Calistoga popcornflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calistoga popcornflower |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Plagiobothrys |
| Species: |
P. strictus
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| Binomial name | |
| Plagiobothrys strictus (Greene) I.M.Johnst.
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The Calistoga popcornflower (scientific name: Plagiobothrys strictus) is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the borage family. This plant grows only in a small area near Calistoga, California in Napa County, California. It is found in just two tiny spots.
What Does the Calistoga Popcornflower Look Like?
The Calistoga popcornflower is an annual plant. This means it lives for only one year. It grows straight up, reaching about 10 to 40 centimeters tall. That's like a small ruler!
Most of the plant is smooth. But its sepals, which are like small leaves protecting the flower bud, have some rough hairs. Its leaves grow along the stem. They are usually 4 to 9 centimeters long.
The plant's flowers grow in clusters. These clusters are on paired branches. Each flower is white and has five small lobes. They are tiny, only about half a centimeter wide. After the flower blooms, it produces a small, ribbed fruit. This fruit is called a nutlet. It is only 1 or 2 millimeters long.
Where Does the Calistoga Popcornflower Live?
This special plant lives in wet, grassy areas. These areas stay moist from water running off hot springs and pools. It needs this specific kind of habitat to grow.
In 1990, experts estimated that the two places where this plant grows covered less than 80 square meters. That's a very small space! Both groups of plants are on land owned by private people. This land is not protected. One of the plant's homes is even right next to a small airport.
Why Is This Plant in Danger?
The Calistoga popcornflower is a federally listed endangered species in the United States. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. Its grassland home is easily disturbed. Since the land is not protected, it faces threats from human activities. Protecting its small habitat is very important for its survival.
 | Percy Lavon Julian |
 | Katherine Johnson |
 | George Washington Carver |
 | Annie Easley |
