Creeping false holly facts for kids
The Jaltomata procumbens, also known as the creeping false holly, is a cool plant found in places like Arizona in the USA, Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Even though it can grow like a weed in farm fields and other messy spots, many people actually protect it. Why? Because it grows yummy fruits that you can eat!
Quick facts for kids Creeping false holly |
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| Jaltomata procumbens flower | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Jaltomata
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| Species: |
procumbens
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Contents
What Does the Creeping False Holly Look Like?
The Jaltomata procumbens is a plant that spreads out. It can trail along the ground or grow upwards a bit. It has many shoots that come from one main root.
Leaves, Flowers, and Berries
- Its leaves are wide and shaped like a spear. They can grow up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) long and are dark green.
- The flowers are flat and round, like a wheel. They are a pale yellow-green color. You'll see darker green spots near the center of each flower.
- The fruits are called berries. They are dark purple and shaped like a small ball, about 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) across. These berries have a strong smell, a bit like grapes!
Why Is This Plant Special?
The fruit of the creeping false holly tastes and smells really good. Because of this, many people value it as a source of food.
A Plant People Protect
In northwestern Mexico, there are groups of people called the Tarahumara and the Pima Bajo (Mountain Pima). When this plant grows in their farm fields, they don't pull it out like a weed. Instead, they protect it and help it grow! This is a great example of how some plants that started growing on their own in fields later became important crops that people grow on purpose.
See also
In Spanish: Jaltomate para niños
