Island rush-rose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Island rush-rose |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Crocanthemum
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| Species: |
greenei
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The Crocanthemum greenei, also known as the island rush-rose, is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the rock-rose family. This plant is found only on the Channel Islands of California. It grows on rocky slopes near the ocean.
The island rush-rose is a federally listed threatened species. This means it needs protection to survive. It is slowly recovering from past dangers.
About the Island Rush-Rose
The island rush-rose is a plant that grows upright year after year. It can reach about 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall. Its stem is mostly green. New parts of the plant, like the top and flower clusters, often look purple.
What it Looks Like
The leaves of the island rush-rose are narrow and pointed. They can be up to three centimeters (about 1.2 inches) long. The plant usually has many flower buds in a cluster. These buds open into bright golden yellow flowers.
Each flower is one to two centimeters wide. They have five rounded petals. Underneath the petals are five smaller, fuzzy-haired sepals. These are like small, leaf-like parts. After the flower blooms, it forms an oval-shaped fruit. This fruit is about half a centimeter wide.
Where it Lives
Today, you can find the island rush-rose on three of the eight Channel Islands. These islands are Santa Cruz, Santa Catalina, and Santa Rosa Island. It used to grow on San Miguel Island too, but it has not been seen there for many years.
Challenges it Faces
In the past, the island rush-rose faced a big threat. Wild animals like the Santa Cruz sheep would eat the plants. These animals are called feral herbivores. They caused a lot of damage to the plant populations. Now, efforts are being made to help the plant recover.
