Calystegia macrostegia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calystegia macrostegia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calystegia
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| Species: |
macrostegia
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| Synonyms | |
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Convolvulus macrostegius |
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Calystegia macrostegia, also known as island false bindweed or island morning glory, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the morning glory family, called Convolvulaceae. This plant is known for its pretty white or pink flowers.
Where It Grows
This plant naturally grows in California. You can find it along the coasts in Southern California. It also grows south into Baja California, Mexico.
It is found on all the Channel Islands. This is why it's called "island" morning glory. You can also see it in mountain ranges like the Peninsular Ranges and Transverse Ranges. It also grows in the Outer Southern California Coast Ranges.
What It Looks Like
Calystegia macrostegia is a woody plant. It can be a low vine that spreads on the ground. Or, it can be a strong climbing plant. It can grow up to 9 meters (about 30 feet) long! Its leaves are shaped like triangles. They can be more than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) wide.
The plant produces lovely flowers. They can be white, very pale pink, or even lavender. The color often changes based on how much water the plant gets or the temperature. These flowers can be 2 to 6 centimeters (about 1 to 2.5 inches) wide.
Types of Calystegia macrostegia
There are different types, or subspecies, of this plant. They are:
- Calystegia macrostegia ssp. amplissima
- Calystegia macrostegia ssp. arida
- Calystegia macrostegia ssp. cyclostegia
- Calystegia macrostegia ssp. intermedia
- Calystegia macrostegia ssp. macrostegia
- Calystegia macrostegia ssp. tenuifolia
How People Use It
Calystegia macrostegia is grown as an ornamental plant. This means people plant it because it looks nice. It is used as a vine or a plant that covers the ground.
It is popular in native plant gardens. It's also great for drought-tolerant gardens. These gardens use plants that don't need much water. It also helps wildlife gardens. This plant is good for native bee species, as they love its flowers!
