Sticky fagonbush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sticky fagonbush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Fagonia
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| Species: |
pachyacantha
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The Fagonia pachyacantha is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the caltrop family and is often called the sticky fagonbush. This plant naturally grows in the Sonoran Desert in northwest Mexico, especially in Sonora. You can also find it near the Lower Colorado River Valley, where California and Arizona meet.
Contents
What is the Sticky Fagonbush?
The sticky fagonbush is a type of plant that spreads out. It's a perennial herb, which means it lives for many years and doesn't have a woody stem like a tree. This plant usually grows to be about 1 metre (3.3 ft) tall.
Why is it Called "Sticky"?
The stems and leaves of the sticky fagonbush are very glandular. This means they have tiny glands that make them feel sticky to the touch. This stickiness is how it got its common name!
Leaves and Spines
Each leaf on the sticky fagonbush is made up of three smaller, flat, green parts called leaflets. At the bottom of where each leaf connects to the stem, there are sharp, pointed parts that look like small spines. These are called stipules.
Flowers and Fruit
The sticky fagonbush produces pretty flowers. Each flower is about 1.5 centimeters wide. They grow where the leaves meet the stem. The flowers have five petals that are a lovely purplish-pink color. The bottom part of each petal is narrow, like a thin claw.
After the flower blooms, it forms a small, round fruit. This fruit is a capsule, which is a dry case that holds the seeds. It's about half a centimeter long.
