Callirhoe scabriuscula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Callirhoe scabriuscula |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Callirhoe
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| Species: |
scabriuscula
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Callirhoe scabriuscula is a special kind of flowering plant. It is also known as the Texas poppy mallow. This plant is part of the mallow family. It is very rare and only grows in Texas. You can find it in sandy areas near the Colorado River. This plant is an endemic species, meaning it naturally lives only in this one place. Sadly, much of its home has been lost. Because of this, it was listed as an endangered species in 1981. This means it is protected by law.
Contents
What is the Texas Poppy Mallow Like?
This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows back each year from its roots. The stem stands tall, sometimes over one meter high. It has beautiful, cup-shaped flowers. These flowers are usually a bright magenta or a deep wine red. Each petal has a darker red spot at its base.
When Do the Flowers Bloom?
The Texas poppy mallow flowers for a short time. This usually happens in May or June. Each flower opens just before dawn and closes at sunset. It does this every day for about 6 to 8 days. Once a flower is pollinated, it closes quickly. It will then start to wither within 90 minutes. Local bees love these flowers. They are the main pollinators for the plant.
Where Does the Texas Poppy Mallow Grow?
This plant lives in three counties in Texas. These areas are along the Colorado River. They are part of an ecoregion called the Rolling Plains. The Texas poppy mallow only grows in deep, sandy soil. This soil is often moved by wind and water.
Why is its Habitat Disappearing?
The places where this plant grows are often harmed. Many human activities cause this damage. For example, land is used for farming. Sand is also dug up through sand mining. New buildings and roads are built. Chemicals like herbicides (to kill weeds) and insecticides (to kill bugs) are also used. These chemicals can hurt the plants.
People sometimes pick the pretty flowers. This can also harm the plant's ability to grow. Very dry weather, called drought, also causes problems. It makes the soil too dry. This can stop the plants from growing above ground. It can also prevent them from flowering or making seeds.
See also
In Spanish: Callirhoe scabriuscula para niños
