Aliciella subnuda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aliciella subnuda |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aliciella
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| Species: |
subnuda
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| Synonyms | |
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Gilia subnuda Torr. ex A.Gray |
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The coral gilia or carmine gilia (scientific name: Aliciella subnuda) is a pretty flowering plant. It belongs to the phlox family. You can find it growing in the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands region in the southwestern United States. This plant can live for two years (biennial) or many years (perennial).
Contents
What Does the Coral Gilia Look Like?
How It Grows
The coral gilia grows from a group of leaves at its base, called a basal rosette. It can reach a height of about 6 to 20 inches (15 to 50 cm). This plant can live for two years or even longer.
Its leaves and stems are a bit sticky. This stickiness helps them catch sand and dirt that blows in the wind. This gives the plant a sandy, dusty look.
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of the coral gilia are shaped like a spatula or an egg. They are about 3/4 to 3 3/4 inches (2 to 9.5 cm) long. These leaves also have sticky hairs. The stems are thin and sticky too.
Flowers and Fruit
This plant blooms from May to July. Its flowers are reddish or carmine (a deep red) in color. They grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. Each flower has a tube-like part that is about 3/8 to 3/4 inches (1 to 2 cm) long. This tube then opens up into five pretty lobes.
Where Does the Coral Gilia Live?
You can find the coral gilia in warm, dry places. It grows in desert shrublands, pinyon juniper woodlands, and ponderosa pine forests. It is found across the southwestern United States.
Who Visits This Flower?
The bright flowers of the coral gilia attract visitors! Bees and hummingbirds help to pollinate these plants. This means they help the plant make seeds so new plants can grow.
