Colorado green gentian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Colorado green gentian |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Frasera
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| Species: |
coloradensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Swertia coloradensis |
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Frasera coloradensis is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the gentian family. People often call it the Colorado green gentian or Colorado frasera. This special plant only grows in a small part of Colorado in the United States.
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Colorado Green Gentian
What is the Colorado Green Gentian?
This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. Its stems can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall. They also have branches. The leaves of this plant have unique white edges.
Most of these plants are monocarpic. This is a fancy word meaning they flower only once in their life. They live for a few years, then produce flowers, and then they die. The flowers are white or greenish. They often have small purple dots. You can usually see these flowers in June and July.
Where Does It Live?
The Colorado green gentian is found only in Colorado. Specifically, it grows in the southeastern corner of the state. You can find it in Baca, Bent, Las Animas, and Prowers Counties.
This plant mostly grows on a special type of rock. This rock is called Greenhorn Limestone. It appears as limestone outcrops. These are parts of the rock that stick out from the ground. It might also grow on Graneros shale and Dakota sandstone. Its home is usually in shortgrass prairie areas. Sometimes, it grows near Juniperus monosperma trees or Haplopappus engelmannii plants.
What Threats Does It Face?
The Colorado green gentian faces some challenges. One threat is overgrazing. This happens when too many animals eat the plants in an area. Another problem is the use of herbicides. These are chemicals used to kill unwanted plants.
The plant also faces habitat loss. This means its natural home is getting smaller. Habitat degradation is another issue. This means its home is becoming less healthy. These threats can make it harder for the Colorado green gentian to survive and thrive.
