Clawless draba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clawless draba |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Draba
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| Species: |
exunguiculata
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The Draba exunguiculata, also known as the clawless draba or Grays Peak draba, is a small flowering plant. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes plants like cabbage and mustard. This special plant is found only in Colorado, United States.
Contents
What is the Clawless Draba?
The clawless draba is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. It grows in a tight, low clump close to the ground. Its stems are only a few centimeters long. The plant has thin, pointed leaves, up to 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) long. These leaves often have tiny hairs on their undersides, and sometimes on top too.
Its Flowers
The plant produces several small, yellow flowers. They grow in a cluster called a raceme, where flowers are arranged along a central stem. Each petal is very tiny, only up to 3 millimeters long. One way to tell this plant apart from a similar one, Draba grayana, is by its petals. The clawless draba has petals that don't have a narrow base (like a "claw"), which is why it's called "clawless." The way the hairs are arranged on its stems also helps identify it.
Where Does It Live?
This unique plant is found mostly in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It grows around famous peaks like Grays Peak and Torreys Peak. It prefers high places, living in subalpine and alpine areas. This means it grows in very cold, windy places, similar to a tundra.
Its Mountain Home
You can find the clawless draba at very high elevations, between 11,700 and 14,000 feet (about 3,500 to 4,200 meters). It likes to grow in rocky areas, often called "fellfields," and other stony soils. Sometimes, it finds shelter under overhanging rocks or between large boulders. These spots help protect it from the harsh mountain weather. The plant usually grows in small groups.
Plant Neighbors
Other plants that live near the clawless draba are often small, cushion-shaped plants. Some of its plant neighbors include Deschampsia caespitosa, Acomastylis rossii, and different types of sedges and clovers.
Protecting the Clawless Draba
The biggest challenge for the clawless draba is human activity. Things like hiking and skiing in its natural home can disturb the plants and their delicate environment. Protecting these areas helps ensure this special Colorado plant can continue to thrive.
