California Orcutt grass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids California Orcutt grass |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Orcuttia
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| Species: |
californica
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Have you ever heard of a special grass called the California Orcutt Grass? Its scientific name is Orcuttia californica. This rare plant is a type of grass that grows in very unique places.
Where Does It Live?
This grass loves to grow in special places called vernal pools. Imagine a shallow pond that fills with water during the rainy season. Then, it dries up completely when the weather gets warm. That's a vernal pool!
The California Orcutt Grass is found in southern California and northern Baja California in Mexico. It grows in scattered spots within these vernal pools.
It's very rare! In 1993, scientists knew of fewer than 20 places where it grew. Some of these spots include the Santa Rosa Plateau, a creek near Hemet, and Otay Mesa in San Diego County. There was even one spot in Woodland Hills.
Sadly, many vernal pools are disappearing because of new buildings and cities. This makes it harder for the California Orcutt Grass to survive. Because it is so rare and its home is shrinking, it is listed as an endangered species by the government.
What Does It Look Like?
The California Orcutt Grass is a small plant. It's an annual grass, which means it grows from a seed, flowers, and dies all in one year.
It's usually less than 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) tall. Its stems often lie flat on the ground, forming small clumps or mats. This grass is bright green and feels a bit sticky. It also has a unique smell and a bitter taste.
Its leaves are short, only about 1 or 2 centimeters long. The plant grows one set of leaves when the vernal pool is wet. Then, it grows another set of leaves when the pool dries up.
The plant's flowers grow in a cluster up to 6 centimeters long. You might see red-maroon or pink parts called anthers sticking out from the flower clusters.
