Intermountain wavewing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cymopterus basalticus |
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Cymopterus
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C. basalticus
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| Cymopterus basalticus M.E. Jones
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The Intermountain wavewing, also known as Cymopterus basalticus, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the carrot family, just like the carrots you might eat! This unique plant grows only in certain parts of Utah and White Pine County, Nevada in the United States.
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Discovering the Intermountain Wavewing
The Intermountain wavewing is a small plant. It is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years and comes back each spring. It usually grows to be about 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) tall. This is about the height of a small ruler.
What Does It Look Like?
In the spring, the Intermountain wavewing produces beautiful flowers. These flowers can be either purple or yellow. Imagine seeing these bright colors against the rocky ground!
Where Does It Live?
This plant is very particular about where it grows. It likes to live on bare basaltic and clay soils. Basalt is a type of dark, volcanic rock. So, you might find this plant growing in rocky areas. It often grows in places called pinyon-juniper woodlands and sagebrush communities. These are areas with specific types of trees and shrubs.
Why Is It Special?
The Intermountain wavewing is special because it is native only to a small area. This means it naturally grows nowhere else in the world! Because it grows in such specific places, scientists keep a close eye on it. It is an important part of the natural environment in Utah and Nevada.
