Dolores River skeletonplant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dolores River skeletonplant |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
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| Genus: |
Lygodesmia
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| Species: |
L. doloresensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Lygodesmia doloresensis S.Tomb
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Lygodesmia doloresensis is a special kind of flowering plant. It's often called the Dolores River skeletonplant because it grows near the Dolores River. This plant belongs to the aster family, which includes many well-known flowers like sunflowers and daisies. It's found in a small area of Colorado and Utah in the United States. Sometimes, scientists think it might be a type of Lygodesmia grandiflora.
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About the Dolores River Skeletonplant
This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and doesn't have a woody stem like a tree. It grows a straight stem that can branch out. This stem can reach up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall.
What Does It Look Like?
The leaves of the Dolores River skeletonplant are very thin. They look like threads or narrow lines. These leaves can grow up to 14 centimeters (about 5.5 inches) long.
The plant's flower heads are quite pretty. Each head has five small flowers called ligulate florets. These flowers can be different shades. You might see them in lavender, pink, or even white.
Where Does It Grow?
The Dolores River skeletonplant likes to grow in specific places. It lives in areas with juniper shrubs and open grasslands. It especially likes sandy soils found near rivers.
You can find this plant in only a few spots. It grows in the Dolores River Canyon in Colorado. It also lives in the Colorado River Canyon in Utah.
Why Is It Found in Specific Spots?
The areas where this plant grows are often used by cattle for grazing. Because of this, the Dolores River skeletonplant is usually found in places where cattle can't easily reach. For example, it might grow safely within clumps of prickly pear cacti. These spiky plants help protect the delicate skeletonplant from being eaten.
