Maroonspot calicoflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maroonspot calicoflower |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Downingia
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| Species: |
concolor
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Downingia concolor, also known as the maroonspot calicoflower or fringed downingia, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family, which is a group of plants known for their bell-shaped flowers.
This special wildflower grows only in California. You can find it living in ponds and unique seasonal wetlands called vernal pools in the northern part of the state. It's an annual plant, meaning it completes its whole life cycle in one year.
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Discovering the Maroonspot Calicoflower
The maroonspot calicoflower is a truly eye-catching plant. It grows on a stem that branches out, reaching upwards. Along the stem, you'll find small leaves spaced out.
What Does the Flower Look Like?
At the end of each stem branch, you'll see one or more flowers. Each flower is about one centimeter wide, which is roughly the size of your fingernail.
Flower Colors and Patterns
The flower has a tube-like shape at its base. It has two long, narrow, and pointed parts at the top. These can be either blue or purple.
Below these, there are three other parts that are joined together. This creates a single, three-lobed surface. This part of the flower is also blue or purple. It has a large white spot right in the middle. Closer to the opening of the flower's tube, you'll see maroon-colored blotches. Sometimes, there are even tiny yellow speckles!
Where Does it Grow?
The maroonspot calicoflower is a native plant of California. This means it naturally grows there and nowhere else in the world. It loves to live in wet places.
Its Special Home: Vernal Pools
One of its favorite homes is in vernal pools. These are special wetlands that fill with water during the rainy season. Then, they dry up later in the year. Plants like the maroonspot calicoflower are perfectly adapted to these changing conditions.
