Cape Sable whiteweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape Sable whiteweed |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ageratum
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| Species: |
littorale
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| Synonyms | |
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Ageratum littorale, also known as Cape Sable whiteweed,' is a special plant that grows naturally in Florida. Its common name comes from Cape Sable, a place inside Everglades National Park.
This plant is sometimes thought to be the same as another plant called A. maritimum, which grows in the Caribbean. However, many plant experts agree that A. littorale and A. maritimum are two different types of plants.
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What is Cape Sable Whiteweed?
Cape Sable whiteweed is a type of plant called a perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years and doesn't have a woody stem like a tree. It can grow up to about 50 centimeters (20 inches) tall.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant loves to grow in sandy areas, like beaches and nearby bushy spots along the coast. You can also find it in higher, drier areas called hummocks, and even along roadsides. It usually grows in places that are less than 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level.
How Does It Grow?
Cape Sable whiteweed spreads out along the ground. It has special underground stems called rhizomes that help it spread and grow new plants. Its main stems are smooth, except for small bumps where the leaves and branches grow.
The leaves of the plant are shaped like an oval or a long oval, and they can be up to 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) long.
What Do Its Flowers Look Like?
The flowers of the Cape Sable whiteweed are very pretty! They can be blue, lavender (a light purple), or white. These small flowers grow together in groups that look like a cyme, which is a type of flower cluster where the oldest flower is at the center.
