Jensia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jensia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Tribe: |
Madieae
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| Genus: |
Jensia
B.G.Baldwin 1999
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| Type species | |
| Madia yosemitana Parry ex A.Gray
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Jensia is a small group of flowering plants. These plants belong to the daisy family. You can only find them growing naturally in California, which means they are endemic to that state.
Contents
What is a Genus?
A genus is a way scientists group living things that are very similar. Think of it like a family name for plants. For example, all types of Jensia plants share many features. They are more alike to each other than to plants from other groups. This helps scientists organize and understand the natural world.
The Daisy Family
Jensia plants are part of the Asteraceae family. This is also known as the daisy or sunflower family. It is one of the largest families of flowering plants. You might know many plants from this family. Common examples include sunflowers, dandelions, and, of course, daisies!
Features of Daisy Plants
Plants in the daisy family often have special flowers. What looks like one big flower is actually many tiny flowers grouped together. These tiny flowers are called florets. They are arranged in a head. This head is usually surrounded by colorful petals. These petals are actually ray florets. This design helps attract pollinators like bees.
Where Jensia Grows
The word "endemic" means that a plant or animal only lives in one specific place. For Jensia plants, that special place is California. They have adapted to the climate and soil there. This makes California their only natural home.
Jensia rammii
One type of Jensia is called Jensia rammii. This plant grows in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can find it in places like Butte County and Calaveras County. There have also been reports of it growing in Tulare County.
Jensia yosemitana
Another type is Jensia yosemitana. This species also grows in the Sierra Nevada. Its range stretches from Nevada County down to Kern County. Both species are important parts of California's unique plant life.
Why Plants are Important
Plants like Jensia are very important for our planet. They produce the oxygen we breathe. They also provide food and shelter for many animals. Plants help keep the soil healthy. They also play a big role in the water cycle. Learning about different plants helps us understand nature better. It also helps us protect these amazing living things.
See also
In Spanish: Jensia para niños
