Drummond's leafflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Drummond's leafflower |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus: | Phyllanthus |
| Species: |
P. abnormis
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| Binomial name | |
| Phyllanthus abnormis |
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Drummond's leafflower (Phyllanthus abnormis) is a small plant that grows in sandy areas. It's known for its unique leaves and can be found in parts of the United States and Mexico. This plant is a member of the Phyllanthaceae family.
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What is Drummond's Leafflower?
Drummond's leafflower is an herbaceous plant. This means it has soft stems, not woody ones like trees. It usually grows to be about 10 to 50 centimeters tall. That's roughly the height of a ruler or a bit taller.
Where Does It Live?
This plant is native to several areas. You can find it in the United States in states like New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida. It also grows in Mexico, specifically in the state of Tamaulipas. No matter where it grows, you will always find it in sand or sandy soil.
Different Kinds of Leafflower
Scientists have divided Drummond's leafflower into two main types, or varieties.
The Widespread Type
One type is called P. abnormis var. abnormis. This variety is found in many places. It grows across New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Tamaulipas. You can see it in different natural areas, including:
- Prairies (large open grasslands)
- Open oak woodlands
- Barrens (areas with poor soil)
- Sand dunes
The Rio Grande Type
The second type is P. abnormis var. riograndensis. This one is also known as the Rio Grande leafflower. It only grows in a specific area called the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Here, it likes to grow in:
- Thornscrub (areas with thorny bushes)
- Mesquite woodland (forests with mesquite trees)
- Sandy soil
Scientists think that P. a. var. riograndensis might also be found in nearby parts of Mexico. These include areas like Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
Is It Safe for Animals?
Drummond's leafflower is not good for some farm animals to eat. It can make sheep, cattle, and goats sick. Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what part of the plant causes this problem.
