Kaibab Plateau Indian paintbrush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kaibab Plateau Indian paintbrush |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Castilleja
|
| Species: |
kaibabensis
|
Castilleja kaibabensis is a special kind of wild flower. It is often called the Kaibab Plateau Indian paintbrush. This plant belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It grows only in one specific place. That place is the Kaibab Plateau in Coconino County, Arizona, in the United States. This makes it an "endemic" plant. Endemic means it is found naturally in only one area.
Contents
Discovering the Kaibab Plateau Indian Paintbrush
The Kaibab Plateau Indian paintbrush is a unique plant. It was first described in 1973. This plant is named after the Kaibab Plateau. This area is a high plateau in northern Arizona. It is known for its beautiful landscapes.
What Does the Kaibab Indian Paintbrush Look Like?
Castilleja kaibabensis is a plant that lives for many years. It has woody stems. These stems are usually covered in fine hairs. Its leaves are shaped like a spear. They are also hairy.
The plant's flowers are not the most colorful part. Instead, bright leaf-like structures surround the flowers. These are called bracts. The bracts are usually yellow or orange. Their color can change even within the same group of plants. These bracts are also hairy. They are divided into several parts, or lobes. This special shape helps scientists identify the plant. The Kaibab Indian paintbrush usually blooms in July.
Where Does the Kaibab Indian Paintbrush Grow?
This plant grows in open areas called meadows. These meadows are found between groups of trees. The trees include spruce, fir, and aspen. The soil where it grows comes from a type of rock called Kaibab limestone. This soil can be silty, clayey, or rocky.
The plant prefers drier spots within its habitat. It can also grow easily in places that have been disturbed. This might include areas where the ground has been moved.
How Is It Related to Other Plants?
Castilleja kaibabensis is one of 14 types of Castilleja plants. All of these types grow in the state of Arizona. Scientists believe the number of Kaibab Indian paintbrush plants is steady. However, it is hard to get an exact count. This is because another similar plant, Castilleja integra, grows in the same area. It can be difficult to tell the two species apart.
