Congdon's lewisia facts for kids
Lewisia congdonii, also known as Congdon's lewisia, is a very rare and special flowering plant. It belongs to the Montiaceae family. This plant is known for its pretty pink flowers. It grows in only a few places in California.
Quick facts for kids Congdon's lewisia |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lewisia
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| Species: |
congdonii
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Contents
What is Congdon's Lewisia?
How Does This Plant Look?
Congdon's lewisia is a plant that lives for many years. It grows from a short, thick root system. This system includes a main taproot and a caudex. A caudex is a woody stem base.
The plant has a group of thick, fleshy leaves. They grow in a circle close to the ground. This is called a basal rosette. Each leaf is shaped like a spear point. It narrows down to a long leaf stalk, called a petiole.
One or more flower stems grow from the plant. These stems can be 20 to 60 centimeters tall. Each stem can hold up to 100 flowers. Near the flowers are small, pointed leaves called bracts. These bracts have tiny sticky glands.
Each flower has 6 or 7 petals. They are about one centimeter long. The petals are also spear-shaped. Their tips are slightly toothed. The petals are pale pink. They have clear, dark pink lines or veins. Sometimes, the center of the flower is a bit greenish-yellow.
Where Does Congdon's Lewisia Live?
Its Special Home
Congdon's lewisia is found only in one specific area. This means it is endemic to that place. Its home is the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.
It is known from only about ten spots. These spots are in the deep canyons. They are found along the Kings River and the Merced River.
