Cheirolophus mansanetianus

Perennial of the Asteraceae family, this species is a strict endemic of the Valencian Community, in eastern Spain, where it is known from a few calcareous rocky stations in the pre-coastal and Iberian reliefs. It is among the most threatened plant species of the Iberian Peninsula, listed in Spanish and European protection lists.

It forms bushy clumps, woody at the base, reaching 30 to 60 centimeters in height, with erect to slightly arched stems. The leaves are entire to slightly toothed, oblong to lanceolate, with a grayish-green to whitish underside due to a characteristic tomentose indumentum, which contributes to the plant's adaptation to the xeric and sunny conditions of its natural environment.

The capitula, borne singly or in small numbers at the top of the stems, feature tubular flowers of a lilac-pink to bright pink, surrounded by an involucre with bracts with fringed appendages, characteristic of the genus Cheirolophus. This fringed ornamentation of the bracts, visible even outside of flowering, is one of the most distinctive and elegant traits of the plant.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July.

Its extreme rarity makes it a species rarely available in cultivation. It requires a calcareous, very well-drained substrate, in full sun, and tolerates summer drought. It is suitable for Mediterranean rock gardens and conservatory gardens dedicated to endangered species.