Maguire's lewisia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maguire's lewisia |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lewisia
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| Species: |
maguirei
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The Lewisia maguirei is a very special flowering plant. It is also known as Maguire's lewisia or Maguire's bitterroot. This plant belongs to the Montiaceae family. It is a rare plant found only in one specific area.
This plant is endemic to Nevada in the United States. This means it grows naturally only in eastern Nye County and nowhere else in the world.
Contents
What Does the Maguire's Lewisia Look Like?
The Maguire's lewisia is a perennial herb. This means it is a small plant that lives for more than two years. It grows very close to the ground. Its stem is usually less than 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) long.
Roots and Leaves
The plant has a thick main root called a taproot. This root grows straight down into the soil. Its leaves are fleshy and shaped like a spear. They are about 1 or 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long. These leaves usually dry up and disappear before the plant flowers.
Flowers and Blooming
The plant produces a small cluster of flowers called an inflorescence. Each cluster usually has 2 or 3 flowers. Each flower has 3 or 4 wide, white or pinkish parts called sepals. It also has up to 9 petals. These petals are white or have a pink tint. Each petal is about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) long. The Maguire's lewisia blooms during the summer months.
Where Does the Maguire's Lewisia Live?
This unique plant grows in very specific places. It likes rocky slopes made of clay and limestone. These areas are often found in open pinyon-juniper woodlands.
High-Altitude Home
The Maguire's lewisia lives at high elevations. It can be found between 2,240 and 2,525 meters (about 7,350 to 8,280 feet) above sea level. This is a very high and rugged environment.
Plant Neighbors
Other plants that share this habitat include the desert green gentian (Frasera albomarginata). You might also find Torrey's milkvetch (Astragalus calycosus). The stemless four-nerved daisy (Tetraneuris acaulis) and Nevada onion (Allium nevadense) also grow there. Another neighbor is the rock goldenrod (Petradoria pumila).
Why Is This Plant Rare?
The Maguire's lewisia is very rare. Scientists know of only 8 places where this plant grows. All these locations are very close to each other, within an eight-kilometer (about 5-mile) area.
Threats to the Plant
One of the biggest dangers to this plant is illegal collecting. Some people find alpine plants like the Maguire's lewisia very attractive. They might try to remove them from their natural home. This can harm the plant's population.
Natural Protection
Luckily, the plant's rugged and high-elevation home helps to protect it. It is hard for people to reach these areas. This natural protection helps keep the plant safe from other threats.
