Ribes californicum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ribes californicum |
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Ribes
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californicum
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The hillside gooseberry (scientific name: Ribes californicum) is a type of currant plant. It grows only in California, USA. This plant is endemic to California, which means it naturally lives only in that area. You can find it in different parts of California, like the Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges. It often grows in places with chaparral (a type of shrubland) and woodlands.
Contents
What Does the Hillside Gooseberry Look Like?
The hillside gooseberry is usually a straight-growing shrub. It can grow up to about 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) tall. Along its stems, it has sharp spines. Each spine can be up to 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) long.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are usually 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long. They can be a bit hairy or smooth. Each leaf is divided into 3 to 5 sections, called lobes. These lobes are shaped like ovals and have small teeth along their edges.
The flowers of the hillside gooseberry hang down from the branches. They can appear alone or in small groups of up to three flowers. Each flower has five outer parts called sepals. These sepals can be deep red or green with a red tint, and they bend upwards.
In the center of the flower, there are white or pinkish petals that form a tube. Inside, there are five stamens (which make pollen) and two longer styles (parts of the plant that receive pollen).
Fruit
After the flowers, the plant grows a red berry. This berry is about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) wide. It is covered in stiff spines. Even with the spines, the berry is safe to eat!
Where Do Different Types Grow?
There are two main types, or varieties, of the hillside gooseberry:
- Ribes californicum var. californicum – This type is mostly found in the Coast Ranges. It grows from Ventura County up to Mendocino County. You can also find some in Orange County.
- Ribes californicum var. hesperium – This type mainly grows in the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California.
