Parish's sandmat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parish's sandmat |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Euphorbia
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| Species: |
parishii
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| Synonyms | |
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Chamaesyce parishii |
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Parish's sandmat (scientific name: Euphorbia parishii) is a special type of plant called a euphorb. It gets its common name from a person named Parish and because it often grows in sandy areas. This plant is native to the deserts of California and Nevada in the United States.
It is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years and doesn't have a woody stem like a tree. Parish's sandmat grows low to the ground, forming a small patch.
Contents
What is Parish's Sandmat?
Parish's sandmat is a small plant that belongs to the large Euphorbia family. This family includes many different kinds of plants, from tiny herbs to large trees. Many euphorb plants have a milky sap, but this specific one is known for its small size and how it spreads across the sand.
Where Does it Grow?
This plant loves dry, sandy places. You can find Parish's sandmat in the deserts of California and Nevada. It thrives in tough conditions where many other plants might struggle. It's often found in regions like the Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Desert, which are known for their hot, dry climates and sandy soils.
What Does it Look Like?
Parish's sandmat has thin, smooth stems that spread out and tangle together on the ground. These stems are usually hairless. Its leaves are very tiny, only a few millimeters long. They are shaped like small, pointed ovals and grow in pairs along the stems. Because the plant is so small and blends in with the sand, it can be hard to spot!
Tiny Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of Parish's sandmat are also incredibly tiny. They are part of a special flower structure called a cyathium, which is only about one millimeter wide. Imagine how small that is!
Each cyathium has several rounded parts called nectar glands. These glands can be yellow or even deep red. Inside, there are many tiny male flowers and just one female flower. After the female flower is pollinated, it grows into a small, round fruit. This fruit is only about two millimeters wide.
See also
- Desert plant
- Flora of California
