Clap-weed facts for kids
Ephedra pedunculata, often called Clap-weed or vine Mormon tea, is a unique plant found in southern Texas and parts of Mexico. Unlike most plants in its family, it grows as a long, woody vine.
Quick facts for kids Clap-weed |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ephedra
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| Species: |
pedunculata
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Contents
Meet the Clap-weed Vine
What Makes Clap-weed Special?
Most plants in the Ephedra family are shrubs. Shrubs are like bushy plants that don't usually climb. But Ephedra pedunculata is different! It's a trailing or climbing woody vine. This vine can grow very long, up to 7 meters (about 23 feet).
Where Does Clap-weed Grow?
You can find Clap-weed in sunny, dry places. It likes to grow on sandy or rocky slopes. It also grows on outcrops, which are places where rocks stick out of the ground. Its home is in southern Texas and in Mexico, reaching as far south as a place called Zacatecas.
How Does Clap-weed Look?
This interesting vine has gray bark. As the plant gets older, its bark can become cracked. Its leaves are small, only about 3 millimeters (0.1 inches) long. They grow in pairs, opposite each other on the stem.
The plant also has cones. The pollen cones, which help the plant reproduce, are about 1 to 2 millimeters long. The seed cones are a bit bigger, about 6 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. Each seed cone holds two seeds. These seeds are shaped like an oval and are about 4 to 10 millimeters (0.1 to 0.4 inches) long.
