Florida cacalia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florida cacalia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
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| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Tribe: |
Senecioneae
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| Genus: |
Arnoglossum
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| Species: |
A. floridanum
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| Binomial name | |
| Arnoglossum floridanum (A.Gray) H.Rob.
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| Synonyms | |
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Arnoglossum floridanum, often called the Florida cacalia, is a unique plant found only in Florida, USA. It is part of the large and diverse sunflower family, which includes many familiar flowers like daisies and sunflowers. This plant is a great example of Florida's amazing natural plant life.
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What Does the Florida Cacalia Look Like?
The Florida cacalia is a fairly tall plant. It can grow up to 100 centimeters (about 40 inches) high. That's almost as tall as a typical 10-year-old kid!
Flowers and Leaves
The plant produces flower heads that are usually white or a light green color. These small flowers grow together in clusters. The leaves of the Florida cacalia help it to collect sunlight and make its own food.
Where Does the Florida Cacalia Live?
This special plant grows in specific places in central Florida. It likes areas that are dry and sandy.
Its Home: Sandy Ridges and Forests
You can often find the Florida cacalia on dry sandy ridges. These are slightly raised areas of land with sandy soil. It also grows in pine-oak forests. These forests are home to tall pine trees and different kinds of oak trees. The plant is well-suited to these environments, which can sometimes be quite dry.
Why is the Florida Cacalia Special?
The Florida cacalia is considered an "endemic" species. This means it only grows naturally in one specific area, which in this case is Florida. It's a plant that has adapted perfectly to its home state.
Part of the Sunflower Family
Being in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) means it shares traits with many other well-known plants. This family is one of the largest groups of flowering plants in the world. Its members often have composite flower heads, meaning many small flowers are grouped together to look like one big flower.
