Davidson's saltbush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Davidson's saltbush |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Atriplex
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| Species: |
pacifica
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Atriplex pacifica is a type of saltbush plant. It is also known by other names like Davidson's saltbush, South Coast saltbush, and Pacific orach. This plant is special because it can grow in salty places.
What is Davidson's Saltbush?
Davidson's saltbush is a small plant that lives for about one year. It grows low to the ground, spreading out like a mat. Its stems are reddish-green and can be 10 to 30 centimeters (about 4 to 12 inches) long.
The leaves of this plant are small, usually less than 2 centimeters (less than an inch) long. They are often oval-shaped. The underside of the leaves looks gray-green and feels a bit scaly.
This plant has two types of flowers: male and female. The male flowers grow in spikes at the very ends of the branches. The female flowers grow in small groups closer to the main part of the plant.
Where Does It Grow?
Davidson's saltbush naturally grows along the coastlines. You can find it in Southern California, including the Channel Islands. It also grows in Baja California, which is in Mexico.
This plant likes to live in salty soil, like on beach bluffs right by the ocean. It is quite rare now. This is mainly because many of its natural homes have been changed a lot by people.
