San Joaquin adobe sunburst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Joaquin adobe sunburst |
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P. peirsonii
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| Pseudobahia peirsonii Munz
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The Pseudobahia peirsonii is a very special and rare flowering plant. It is part of the aster family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. People often call it the San Joaquin adobe sunburst or Tulare pseudobahia.
This plant is found only in California, which means it is endemic to that state. It grows in a few small areas along the southeastern side of the San Joaquin Valley. You can also find it where the valley meets the Sierra Nevada foothills. It likes to grow in grasslands and oak woodlands. It especially loves heavy adobe clay soils. Because it is so rare, the United States government listed it as a threatened species in 1997.
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About the San Joaquin Adobe Sunburst
The San Joaquin adobe sunburst is an annual herb. This means it lives for only one growing season. It can grow to be about 20 to 70 centimeters tall. That's roughly the height of a small child.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant has a thin layer of soft, woolly hairs. Its leaves can be up to 6 centimeters long. They are usually divided into smaller parts, which are then split into even tinier segments.
The plant produces a single, bright flower head. This head is surrounded by about eight special leaves called phyllaries. These leaves are joined at their base, forming a round cup with pointed tips. Inside the cup, you'll see about 8 golden-yellow petals, called ray florets. In the very center of the flower head, there are many tiny yellow disc florets.
Where Does It Live?
The San Joaquin adobe sunburst is a true Californian. It lives only in certain parts of the state. Its home is mainly in the San Joaquin Valley and the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills. It prefers open areas like grasslands. It also grows under the shade of oak trees in woodlands. The plant needs a specific type of soil. It thrives in heavy adobe clay soils.
Why Is It in Trouble?
Sadly, the San Joaquin adobe sunburst is facing many dangers. Its biggest threat is the loss of its home. People are building more houses, which destroys the plant's natural habitat.
Other problems include animals eating the plants, which is called grazing. Farming also takes away its land. Maintenance work on flood control systems, transmission lines, and roads also harms its habitat.
Another big issue is the presence of non-native plants. These plants, like charlock, stork's bill, and certain types of bromes, grow very fast. They compete with the San Joaquin adobe sunburst for space, water, and sunlight. This makes it harder for the rare plant to survive.
