Petromarula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Petromarula |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Petromarula
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| Species: |
pinnata
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Petromarula pinnata is a special plant. It belongs to a group of plants called the Campanulaceae family. This family is also known as the bellflower family. Petromarula pinnata is the only type of plant in its genus, Petromarula. It grows only on the island of Crete. Crete is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea. The name "Petromarula" comes from Greek words. It means "rock lettuce." People used to eat this plant in salads.
What Does It Look Like?
Petromarula pinnata is a strong plant. It grows to a medium or tall height. It is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years. The plant has tiny hairs on its upper parts.
Leaves and Flowers
Most of its leaves grow in a big cluster. This cluster forms a "rosette" at the base of the plant. The leaves are shaped like feathers. They have many small parts called leaflets. The lower leaves have long stems. These leaflets are oval or oblong. They also have rough, jagged edges.
The flowers of Petromarula pinnata are a pale blue color. Each flower is about 9 to 10 millimeters long. They grow in large, narrow bunches called panicles. The flower's petals form a shape called a corolla. This corolla has five long, thin parts. These parts spread out or curve backward.
Reproduction
After the flowers bloom, the plant forms a capsule. This capsule holds the seeds. The capsule opens in the middle through three small holes. This lets the seeds out. The plant usually flowers in April and May.
Where Does It Grow?
Petromarula pinnata loves to grow in rocky places. You can find it in cracks in rocks. It also grows on cliffs and old stone walls. This plant is endemic to Crete. This means it naturally grows nowhere else in the world.
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