Henderson's horkelia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henderson's horkelia |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Horkelia
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| Species: |
hendersonii
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Horkelia hendersonii, also known as Henderson's horkelia, is a special and rare flowering plant. It belongs to the rose family, which includes many plants like roses, apples, and strawberries. This plant is found in just a few places. It grows in southern Oregon, especially near Mount Ashland, and also in one area just south of the border in Siskiyou County, California.
Henderson's horkelia likes to live in dry forest areas. It prefers the rocky, sandy soil that comes from granite in the Klamath Mountains. This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for many years and its stems are not woody like a tree. It grows as a low, flat mat of leaves.
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What Does Henderson's Horkelia Look Like?
This plant has gray-green leaves that feel a bit hairy and sticky. They grow from a woody base. The leaves are shaped like tubes and can be pointed at the end. They stand up around the plant's main stem, called a caudex. Each leaf is about 3 to 8 centimeters long.
Leaf Details
Each leaf is made up of many tiny leaflets. These leaflets are packed closely together. They have very small teeth along their edges. The leaflets are also covered in soft, silky hairs, which makes them feel smooth.
Flowers of Henderson's Horkelia
The flowers grow in a tight group at the top of a straight stem. This group of flowers is called an inflorescence. Each flower has five hairy, pointed parts called sepals. These sepals protect the flower bud. Inside, there are five smaller, delicate white petals.
Why Is This Plant Special?
Henderson's horkelia is considered rare because there are only a few groups of them. Even though it's rare, experts decided in 2003 that it was not in immediate danger of disappearing. So, it was not officially listed as an endangered or threatened species by the government.
Protecting the Plant
However, the plants growing on Mount Ashland sometimes face challenges. Fun activities like skiing and keeping the ski areas ready can sometimes disturb the plants. Also, people using off-road vehicles in the area can affect their habitat. It's important to be careful in these areas to help protect this unique plant.
