Hoita facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hoita |
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| Hoita macrostachya | |
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Psoraleeae
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Hoita
Rydb.
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Hoita is a small group of plants that are part of the legume family. You might know other legumes like peas or beans! There are only three types, or species, of Hoita plants.
These plants grow beautiful purple or bright pink flowers. Their flowers grow in large clusters, much like the kudzu plant. People often call them scurfpeas or leather-roots. They are very closely related to other plants called psoraleas. You can find almost all Hoita plants growing naturally in California, USA.
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What is Hoita?
Hoita is a genus, which is a scientific way to group similar living things. All plants in the Hoita genus share many features. They are known for their unique flowers and how they grow.
Appearance of Hoita Plants
Hoita plants have eye-catching flowers. These flowers are usually a vibrant purple or a bright fuchsia color. They grow in big groups called inflorescences. Imagine a large bunch of flowers all blooming together!
Where Hoita Grows
These special plants are mostly found in one place: California. This means they are native to California. They thrive in the specific climate and soil conditions there.
Common Names for Hoita
The plants in the Hoita group have two main common names. These names help people identify them easily.
Why "Scurfpea"?
One common name is scurfpea. This name comes from the tiny, scale-like dots found on the leaves and stems of some plants in this family. These dots can look like "scurf." The "pea" part reminds us that they are part of the pea and bean family.
Why "Leather-root"?
Another common name is leather-root. This name likely comes from the tough, strong roots these plants have. Their roots might feel or look a bit like leather.
Species of Hoita
There are three known species within the Hoita genus. Each one is a unique type of plant.
- Hoita macrostachya: This species is also called the leatherroot scurfpea.
- Hoita orbicularis: This one is known as the roundleaf scurfpea, probably because of its leaf shape.
- Hoita strobilina: This species is called the Loma Prieta scurfpea.
See also
In Spanish: Hoita para niños
