Chrysopsis highlandsensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chrysopsis highlandsensis |
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C. highlandsensis
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| Chrysopsis highlandsensis DeLaney & Wunderlin
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The Chrysopsis highlandsensis, also known as the Highlands goldenaster, is a special flowering plant found in North America. It belongs to the aster family, which includes many well-known flowers like sunflowers and daisies. This particular goldenaster is quite rare. It grows only in a small area of central Florida.
Discovering the Highlands Goldenaster
The Highlands goldenaster was officially named Chrysopsis highlandsensis by scientists Kris R. DeLaney and Richard P. Wunderlin. This happened in 2002. The name highlandsensis comes from Highlands County, one of the places where this plant is found.
Where Does It Grow?
This unique plant is only found in three counties in central Florida. These counties are Highlands, Polk, and Glades. This means it's an endemic species, which means it naturally grows only in this specific region and nowhere else in the world.
The Highlands goldenaster likes to grow in certain types of environments. You can usually find it in sandy pine woods. It also thrives in wooded scrubland. These areas have sandy soil and often feature pine trees and other low-growing plants.
What Does It Look Like?
The Chrysopsis highlandsensis is a type of plant called a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and its stems are not woody like a tree. It can grow quite tall, reaching up to 110 centimeters (about 44 inches). That's almost as tall as a 12-year-old!
This plant often grows several stems from its base. Each stem is covered with many leaves. At the top of these stems, you'll find beautiful yellow flower heads. A single plant can produce as many as 50 of these bright, daisy-like flowers. The yellow color makes it stand out in its natural habitat.
