Beach suncup facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beach suncup |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Camissoniopsis
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| Species: |
cheiranthifolia
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The beach suncup (scientific name: Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia) is a special plant. It is also known as the beach evening primrose. This plant belongs to the evening primrose family. You can find it growing naturally along the coasts of California and Oregon. It loves sandy places like open dunes and beaches.
What is the Beach Suncup?
The beach suncup is a unique plant that grows flat along the ground. It spreads out to form wide mats, sometimes more than 1 meter (about 3 feet) across! This helps it survive in its windy, sandy home.
How the Plant Grows
This plant has long stems that grow out from a central point. These stems are covered with pretty, silvery grey-green leaves. Because it grows low and spreads out, the beach suncup can handle strong coastal winds. Its flexible stems also help it stay strong on shifting sands.
Its Beautiful Flowers
The beach suncup has bright yellow flowers. Each flower has four petals. These flowers typically open in the morning, which is common for suncup plants. As the day goes on, the yellow color of the petals slowly changes to a reddish shade.
Types of Beach Suncup
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the beach suncup:
- Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. cheiranthifolia
- Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa (S.Watson) W.L.Wagner & Hoch
