Aztec gilia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aztec gilia |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aliciella
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| Species: |
formosa
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| Synonyms | |
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Gilia formosa |
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Aztec gilia (scientific name: Aliciella formosa) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the phlox family. This plant is special because it grows naturally only in one place: San Juan County, New Mexico in the United States. When a plant or animal lives only in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place.
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What Does Aztec Gilia Look Like?
The Aztec gilia is a type of plant called a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall. It has several stems that stand straight up. Sometimes, the base of the plant can become a bit woody.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the Aztec gilia are pointed and can be up to 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) long. They also have tiny glands on them. The flowers are shaped like trumpets. They can be longer than two centimeters (about 0.8 inches). These pretty flowers are a lovely pinkish-purple color. You can see them blooming in April and May.
Where Does Aztec Gilia Live?
This unique plant only grows in a specific geological area. This area is known as the Nacimiento Formation. Here, it lives in a type of environment called salt desert scrub. This means it grows in dry, salty soil, often alongside other plants that can handle these tough conditions.
Why Is Aztec Gilia Important?
Even though there are over 100 known places where Aztec gilia grows, it is generally considered rare. In some small areas, you might find many of these plants. However, overall, it is not very common.
Protecting This Special Plant
One of the main challenges for the Aztec gilia is the development of oil and gas. When companies work in these areas, they can disturb the plant's habitat. For example, a company once moved some Aztec gilia plants to a greenhouse. They tried to put them back later, but sadly, only a few of the plants survived. This shows how important it is to protect the places where this rare plant lives.
