Castilleja caudata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castilleja caudata |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Castilleja
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| Species: |
caudata
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The Castilleja caudata is a cool plant often called the Port Clarence Indian paintbrush or pale Indian paintbrush. It's a type of wildflower that grows in some of the coldest places on Earth. You can find it in Alaska, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut in North America. It also grows in the far northeastern part of Russia. The name "Port Clarence" comes from a place in Alaska near the Bering Sea.
What is the Port Clarence Indian Paintbrush?
This plant is a type of herb. It has a short main root that grows straight down, called a taproot. What's really interesting about this plant is how it gets its food. It's a "facultative parasite." This means it can make its own food like most plants. But it can also get extra nutrients from other plants nearby. Think of it like a part-time helper! It grows much better and healthier when it can "borrow" food from its neighbors.
How Tall Does It Get?
The stems of the Port Clarence Indian paintbrush can grow up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. That's about the length of a standard ruler and a half!
What Do Its Leaves and Flowers Look Like?
The lower parts of the plant, like the bottom of the stems and leaves, are usually smooth. But as you go higher up, they become finely hairy. Near the flowers, they can even feel a bit bristly. The leaves are long and narrow, getting thinner towards the tip.
The plant has a cluster of 5 to 12 flowers at the top. These flowers are usually greenish-yellow. Each flower has a special leaf-like part called a bract (BRACT) right below it. These bracts can be greenish-yellow or a creamy white color. They help make the plant look even more unique!
