Sexton Mountain mariposa lily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sexton Mountain mariposa lily |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calochortus
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| Species: |
indecorus
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The Calochortus indecorus was a type of flowering plant. It belonged to the lily family. People also called it the Sexton Mountain mariposa lily. This plant was only found in one small area. That area was Sexton Mountain in Josephine County, Oregon, in the United States. Sadly, scientists now think this plant is extinct. This means it no longer exists anywhere in the world.
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What Was the Sexton Mountain Mariposa Lily?
The Sexton Mountain mariposa lily was a plant that lived for many years. It grew from a thick, straight stem. This stem could reach up to 22 centimeters (about 8.5 inches) tall.
How Did It Look?
The plant had beautiful flowers. It could have up to six bell-shaped flowers. These flowers were a lovely lavender color. After the flowers, the plant grew a fruit. This fruit was a special kind of seed pod. It was shaped like a capsule and had small "wings." These wings helped the seeds spread. The seed pod could grow up to 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) long.
Where Did This Plant Live?
The Sexton Mountain mariposa lily lived in a very specific place. It grew on mountain slopes. The soil there was a special type called serpentine. This kind of soil is rocky and has unique minerals. Only certain plants can grow well in it.
Why Did It Disappear?
This plant was very rare. It was only found and recorded one time. After that single discovery, no one has seen it again. Scientists believe it might have become extinct. This could have happened because of building work. Construction for Interstate 5 might have destroyed its habitat.
