Dwarf goldenstar facts for kids

The Bloomeria humilis, also known as the dwarf goldenstar, is a very special and rare flowering plant. It grows only in one small area along the coast of San Luis Obispo County, California. This plant is found near the town of San Simeon. Because it grows only in this one place, it is called an endemic species.

What is the Dwarf Goldenstar?

The dwarf goldenstar is a type of plant that comes back year after year. This means it is a perennial herb. It grows from a special underground stem called a corm, which is like a small, round bulb.

Where Does it Live?

This plant likes to live in two main types of natural areas. It grows in the local chaparral, which is a kind of shrubland with tough, woody plants. It also lives in coastal grasslands, which are open areas with lots of grasses near the ocean.

What Does it Look Like?

The dwarf goldenstar usually grows one or two thin leaves. These leaves can be up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) long.

Its Flowers and Fruit

The plant sends up a flower stalk that can be about 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) tall. This stalk holds several pretty yellow flowers. Each flower grows on its own small stem, called a pedicel.

The flowers have six yellow parts that look like petals. These parts are called tepals. They often have small brown dots on them and are about one centimeter long. After the flower blooms, it forms a small fruit. This fruit is a capsule, which is a dry case that holds seeds. It is about half a centimeter long.