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Cleveland's cryptantha facts for kids

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Cleveland's cryptantha
Cryptanthaclevelandii.jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Cryptantha
Species:
clevelandii

Cryptantha clevelandii is a type of flowering plant often called Cleveland's cryptantha. It belongs to the borage family. This plant grows naturally along the coasts of California and Baja California. You can find it in special areas like the chaparral and other coastal hills.

What is Cleveland's Cryptantha?

Cleveland's cryptantha is an annual herb, which means it grows, flowers, and dies within one year. Its stem can grow up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. The stem might branch out or grow straight up. The plant feels soft or a bit rough because it's covered in hairs. It has long, thin leaves that can be up to 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) long.

Where Does Cleveland's Cryptantha Live?

This plant is native to the coastal regions of California and Baja California. It thrives in specific environments:

  • Coastal Hills: These are hilly areas close to the ocean.
  • Chaparral: This is a type of habitat with dry, shrubby plants that can handle hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Cleveland's cryptantha is well-suited to these conditions.

What Does Cleveland's Cryptantha Look Like?

The flowers of Cleveland's cryptantha are small and white. They grow in a tight bunch at the very tip of the plant's stem. Below the flowers, you can see the plant's fruits starting to form.

The "Glowing Fly" Nickname

People sometimes call this plant the "glowing fly." This nickname comes from how its white flowers look. Some say they resemble a blow fly moving towards the sun, with bright light surrounding them like a glowing halo.

Who Was Daniel Cleveland?

The second part of the plant's scientific name, clevelandii, is called its specific epithet. This part of the name honors a person. In this case, it's named after Daniel Cleveland. He was a plant collector and lawyer who lived in San Diego during the 1800s. He spent time collecting and studying plants in the region.

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