Napa dwarf flax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hesperolinon serpentinum |
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H. serpentinum
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| Hesperolinon serpentinum N.McCarten
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The Napa dwarf flax (Hesperolinon serpentinum) is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the flax family. This plant is also sometimes called the Napa western flax.
For a while, scientists were a bit confused about its official name. While it was known as Hesperolinon serpentinum, its proper scientific name was later confirmed as Hesperolinon sharsmithae in 2006.
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Where Does Napa Dwarf Flax Live?
This special plant grows only in northern California. It is found in fewer than twenty places around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Its Special Home
The Napa dwarf flax likes to live in chaparral plant communities. These are areas with tough, woody shrubs. It especially loves growing in serpentine soil. This type of soil is unique because it has high levels of certain minerals.
What Does Napa Dwarf Flax Look Like?
The Napa dwarf flax is a small plant. It has a thin, straight stem that can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall.
Leaves and Flowers
Its leaves are flat and narrow, and they are spread out along the stem. The plant produces several light yellow flowers. Each flower has tiny petals, only about 2 or 3 millimeters long.
Why Is Napa Dwarf Flax Rare?
This plant is rare because its natural home is shrinking. The biggest threat to the Napa dwarf flax is the development of its habitat. As more buildings and roads are built, there is less space for this unique plant to grow.
