Cliff saxifrage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cliff saxifrage |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Micranthes
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| Species: |
petiolaris
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| Synonyms | |
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Hydatica petiolaris |
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Micranthes petiolaris, often called cliff saxifrage, is a fascinating flowering plant. It is part of the saxifrage family. This plant grows naturally in the southern Appalachian Mountains. You can find it on rocky cliffs and wet, rocky areas. It often lives in high places. Cliff saxifrage is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. In the summer, it grows small white flowers with yellow spots.
What is Cliff Saxifrage?
Cliff saxifrage is a type of plant that comes back every year. It does not die after one growing season. Its scientific name is Micranthes petiolaris. The common name, cliff saxifrage, helps us know where it lives. It likes to grow on cliffs and rocks.
Where Does Cliff Saxifrage Live?
This plant is native to the southern Appalachian Mountains. This mountain range stretches across the eastern United States. Cliff saxifrage prefers specific spots. It grows on exposed boulders and in rocky areas where water seeps out. These places are often found at high elevations in the mountains.
How Did Cliff Saxifrage Get Here?
Scientists have studied the genes of Micranthes petiolaris. These studies show something interesting. Cliff saxifrage is more closely related to plants from the Arctic. It is not as closely related to other Micranthes species in the southern Appalachians.
This suggests that the plant did not develop in the southern mountains. Instead, it likely moved there from the north. This journey probably happened during past ice ages. During these cold periods, glaciers covered much of the land. Plants and animals often moved to warmer areas. As the ice melted, some species stayed in their new homes. Cliff saxifrage might be one of these travelers from the north.
