Neches River rosemallow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Neches River rosemallow |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hibiscus
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| Species: |
dasycalyx
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The Neches River rosemallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx) is a special type of hibiscus flower. It grows only in Texas, USA. This plant is quite rare, with only a few groups of them left in nature.
What Does the Neches River Rosemallow Look Like?
This plant is a woody perennial herb. This means it has a somewhat woody stem and lives for many years. It can grow quite tall, up to 2.3 meters (about 7.5 feet).
Its leaves are shaped like a "T" and have three main parts, called lobes. The flowers are very pretty. They can be white or pink and have a deep red center. Each flower has five petals, and these can be up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) long. The small leaf-like parts under the flower, called sepals and bracteoles, are covered in soft, fuzzy hairs.
The Neches River rosemallow usually blooms from June through August. If there is enough moisture, it can even keep flowering into October. Its seeds are special because they can float on water.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
This unique hibiscus is found in eastern Texas. You can find it in Cherokee, Harrison, Houston, and Trinity Counties.
There are about 2,000 of these plants growing naturally. Another 210 plants have been planted in new areas. This species likes to grow in places that sometimes get flooded, like floodplains. It often grows where the water level changes, between high and low water marks. You might also see it next to standing water in swampy areas. The soil where it grows is often very wet or even underwater. The water underground is always close to the surface, less than 5 feet deep.
Why Is the Neches River Rosemallow in Danger?
The Neches River rosemallow is a plant that needs protection. It is being considered for federal protection in the United States.
Several things threaten this special plant:
- Chemicals: Herbicides, which are used to kill weeds, can harm it.
- Mowing: When areas are mowed, these plants can be cut down.
- Animals: Cattle grazing can damage the plants.
- Habitat Loss: Many wetlands, where this plant lives, are being lost.
- Mixing Genes: The Neches River rosemallow can sometimes mix with other hibiscus plants, like Hibiscus laevis. This is called hybridization. If too much mixing happens, it can lead to something called genetic swamping. This means the unique genes of the Neches River rosemallow could get lost.
