Frasera albomarginata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frasera albomarginata |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Frasera
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| Species: |
albomarginata
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| Synonyms | |
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Swertia albomarginata |
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The Desert Green Gentian (Frasera albomarginata) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the gentian family, which includes many colorful flowers. You might also hear it called the desert frasera.
This plant is native to the southwestern United States. You can find it growing in dry, open places like desert woodlands. It lives in areas from eastern California all the way to Colorado and New Mexico.
What Does It Look Like?
The Desert Green Gentian is a perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years. It grows back each year from its roots. It can have one or more stems that stand about 30 to 60 centimeters (about 1 to 2 feet) tall.
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of this plant are green. They have clear white edges, which is why it's called "albomarginata" (meaning "white-margined"). The leaves near the bottom of the plant are shaped like a spearhead. They can be up to 9 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide. Higher up on the stem, the leaves are smaller and thinner. They often grow in circles around the stem, called "whorls," or in pairs directly opposite each other.
Flowers
The flowers of the Desert Green Gentian grow in a cluster at the top of the stem. This cluster is called an inflorescence. Each flower has four pointed petals that are greenish-white. The tips of the petals are a darker green and have small purple spots. Inside each flower, there are four stamens. These are the parts that hold the pollen. In the very center, there is an ovary, which is where the seeds will form.
