

Worldwide: 8 species in tropical and warm regions of America and Africa

Malawi: 1 taxon.