Phaenocoma is a genus of South African plants in the pussy's-toes tribe within the sunflower family. The name is derived from the Greek roots φαίνω (to shine) and κόμη (hair), which refer to dry and shiny involucral bracts. Species There is only one known species, Phaenocoma prolifera (Cape Strawflower). The Strawflower is native to cool, well-drained, sandy, mineral soils - often on slopes. It occurs in full sun, in mountain and valley Fynbos shrublands, throughout the southern parts of the Western Cape, South Africa. Description Taxonomy