Coastalplain palafox facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coastalplain palafox
P. integrifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Subfamily:	Asteroideae
Genus:	Palafoxia
Species:	P. integrifolia
Binomial name
Palafoxia integrifolia (Nutt.) Torr. & A. Gray

Palafoxia integrifolia, also known as the coastalplain palafox, is a type of plant found in the southeastern United States. It is a beautiful wild flower.

What Does It Look Like?

Palafoxia integrifolia flowers are visited by insects like the delta flower scarab.

The coastalplain palafox is a plant that grows for one year. It has soft, green stems, not woody ones. This means its stems can sometimes droop a bit.

This plant has pretty pinkish-white flowers. These flowers are grouped together in special clusters. Its leaves are shiny and grow in an alternating pattern along the stem. The leaves are longer and thinner near the top of the plant.

Where Does Its Name Come From?

The plant's scientific name, P. integrifolia, was first described in 1842. This was done by a scientist named Thomas Nuttall.

The first part of its name, Palafoxia, honors José de Palafox y Melci. He was a Spanish general. The second part, integrifolia, comes from a Latin word. It means "having entire leaves," which describes its smooth, undivided leaves.

Where Does It Grow?

You can find P. integrifolia in the states of Georgia and Florida. It likes to grow in sandy, higher areas. These areas are often called uplands.

How Does It Help Nature?

Just like other plants in the Palafoxia group, this flower is very attractive to birds and insects. These animals help the plant by moving pollen from one flower to another. This process is called pollination. Pollination helps the plant make seeds and grow new plants.