👉 Sterechinus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Asia, Europe, and North America. They are commonly known as "Stereocarpus" due to their distinctive stipe, which resembles a carpenter's block. They have large leaves that can grow up to 60 centimeters long, with a thick, fibrous sheath around the base. This makes them great for drying and preserving fruits and flowers.