Branched noseburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Branched noseburn |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tragia
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| Species: |
ramosa
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Tragia ramosa is a type of flowering plant often called branched noseburn or desert tragia. It belongs to the spurge family. This plant is known for its stinging hairs, which can be a bit prickly if you touch them!
It grows naturally in the southern Great Plains, the South Central, and Southwestern United States. You can also find it in Northern Mexico. Tragia ramosa likes to live in places like scrublands, woodlands, and dry desert or plateau areas.
About the Plant
Tragia ramosa is a perennial herb, which means it's a plant that lives for many years. It usually grows straight up, reaching a height of about 10 to 30 centimeters (about 4 to 12 inches).
Stinging Hairs and Leaves
The plant is covered in long, rough hairs that can sting you, a bit like a nettle. Its leaves are shaped like a spear or an oval. They have edges that look like tiny teeth. Each leaf grows on a small stalk called a petiole.
Flowers and Fruit
Tragia ramosa is a monoecious plant. This means it has both male and female flowers on the same plant. Its flower cluster, called an inflorescence, usually has a few male flowers and one female flower.
The flowers of Tragia ramosa do not have colorful petals. Instead, they have green, leaf-like parts called sepals that protect the flower bud. After the female flower is pollinated, it grows into a small fruit called a capsule. This capsule holds the plant's seeds.
