Compilation
Cryptostemma calendulaceum

stemless or caulescent; leaves scabrous above, hoary beneath, lyrate or runcinate, the lateral lobes variously cut or toothed, margins flat. Extremely variable in habit; sometimes stemless, with rosulate radical leaves and scape-like pedunc.; sometimes prostrate or creeping, with exactly the aspect of Arctotheca repens; or erect, branched, 1–2 ft. high, like some Arctotis. Leaves as variable in cutting and pubescence; all degrees of lyrate or pinnatifid, sometimes sinuate or entire; either green above and white woolled beneath, or equally tomentose on both sides. The most constant character by which to recognize this Proteus is the achenes, which when ripe are hidden in their very thick coat of silky wool; but alas! I have found (Herb. Hk.!), in the same head, perfectly glabrous fruits mixed with woolly ones!! But for their pappus, such resemble the achenes of Arctotheca.