Chalk lettuce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chalk lettuce |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dudleya
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| Species: |
pulverulenta
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Dudleya pulverulenta is a cool plant often called chalk lettuce or chalk dudleya. It's a type of succulent plant, which means it stores water in its leaves. This plant is famous for its unique white, powdery coating, which looks like chalk!
Contents
Where It Grows
This plant, a type of Dudleya, naturally grows in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. You can find it in rocky places, like mountains near the coast or in desert areas. It loves steep, open spots, such as the Santa Monica Mountains.
What It Looks Like
The chalk dudleya has wide, flat leaves that grow in a circular shape, like a rose. This is called a rosette. The leaves are usually pale green, but they can turn a bit pink and papery as they get older.
From the center of the rosette, tall stems grow upwards. These stems are also pale green or white. Both the leaves and stems are covered in a thick, chalky white powder. This powder is actually a special kind of wax!
At the top of the stems, you'll see many pinkish flowers. These flowers grow in a cluster called an inflorescence. Each flower sits on a long stalk, called a pedicel. The chalk dudleya looks a lot like another plant called Dudleya brittonii.
Where It Lives and Thrives
This plant can handle lots of sun or a bit of shade. It's pretty tough! It can even survive cold temperatures, as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit (about -8 degrees Celsius), once it's fully grown.
The white, chalky coating on the plant helps it deal with hot weather. This "wax" reflects sunlight, which keeps the plant cooler. It also helps stop water from evaporating, keeping the plant hydrated.
Chalk dudleya plants are very good at growing back quickly, even in disturbed areas. You might see them popping up on new roadcuts soon after construction. This plant is also a strong choice for gardens, even tougher than the more common Dudleya brittoni.
Amazing "Wax" Coating
The leaves, flower stalks, and even the flowers of the chalk dudleya are covered in a dusty, white, powdery "wax." This special coating is called epicuticular wax.
You might think wax would push water away, but this plant's wax is different! When water drops land on the leaves, the wax actually sticks to the water. It coats the water droplets, making them look bigger and rounder. This coating helps prevent the water from evaporating too quickly.
When the water finally dries, the wax forms a thin, smooth layer. Any wax that washes off the leaves also coats the ground around the plant. This helps the soil hold onto its moisture, further preventing water loss.
Images for kids
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Detail of the flowers.
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The basal rosette.
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Growing in habitat
See also
In Spanish: Dudleya pulverulenta para niños
