Gilmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gilmania |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gilmania
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| Species: |
luteola
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Gilmania luteola is a very special and rare plant. It is often called golden carpet because it grows in flat, mat-like shapes close to the ground. This plant is an annual plant, which means it completes its entire life cycle, from seed to flower to new seeds, all within one year. It belongs to the Buckwheat family, also known as Polygonaceae.
About the Golden Carpet Plant
The golden carpet plant is quite unique because it is the only species in its entire group, called a monotypic genus. This means there are no other plants like Gilmania luteola in the Gilmania genus.
Where it Lives
You can only find Gilmania luteola in a very specific place: Death Valley in California, USA. It prefers to grow on dry, barren slopes where the soil is alkaline. This type of soil has a high pH level, which means it's not acidic. A famous spot where you might see it is near a place called Artist's Palette in Death Valley.
What it Looks Like
The golden carpet plant grows very low to the ground, forming flat mats. Its flowers are quite small and have a bright yellow color, which is how it got its common name. The leaves of the plant are a greenish-yellow color, matching its sunny flowers.
Why it's Rare
This plant is extremely rare. As of 2013, scientists knew of only five places where it grows. One big reason it's so rare is that it only appears in years when Death Valley gets a lot of rain. Since Death Valley is one of the driest places on Earth, these "wet years" don't happen very often. So, the golden carpet plant is a true survivor that waits for just the right conditions to bloom!
See also
In Spanish: Gilmania luteola para niños
