Mendocino gentian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mendocino gentian |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gentiana
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| Species: |
setigera
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| Synonyms | |
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Gentiana bisetaea |
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Gentiana setigera is a special kind of plant. People often call it the Mendocino gentian. It is a type of gentian flower. This plant grows naturally in southern Oregon and northern California. You can find it in wet areas, especially in the California Coast Ranges. It likes to grow in a special kind of soil called serpentine soil.
About the Mendocino Gentian
The Mendocino gentian is a low-growing plant. It is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. Its stems spread out along the ground. They can grow to be about 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are different depending on where they are. Near the bottom of the plant, the leaves look like spoons. Further up the stem, the leaves are oval-shaped. They usually grow in pairs.
The flowers of the Mendocino gentian are very pretty. They can grow by themselves or in small groups. Each flower looks like a bell. They are a bright blue color with a white center that has small spots.
The flower has four or five main parts called lobes. These lobes are shaped like diamonds. Between these main parts, there are small, thread-like pieces. After the flower blooms, it forms a fruit. This fruit is a capsule that holds the seeds. The seeds have small wings, which helps them spread.
See also
In Spanish: Gentiana setigera para niños
