Grimy mousetail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grimy mousetail |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ivesia
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| Species: |
rhypara
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The Ivesia rhypara is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the rose family. People often call it the grimy mousetail or grimy ivesia. This plant grows naturally in parts of Oregon and Nevada in the United States.
Contents
What is the Grimy Mousetail?
The grimy mousetail is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows from strong, woody roots. It also has a branching caudex, which is like a short, thick stem at the base.
Its leaves grow close to the ground. They are hairy and overlap each other. These leaves are also "compound," meaning each leaf is made up of several smaller leaflets. The plant's stems can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long.
Flowers and Blooming Time
At the ends of the stems, you'll find clusters of small flowers. These flowers are usually white or a pale yellow color. The grimy mousetail blooms during the warmer months. You can see its flowers from May all the way through October.
Different Types of Grimy Mousetail
There are two main types, or varieties, of this plant. They are called var. rhypara and var. shellyi. Each variety prefers to grow in slightly different places.
Where Each Variety Grows
The var. rhypara likes to grow on tuff. Tuff is a type of rock made from volcanic ash. It often grows in places where the ground is quite barren.
The var. shellyi prefers to grow in cracks and small spaces in rocks. It can be found on both pumice and tuff. Pumice is another type of volcanic rock. Sometimes, when these plants grow in rock cracks, they look like they are lined up in neat rows.
Plants That Grow Nearby
The grimy mousetail often shares its home with other plants. Some of these include the antelope bitterbrush, a type of grass called Sandberg bluegrass, and other wildflowers like Gilia congesta, bottlebrush squirreltail, dwarf skullcap, and woolly sunflower.
Why the Grimy Mousetail Needs Protection
Like many plants, the grimy mousetail faces some challenges. These challenges can make it harder for the plant to survive and grow.
Threats to Its Habitat
One big threat, especially for the var. rhypara, is gold mining. The areas where this plant lives sometimes have gold deposits. When people mine for gold, it can disturb or destroy the plant's natural home.
Other things that can harm the plant include cattle grazing. Cattle can eat the plants or trample them. Off-road vehicles, like dirt bikes or ATVs, can also damage the plant's habitat.
Other Challenges
Fire suppression is another issue. This means stopping natural wildfires. While fires can be dangerous, some plants actually need them to clear out old growth and help new seeds sprout. When fires are always stopped, it can change the environment in ways that aren't good for the grimy mousetail.
Finally, a loss of pollinating insects can also be a problem. These insects, like bees, help the plant reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. If there aren't enough pollinators, the plant might have trouble making new seeds.
What's in a Name?
The plant's scientific name, rhypara, comes from the Greek word for "grimy." This name was chosen for two reasons. First, the plant can sometimes look a bit dusty or "grimy." Second, it honors James W. Grimes, the person who discovered this interesting plant.
