Bay star-vine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bay star-vine |
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| Schisandra glabra flower | |
| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Schisandra
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| Species: |
glabra
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The bay star-vine, also known as Schisandra glabra, is a special plant. It's the only type of Schisandra found in America. Most plants in this group live in Asia. This vine grows naturally in the southeastern United States and northern Mexico. Even though it grows in many places, it is considered a vulnerable species. This means it needs protection. Its populations are shrinking because of plants like Japanese honeysuckle taking over its space. Also, its natural homes are disappearing.
About the Bay Star-Vine
The bay star-vine is a woody plant. It can trail along the ground or climb. Sometimes, it can reach heights of over 20 meters (67 feet)! That's like climbing a six-story building.
What It Looks Like
The leaves of the bay star-vine are shaped like an oval or a heart. They can grow up to 13 centimeters (5.2 inches) long.
This plant has both male and female flowers on the same plant. This is called being monoecious. The male flowers produce pollen, and the female flowers produce seeds. The sepals, which are like small leaves protecting the flower, are whitish. The petals, which are the colorful parts of the flower, are pink or red.
After the flowers, the plant grows red berries. These berries are round or slightly oval. They can be up to 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) long.
Where It Grows
You can find the bay star-vine in wooded areas. It likes bluffs, hillsides, and ravines. It usually grows at elevations less than 500 meters (1650 feet).
It is native to states like Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. You might also find it in Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Hidalgo in Mexico.
Spelling the Name
You might see the name spelled in different ways. Some old books might say Schizandra. Others might use Stellandria. But the correct and accepted spelling today is Schisandra.
