Inula rhizocephala

Inula rhizocephala, is a Himalayan botanical species, rare in cultivation, that has a unique and quite spectacular appearance. This perennial forms a rosette of very flat leaves, similar to a dandelion. It blooms in summer, on very short stems that cluster together in the centre of the rosette. Its flowers, which resemble small golden daisies, are followed by the formation of small, round brown fruits. This hardy mountain plant thrives in rocky areas and damp soils, in full sun. 

Inula rhizocephala belongs to the family of asters, like sunflowers. It is a wild plant native to the Himalayas, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia. In nature, it is found between 2,100 and 4,900 metres above sea level. This species is widespread in a wide range of habitats: coniferous forests, wet meadows along watercourses, river banks, springs, thickets, and rocky and clayey slopes of high mountain plateaus. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, but short-lived, with a taproot. It develops into a ground-hugging rosette. Its leaves are elongated, spoon-shaped, blunt, 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long, dark glaucous green, with a well-marked white central vein. They are covered with long, fine, stiff hairs that catch the morning dew. The entire rosette measures about 12-15cm (5-6in) wide. Flowering occurs from June to August. It appears as a peduncle-less, dome-shaped cluster. The cluster consists of flower heads measuring 1.9 to 2.5cm (1in) in diameter. Each head has a yellow central disk surrounded by thin ligulate florets, golden yellow in colour. The fruits are brown, round, finely longitudinally ribbed, covered with short red hairs. They measure less than 3mm (less than 0.1in) in diameter. Under favourable conditions, this Inula can self-seed. The deciduous foliage disappears in winter.

Very hardy, this inula appreciates full sun and chalky soils. Perfect in an alpine rock garden, it adapts quite well in gardens, as long as the soil is sufficiently moist and it's protected from gastropods. It is a plant that stands out due to its resemblance to a large dandelion. Some connoisseurs use it as ground cover in very damp, pebble-strewn areas. To accompany it, consider the full range of plants for a damp rock garden. When cultivated in a pot, it is also very attractive.