Florida thoroughwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florida thoroughwort |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eupatorium
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| Species: |
anomalum
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| Synonyms | |
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The Eupatorium anomalum, often called Florida thoroughwort, is a type of plant found in North America. It belongs to the sunflower family, which is a very large group of flowering plants. This plant grows naturally in the southeastern parts of the United States, from Alabama all the way to Virginia.
About the Florida Thoroughwort
The Florida thoroughwort is a fascinating plant. It's known for its unique features and how it came to be.
What it Looks Like
The Eupatorium anomalum is a tall plant that lives for many years. It can grow to be over 150 centimeters (about 5 feet) tall! This plant has special underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes are thick and help the plant store food and spread.
Its leaves are shaped like an egg and grow in pairs, one on each side of the stem. The plant produces many tiny flower heads. These flower heads grow together in flat-topped groups. Each small head has 5 white disc florets, which are like tiny tube-shaped flowers. However, it does not have any ray florets, which are the petal-like flowers you often see on a daisy or sunflower.
Where it Grows
This plant prefers to live in the southeastern United States. You can find it in states like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. It's adapted to the climate and soil conditions of this region.
How it Came to Be
Scientists have studied the Eupatorium anomalum very closely. They believe it started out as a natural mix, or "hybrid," of two other plants: E. serotinum and E. mohrii. Even though it began as a mix, it has now become its own distinct type of plant. This means it can grow and reproduce on its own, just like any other species.
