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Calochortus umbellatus facts for kids

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Calochortus umbellatus
Calochortus umbellatus.jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Calochortus
Species:
umbellatus
Synonyms

Calochortus collinus Lemmon

The Calochortus umbellatus, also known as the Oakland mariposa lily or Oakland star-tulip, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the lily family. This special flower is found only in California, United States.

Discover the Oakland Mariposa Lily

The Oakland mariposa lily is a unique plant. It is a type of Calochortus flower. These flowers are known for their delicate, cup-shaped blooms. They often have interesting patterns inside.

Where Does This Special Flower Grow?

The Oakland mariposa lily is an endemic species. This means it grows naturally in only one specific place. For this lily, that place is California. It has a limited distribution, meaning it doesn't spread very far.

You can mostly find it in the San Francisco Bay Region. There are also a few smaller groups of these plants. These are found in Humboldt, Mendocino, and Nevada Counties.

What Does the Oakland Mariposa Lily Look Like?

The Calochortus umbellatus is a type of perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years. It also has soft stems, not woody ones like a tree. It can grow up to about 25 centimeters (or almost 10 inches) tall. It often has branches.

The plant produces lovely white or pale pink flowers. These flowers grow in a cluster that looks a bit like an umbrella. This type of flower cluster is called a sub-umbellate inflorescence. Each plant can have between 3 and 10 flowers.

Why Is This Plant Important?

The Oakland mariposa lily is listed by the California Native Plant Society. It is on their list 4.2 of rare and endangered plants. This means the plant is not very common. It needs protection to make sure it continues to grow in the wild. Protecting plants like this helps keep our natural world diverse and healthy.

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