Enceliopsis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunrays |
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| Enceliopsis argophylla | |
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Enceliopsis
(A. Gray) A. Nelson, 1909
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Enceliopsis is a small group of flowering plants. They belong to the daisy family. People sometimes call these plants sunrays because they look like tiny suns. They are very similar to other daisy-like plants in a group called Encelia.
These three types of shrubs grow naturally in the western United States and Canada. They are known for their bright, cheerful flowers.
What are Sunrays?
Sunrays are a type of plant known as a genus. A genus is a group of plants that are closely related. Enceliopsis plants are shrubs. This means they are woody plants, but they are smaller than trees. They usually have many branches.
The Daisy Family
Enceliopsis belongs to the Asteraceae family. This is one of the largest plant families. It includes many well-known flowers. Think of daisies, sunflowers, and dandelions. Plants in this family often have flowers that look like one big bloom. But they are actually made of many tiny flowers grouped together.
Where Sunrays Grow
These special plants are native to dry, sunny areas. They grow in the western parts of North America. This includes states like California, Arizona, and Nevada. They are tough plants. They can survive in places with little water.
Types of Sunrays
There are three main types, or species, of Enceliopsis. Each one has its own special features. They are found in different areas.
- Enceliopsis argophylla is called the silverleaf sunray. It grows in Arizona (Mohave County), Nevada (Clark County), and Utah (Washington County). Its leaves often have a silvery look.
- Enceliopsis covillei is known as the Panamint daisy. You can find this plant in Inyo County in California.
- Enceliopsis nudicaulis is called the nakedstem sunray. This type grows in many states. These include California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho.
