Phoebanthus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids False sunflower |
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Phoebanthus
S.F.Blake
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| Phoebanthus grandiflorus (Torr. & A.Gray) S.F.Blake
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Phoebanthus, also known as the false sunflower, is a group of plants found in North America. These plants belong to the sunflower tribe, which is part of the larger daisy family.
The Phoebanthus genus includes two types of plants. Both are perennials, meaning they live for more than two years. They are native to the southeastern United States. These plants look a lot like the common sunflower, which is why they are called "false sunflowers." They are actually close relatives of the Helianthus genus, where true sunflowers belong.
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What Makes False Sunflowers Special?
Phoebanthus plants have a special feature called a pappus. This is a ring of tiny scales or bristles on the seed. In false sunflowers, these scales are usually short and stay on the seed. This is different from true sunflowers, which often have two bristles that fall off easily.
Another unique thing about Phoebanthus is how they grow underground. They form a special type of thin, horizontal tuber. This tuber helps the plant survive through different seasons and grow back year after year.
Types of False Sunflowers
There are two main species (types) of Phoebanthus plants. Each one grows in a slightly different area.
Phoebanthus tenuifolius
This species is a diploid plant. This means it has two sets of chromosomes in its cells. Phoebanthus tenuifolius grows in a small area of the Florida panhandle. You can find it in only four counties there: Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, and Liberty.
Because it grows in such a small area, the state of Florida lists Phoebanthus tenuifolius as a "Threatened Species." This means it needs protection to make sure it doesn't disappear. It has also been seen in Escambia County in Alabama.
Phoebanthus grandiflorus
This species is a tetraploid plant. This means it has four sets of chromosomes in its cells. Phoebanthus grandiflorus grows in the main part of Florida, which is shaped like a peninsula. It has a wider distribution than P. tenuifolius.
You can find P. grandiflorus from Clay and Alachua counties in the north. Its range extends south to the area just north of Lake Okeechobee. Scientists are still studying how these two species are related.
See also
In Spanish: Phoebanthus para niños
