Prunus eremophila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prunus eremophila |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The Mojave Desert plum, also known as Prunus eremophila, is a very rare type of plum plant. It grows naturally only in a small part of California. This special shrub is a true survivor of the desert!
Contents
Where the Mojave Desert Plum Lives
This unique shrub is found only in the Mojave Desert in northeastern San Bernardino County, California. It lives in a specific area called the Vontrigger Hills and Lanfair Valley. These places are inside the eastern part of the Mojave National Preserve.
The Mojave Desert plum grows in desert scrub areas. These are places with tough plants that can handle dry, hot conditions. Scientists only officially described this plant in 2001 or 2002. Because it was found so recently, we are still learning a lot about how it lives and grows.
What the Mojave Desert Plum Looks Like
The Mojave Desert plum is a thick, bushy shrub. It has many tangled branches that can be thorny. This plant can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching over 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) high.
Leaves of the Mojave Desert Plum
Its leaves fall off every year, which means it is a deciduous plant. The leaves are oval-shaped and have small teeth along their edges. They are usually 2 to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) long. The leaves feel a little bit hairy.
Flowers and Fruit
The Mojave Desert plum blooms in the spring, usually from March to April. Its flowers are small and white. They grow either by themselves or in pairs. Each flower has tiny white petals.
Interestingly, some flowers are male and some are female. This means that either the stamens (the male parts that make pollen) or the pistils (the female parts that make seeds) do not fully develop.
The fruit of the Mojave Desert plum is a special type of fruit called a drupe. It is small, about 1.6 centimeters (half an inch) wide. The fruit can be orange-rust or yellowish in color and feels a bit fuzzy. Inside, it has a thin, dry pulp around a hard pit.
Protecting the Mojave Desert Plum
The Mojave Desert plum is a critically endangered species. This means it is at very high risk of disappearing forever. Even though it grows inside the Mojave National Preserve, which helps protect it, there are still many threats.
Some of the dangers to this rare plant include:
- Off-road vehicles: Cars and bikes driving off marked roads can damage plants.
- Grazing: Animals like cattle or goats eating the plants can harm them.
- Mining: Activities that dig up the ground for minerals can destroy its habitat.
- Climate change: Changes in weather patterns, like hotter temperatures or less rain, can make it harder for the plant to survive.
Scientists and park rangers are working to understand and protect this special desert plant.
