Andryala integrifolia

Found throughout the Mediterranean region Andryala, a member of the Daisy family (Asteraceae), is rather variable in appearance. The plant is extremely hairy and has barrel-shaped buds surrounded with a neatly-arranged single row of bracts. This wildflower tends to frequent rather sandy or rocky ground but can also be found on heaths. Well known in the Iberian Peninsula but found from north Africa as far east as Greece, Sicily and in Italy, Andryala blooms from April to July.

The specimen shown here was photographed in the Algarve, Portugal, in May.