Calochortus aureus facts for kids
Calochortus aureus is a beautiful wild flower found in parts of North America. It's often called the Golden Mariposa Lily because of its bright yellow flowers. This plant belongs to the lily family and grows in the southwestern United States.
Quick facts for kids Calochortus aureus |
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| Near Crystal Forest site in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calochortus
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| Species: |
aureus
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Contents
About the Golden Mariposa Lily
The Golden Mariposa Lily grows from a bulb, much like a tulip. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. Each plant sends up a single stem that can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall.
What Its Flowers Look Like
The flowers of the Golden Mariposa Lily are a bright, sunny lemon-yellow. They often have small red or purple spots on their petals. These spots make the flowers even more interesting to look at.
Where It Grows
You can find Calochortus aureus in the southwestern United States. It grows naturally in Arizona, southern Utah, northwestern New Mexico, and southwestern Colorado. It likes to grow in dry, open areas.
The Discovery of This Flower
The Golden Mariposa Lily was first officially described in 1873. A scientist named Sereno Watson wrote about it. He based his description on a plant collected by Ellen Powell Thompson.
How It Was Found
Ellen Powell Thompson found this plant in 1872. She was near a place called Kanab in Utah. She was part of a big expedition exploring the Colorado River. This expedition was led by John Wesley Powell.
Its Scientific Name
The plant specimen Ellen collected is kept at a special plant collection in the United States. Later, another scientist thought it was a type of Calochortus nuttallii. But now, scientists agree it is its own unique species, just as Sereno Watson first described it.
