Ribes viburnifolium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ribes viburnifolium |
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Ribes
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viburnifolium
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The Catalina currant (also known as Ribes viburnifolium) is a special plant from North America. It's part of the gooseberry family, which includes many different types of currants and gooseberries. People also call it the Santa Catalina Island currant, island gooseberry, or evergreen currant.
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Where the Catalina Currant Grows
This plant mostly grows in Southern California in the United States. You can find it especially on Santa Catalina Island, which is one of the Channel Islands. It also grows further south in northern Baja California, Mexico.
The Catalina currant is a rare plant that lives in the California coastal sage and chaparral areas. These are places with dry, shrubby plants near the coast. Because it doesn't need much water, the 'evergreen currant' has become a popular choice for gardens that want to save water.
What the Catalina Currant Looks Like
The Catalina currant is a low-growing plant. It sends out long, reddish stems that spread out close to the ground.
Leaves and Scent
Its leaves are dark green and shiny on top. On the underside, they are lighter green or yellowish and feel a bit leathery. The leaves have special glands that produce a sticky sap. This sap smells like citrus fruits, which is a unique feature!
Flowers and Fruit
In late winter and early spring, the plant grows clusters of deep red flowers. Later in the spring, these flowers turn into small, red fruits.
