Seaside petunia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seaside petunia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calibrachoa
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| Species: |
parviflora
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Calibrachoa parviflora is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes and potatoes! People often call this plant the seaside petunia because its flowers look a bit like tiny petunias.
This plant grows naturally in many parts of South America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. It has also spread to other places, like the southeastern United States and Australia. In Australia, you might sometimes find it growing as a weed in New South Wales.
Contents
What Does Seaside Petunia Look Like?
The seaside petunia is a small plant that grows close to the ground. It has thin stems that spread out and can even grow roots where they touch the soil. This helps the plant spread easily.
Stems and Leaves
The parts of the plant that stand up have lots of leaves. These leaves are a bit thick and sticky. They are shaped like long ovals or wide spearheads. The sticky feeling comes from tiny glands on the plant.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the seaside petunia grow where the leaves meet the stems. Each flower is quite small, less than one centimeter (about half an inch) wide. They are shaped like a funnel or a bell. Each flower has five purple petals. The part of the flower closest to the stem is usually a lighter color.
After the flower blooms, it produces a tiny fruit. This fruit is a small capsule, only a few millimeters wide. It holds the seeds for the next generation of plants.
Where Does Seaside Petunia Grow?
This plant is native to many warm regions. It likes places with lots of sun and can often be found near coasts or in sandy areas. Its ability to spread and root from its stems helps it grow in different environments.
