Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.

Erect annual, (15)–30–110 cm tall. Stems moderately to densely clothed in short hairs, becoming glabrous below, striate, much-branched above to form infl. Lvs shortly petiolate or subsessile, ovate-triangular, (1)–2-pinnate, (2)–3–12 cm long; leaflets glabrous or sparsely clothed in short hairs and ciliolate, usually linear, rarely narrow-lanceolate, 5–30 mm long. Upper cauline lvs becoming smaller and apetiolate. Capitula (25)–45–90 mm diam., in loose cymes; peduncles glabrous or sparsely hairy. Outer involucral bracts foliaceous, glabrous, green with darker lines, ovate-oblong with extended acuminate apex; inner bracts membranous, pale green to brown with dark lined centre and pale margins, ovate-triangular, obtuse to acute. Receptacular scales membranous, acuminate. Ray florets (4)–7–9; ligules pale to deep mauve-pink, pink or white. Disc florets numerous, yellow. Achenes (3)–4-angled, fusiform with attenuated beak, brown, glabrous except for short antrorse hairs toward apex, 5–12 mm long; pappus 0.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Jan.–May.