Loma Prieta leatherroot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loma Prieta leatherroot |
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H. strobilina
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| Hoita strobilina (Hook. & Arn.) Rydb.
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Psoralea strobilina |
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The Hoita strobilina is a special and rare plant. It is often called the Loma Prieta leatherroot or Loma Prieta hoita. This plant is a type of legume, which means it belongs to the pea and bean family.
This unique plant only grows in California, especially around the San Francisco Bay Area. It is considered "rare" because it is not found in many places.
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Meet the Loma Prieta Leatherroot
The Loma Prieta leatherroot is a perennial herb. This means it is a plant without a woody stem that lives for more than two years. It grows straight up, reaching almost one meter (about 3 feet) tall.
Where Does It Live?
This plant is endemic to California. This means it naturally grows only in this specific area and nowhere else in the world. You can find it in mountain areas, often in places called chaparral and woodland habitats.
- Chaparral: This is a type of shrubland found in California. It has tough, woody shrubs and small trees.
- Woodland: This is an area with many trees, but they are not as dense as a forest.
The Loma Prieta leatherroot often grows in a special type of ground called serpentine soil. This soil is unusual because it has high levels of certain metals and low levels of nutrients. Not many plants can grow well in it!
What Does It Look Like?
The Loma Prieta leatherroot has large leaves. Each leaf is divided into three smaller parts called leaflets. These leaflets can be up to 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. They can be shaped like a spear (lance-shaped) or almost round.
The plant's surface, called its herbage, is often covered in tiny glands and hairs. This can make it feel a bit sticky or fuzzy.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the Loma Prieta leatherroot grow in a cluster called an inflorescence. This cluster is shaped like a long stalk with flowers along its sides, known as a raceme. It can be up to 13 centimeters (about 5 inches) long.
- Each flower looks a bit like a pea flower.
- They are usually purple, but sometimes they have white parts.
- Each flower is small, only about one to two centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long.
After the flowers, the plant produces a fruit. This fruit is a dark brown or black pod. It is also hairy and has visible veins, just like a typical legume pod.
Why Is It Special?
The Loma Prieta leatherroot is special because it is so rare and only grows in specific places. Its ability to thrive in serpentine soil, where many other plants struggle, makes it even more unique. Protecting its habitat is important to keep this interesting plant around!
