Otay mesa mint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otay mesa mint |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pogogyne
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| Species: |
nudiuscula
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The Otay Mesa Mint (Pogogyne nudiuscula) is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the mint family. This special plant grows only in a small area. That area is southern San Diego County, California. It is found near the border with Baja California, Mexico. This plant is protected by the United States government. It is listed as an endangered species. This means it is in danger of disappearing forever.
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Otay Mesa Mint
What is the Otay Mesa Mint?
The Otay Mesa Mint is a type of annual herb. This means it lives for only one growing season. It can grow up to 30 centimeters tall. That's about 12 inches. The plant has a strong smell, like other mints. Its stems are covered with very fine hairs. Sometimes they have no hairs at all.
The flowers grow in groups along the stem. Each flower is about one centimeter long. They are shaped like a bell with a narrow opening. The flowers are usually bright purple. They often have some white color on their lower lip.
Where Does It Live?
This rare plant is native to southern San Diego County, California. It is known mostly from Otay Mesa. This area is very close to the Mexican border. Scientists once found it south of the border in Mexico. However, those plants have likely disappeared from those areas.
Today, the Otay Mesa Mint grows in only seven special places. These places are called vernal pool complexes. They are all just north of the US-Mexico border.
What are Vernal Pools?
Vernal pools are unique wetlands. They fill with water during the rainy season. This creates temporary ponds. Then, they dry up completely in the warmer months. Many special plants and animals depend on these pools. They can only survive in these changing conditions. The Otay Mesa Mint is one of these unique plants.
Why is it Endangered?
The Otay Mesa Mint faces many threats. These threats are causing its habitat to shrink or be destroyed. Its habitat is the rare vernal pool ecosystem.
Threats to its Survival
- City Growth: New buildings and roads are being built. This takes away the land where the plant lives.
- Pollution: People sometimes dump trash and other waste. This pollutes the vernal pools.
- Vehicles: Cars and trucks can drive over the areas where the plant grows. This damages the plants and their habitat.
- Fires: Wildfires can destroy the plants and their seeds.
- Grazing: Animals like cattle can eat the plants. They can also damage the delicate vernal pool areas.
- Water Changes: Changes in how water moves in the area can harm the pools. This includes changes to natural water flow.
These threats make it very hard for the Otay Mesa Mint to survive. Protecting its vernal pool habitat is important. This will help keep this special plant from disappearing.
