Twolobe spineflower facts for kids

The Chorizanthe biloba, also known as the twolobe spineflower, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the buckwheat family. This plant is found only in California, which means it is endemic there. You can find it mainly in the Central Coast Ranges.

There are two different types, or varieties, of the twolobe spineflower. Both of these varieties are quite rare or uncommon to find.

What is the Twolobe Spineflower?

The twolobe spineflower is a unique plant that grows up to about 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. It stands upright, reaching towards the sky.

Flowers and Spines

This plant produces a cluster of several tiny flowers. Each flower is surrounded by six special leaf-like parts called bracts. These bracts have hooked spines at their tips, which gives the plant its "spineflower" name. The small flowers themselves have parts called tepals. Tepals are like petals and sepals combined. On the twolobe spineflower, these tepals can be deeply notched or have jagged edges.

Different Types of Twolobe Spineflower

There are two main varieties of Chorizanthe biloba. Each one has slightly different features and grows in specific areas.

The Common Twolobe Spineflower

The first type is C. b. var. biloba. This variety is found in several parts of the Central Coast Ranges. You can see it growing in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Diablo Range. It looks just like the general description of the plant, with its upright stem and spiny bracts.

The Rare Hernandez Spineflower

The second type is much rarer. It is called C. b. var. immemora, or the Hernandez spineflower. This variety is known from only about five places. These spots are very close to the border between San Benito and Monterey Counties. The Hernandez spineflower is very similar to the biloba variety. However, its tepals have notches that are not as deep.