Smallflower dwarf flax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smallflower dwarf flax |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hesperolinon
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| Species: |
micranthum
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Hesperolinon micranthum, also known as the smallflower dwarf flax, is a delicate flowering plant. It belongs to the flax family, which includes the plant used to make linen fabric. This tiny plant is an annual herb, meaning it completes its entire life cycle, from seed to flower to seed, within one year.
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What is Smallflower Dwarf Flax?
The smallflower dwarf flax is a unique plant known for its very small flowers. Its scientific name, Hesperolinon micranthum, helps scientists identify it worldwide. The word "micranthum" actually means "small-flowered," which perfectly describes this plant! It's a wild plant that grows naturally in certain parts of North America.
Where Does This Plant Live?
This interesting plant is native to the western coast of North America. You can find it growing from the state of Oregon in the north, all the way down to Baja California in Mexico. It might also be found in Nevada.
It prefers to grow in open areas, like sunny fields or hillsides. Often, you'll find it in special types of soil called serpentine soils. These soils are unique because they have high levels of certain minerals and low levels of others, which makes it hard for many plants to grow. But the smallflower dwarf flax is tough and can thrive there!
What Does Smallflower Dwarf Flax Look Like?
The smallflower dwarf flax is quite small and delicate. It's often described as "spindly" because it has very thin stems.
Stems and Leaves
This plant grows a very thin stem that can reach about 5 to 20 centimeters (which is about 2 to 8 inches) tall. That's roughly the length of a pencil! Its leaves are also small and don't grow very close together. They have a long, narrow shape, like tiny lines.
Tiny Flowers
The flowers of the smallflower dwarf flax are truly tiny. Each flower has five petals, which are usually white. Sometimes, these white petals have delicate pink veins running through them, making them look even prettier. Each petal is less than four millimeters long, which is smaller than a grain of rice!
Inside the flower, you can see the stamens sticking out. Stamens are the parts of the flower that produce pollen. The tips of the stamens, called anthers, can be white or even purple.
Life Cycle of an Annual Plant
Since the smallflower dwarf flax is an annual herb, its life cycle is quite quick. It starts from a seed, grows into a plant, flowers, produces new seeds, and then dies, all within one growing season. The new seeds then wait until the next year to sprout and start the cycle all over again. This way, the plant can survive and spread in its natural habitat.
