Klamath rushlily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Klamath rushlily |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification |
The Klamath rushlily (scientific name: Hastingsia serpentinicola) is a special kind of flowering plant. It is known for growing in a very unique type of soil. This plant is found in the mountains of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon.
Contents
What is the Klamath Rushlily?
The Klamath rushlily is a type of plant called a perennial herb. This means it lives for many years. It grows from a black bulb that is about 2 to 4 centimeters long. That's about the size of a small grape!
The plant sends up a straight stem that can grow up to 50 centimeters tall. That's about half a meter, or almost two feet high. Long, bending leaves grow around the bottom of the stem. The rest of the stem is bare.
Its Unique Flowers
At the very top of the stem, you'll find many small, lily-like flowers. These flowers are usually white or a light greenish color. They grow in a narrow, pointed cluster called an inflorescence.
Each tiny flower has six curled parts, like petals. It also has six parts that stick out, called stamens. These stamens have very large yellow tips called anthers.
Life Cycle and Seeds
After the flowers bloom, they eventually fall off. This leaves behind small, developing fruits. These fruits are like tiny capsules, only a few millimeters wide. Inside these capsules, you'll find black seeds. These seeds will then grow into new Klamath rushlily plants.
Where Does it Live?
The Klamath rushlily is native to the mountains of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. It has a very specific home! This plant loves to grow in a special kind of ground called serpentine soil.
What is Serpentine Soil?
Serpentine soil is quite unusual. It comes from a type of rock called serpentinite. This soil often has high levels of certain metals and low levels of important plant nutrients. Many plants find it hard to grow in serpentine soil. But the Klamath rushlily is perfectly adapted to it! This makes it a very unique and tough plant.
