Bowlesia is a genus of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), order Apiales. The genus comprises approximately 16 species distributed across the subtropical Americas, from the Pacific Northwest and southeastern United States south through Mexico, and through much of South America from Ecuador and southeastern Brazil to Patagonia and southern Chile.
Plants in this genus are typically delicate, low-growing herbs with lobed or reniform (kidney-shaped) leaves and small, inconspicuous umbellate flowers characteristic of the Apiaceae family. The most widespread and studied species is Bowlesia incana, which ranges broadly through temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas and is notable for its softly hairy stems and leaves.
Distribution
Bowlesia occurs across the subtropical Americas. In North America, its range extends from Oregon and Florida south through southeastern Mexico. In South America, species are found from Ecuador and southeastern Brazil south to southern Argentina and southern Chile.
Taxonomy Notes
Bowlesia is placed in the family Apiaceae (order Apiales), the large carrot or umbellifer family. GBIF recognises 9 descendant taxa under the genus; approximately 16 species are cited in the broader literature.
