Dittrichia is a small genus of flowering plants in the daisy family (Compositae, also known as Asteraceae), within the order Asterales. It contains only two accepted species — Dittrichia viscosa (false yellowhead or yellow fleabane) and Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort or sticky stinkweed) — both native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe and North Africa.
The genus was segregated from the formerly broader genus Inula, with which Dittrichia species were long classified. Both members are aromatic, resinous-stemmed herbaceous or subshrubby plants bearing yellow composite flower heads typical of the daisy family.
Dittrichia graveolens has a wider range extending into southwest Asia as far east as Pakistan and has become naturalized in California, Australia, and parts of Africa. Dittrichia viscosa is more strictly Mediterranean in its native distribution. Both species are noted for their strong, sometimes unpleasant odour — reflected in common names such as "stinkwort" and "sticky stinkweed."
Etymology
The genus name Dittrichia honours German botanist Manfred Dittrich (1934–2016), who served as director of the herbarium at the Botanical Garden in Berlin.
Distribution
Both species are native to the Mediterranean region, encompassing southern Europe and North Africa. Dittrichia graveolens additionally extends into southwest Asia as far east as Pakistan and has been naturalized in California, Australia, Africa, and other regions.
Taxonomy Notes
Dittrichia species were formerly included in the genus Inula (family Compositae). The genus is accepted by GBIF with three descendant taxa recorded under its key.
