Winding Mariposa lily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Winding Mariposa lily |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calochortus
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| Species: |
flexuosus
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The Calochortus flexuosus is a beautiful wild flower. It is a type of lily and is often called the winding Mariposa lily or straggling Mariposa lily.
This plant grows from a bulb, like an onion. It comes back every year, making it a perennial. You can find it growing naturally in the Southwestern United States, especially in the Mojave Desert in California. It also grows in northern Mexico. This lily likes to live in dry, desert areas, often growing up through small bushes.
What Does It Look Like?
The winding Mariposa lily usually has one long stem. This stem does not have many leaves, maybe just one or two small ones near the bottom. The stem often bends and curves, which is why it's called "winding." It might also branch out.
At the very top of the stem, you will see a bright, showy flower. These flowers can be pink, lavender, or white. Each petal has a solid yellow area at its base. You might also see stripes or spots of white and red there.
How It Was Discovered
The Calochortus flexuosus was first described as a new species in 1873. A scientist named Sereno Watson officially named it. He based his description on a plant sample collected in 1872.
This sample was found by Ellen Powell Thompson near Kanab, Utah. She was part of a big survey exploring the Colorado River area. Her plant sample, which is very important, is now kept in the United States National Herbarium.
