Riverside spineflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Riverside spineflower |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| var. leucotheca herbarium specimen | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chorizanthe
|
| Species: |
xanti
|
The Riverside spineflower (scientific name: Chorizanthe xanti) is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the buckwheat family. This plant is special because it only grows in California. You can find it in many mountain areas there. It likes to live in forests, woodlands, and scrubby areas.
About the Riverside Spineflower
This plant usually stands straight up. It can grow to be about 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) tall. The plant often looks reddish. It is covered in thin or thick hairs.
The flowers grow in a loose group called an inflorescence. Each tiny flower is surrounded by six reddish, hairy leaves. These special leaves are called bracts. They have small, hooked tips. The flower itself is small, about 6 millimeters wide. It can be pink or red.
Different Types of Riverside Spineflower
There are two main types, or varieties, of this plant.
One type is called var. leucotheca. This one is much rarer. It is only found in the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains. This rare type has a much thicker, woolly covering on its flower clusters. The other type is more common and has less woolly flowers.
