Gentry's indigobush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gentry's indigobush |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Dalea
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| Species: |
D. tentaculoides
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| Binomial name | |
| Dalea tentaculoides Gentry
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Dalea tentaculoides, also known as Gentry's indigobush, is a very special and rare flowering plant. It belongs to the legume family, which includes plants like peas and beans. This unique plant grows naturally only in Arizona in the United States, specifically in Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. It might also be found in nearby parts of Mexico.
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What is Gentry's Indigobush?
Gentry's indigobush is a type of plant that acts like a small shrub or a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. While it can grow up to two meters (about 6.5 feet) tall, it usually stays smaller.
Plant Features
This plant has interesting leaves that are "compound." This means each leaf is made up of several smaller parts called leaflets, arranged in pairs. Its flowers are a beautiful rose-purple color.
Unique Tentacle-like Glands
One of the most unusual things about Gentry's indigobush is its inflorescence. An inflorescence is the part of the plant where flowers grow. On this plant, the inflorescence is covered in tiny glands that look a bit like tentacles! This is where the plant gets part of its scientific name, tentaculoides.
When it Blooms
Gentry's indigobush blooms twice a year. You can see its rose-purple flowers in the spring and again in the fall.
Where it Lives
This rare plant prefers to grow in specific places. It is often found in canyons, which are deep valleys with steep sides. It grows among oak and juniper trees, creating a woodland habitat.
Its Home Environment
You can find Gentry's indigobush on floodplains and terraces. These are flat areas near rivers or streams. Because of where it grows, the plant is often affected by seasonal flooding, which means it has adapted to water levels changing throughout the year.
Why it's Rare
There are only a few places where Gentry's indigobush can be found. Some of these important locations are within the Tohono O'odham Reservation and in the Coronado National Forest. Because it grows in so few places, it is considered a very rare and important plant to protect.
