Question: I've been wondering recently if Marsh Elder and Common Ragweed might be related more closely than just being in the …
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Question
I've been wondering recently if Marsh Elder and Common Ragweed might be related more closely than just being in the same family (Asteraceae). They have unusual and markedly similar flowers. Perhaps the same Tribe or Subtrribe? Are there any other genera that have similar flowers/fruits?
Answer
chaffeemonell, yes, they belong to the same tribe (Heliantheae), and also the same subtribe (Ambrosiinae). These are plants that have chaff (i.e., receptacular bracts) between the disk flowers and stamens with distinct (as opposed to fused together) anthers. Best wishes.
