Barton Flats horkelia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barton Flats horkelia |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Horkelia
|
| Species: |
wilderae
|
The Horkelia wilderae is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the rose family. People often call it the Barton Flats horkelia. This plant is very rare.
It only grows in one small area. This area is San Bernardino County, California. There are only about ten places where you can find it. These places are near Barton Flats. The plant likes to grow where chaparral meets pine forests. This type of area is called montane chaparral and woodlands. The Horkelia wilderae is in danger because of logging.
What Does It Look Like?
The Horkelia wilderae is a plant that lives for many years. It grows low to the ground. It has a small group of leaves that spread out like a circle. These leaves are not very easy to see.
Each leaf can be up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) long. A leaf is made of several pairs of smaller leaf parts. These smaller parts are shaped like wedges. Their tips are split into several sections.
The plant also grows flowers. Up to 15 flowers grow on a straight stem. Each flower has five green parts called sepals. These sepals are pointed and sometimes curve backward. The flower also has five white petals. These petals are shaped like wedges or long rectangles.
Why Is It Important?
The Horkelia wilderae is a very important part of its habitat. Every plant and animal plays a role in nature. When a species becomes rare, it can affect the whole ecosystem. Protecting rare plants like this helps keep nature healthy.
Threats to the Plant
The biggest danger to the Horkelia wilderae is logging. Logging means cutting down trees for wood. When trees are cut, the plant's home is destroyed. This makes it harder for the plant to survive and grow.
Scientists and conservation groups are working to protect this plant. They want to make sure it can continue to grow in its natural home.
