Painted-lady facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Painted-lady |
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| E. derenbergii, Montreal Botanical Garden | |
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| Genus: |
Echeveria
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| Species: |
derenbergii
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The Echeveria derenbergii, also known as the painted-lady, is a special type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which includes many succulent plants. This plant is native to Mexico, meaning it naturally grows there.
What is the Painted-Lady Plant?
The painted-lady plant is a type of succulent plant. This means it has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, helping it survive in dry places. It is also an evergreen plant, so its leaves stay green all year round. It's a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years.
This plant usually grows to about 10 centimeters (4 inches) tall. It has a tight group of leaves at its base, shaped like a rosette, similar to a rose. The leaves are thick and have a frosty look with tiny bristles at their tips. In winter, the plant grows bell-shaped yellow flowers. These flowers have red tips, making them look like they've been "painted."
Growing and Caring for the Painted-Lady Plant
The Echeveria derenbergii is a popular ornamental plant. People grow it in rock gardens or as a potted plant indoors. It's loved for its unique look and pretty flowers.
One cool thing about this plant is how it grows. It quickly makes many small "baby" plants, called offsets, around the main plant. You can carefully separate these small plants from the parent plant and grow them on their own. This is a fun way to get more plants!
If you live in a cooler place, you need to protect this plant in winter. It doesn't like temperatures below -7 degrees Celsius (19 degrees Fahrenheit). However, you can place it outside in a sheltered spot during the warmer summer months. This plant has even won an award called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit for being an excellent garden plant.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name Echeveria comes from Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy. He was a talented artist who drew plants for a book called Flora Mexicana. The plant was named in his honor.
