Rio Grande butterfly-bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rio Grande butterfly-bush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Buddleja
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| Species: |
sessiliflora
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| Synonyms | |
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The Buddleja sessiliflora, also called the Rio Grande butterfly-bush or tepozán, is a plant found in the southern Arizona and Texas areas of the United States. It also grows across much of central and northern Mexico. However, you won't find it in the Chihuahua Desert or Baja California Sur.
This shrub likes to grow in many different places. You can spot it in thorny savannah areas, forests, and along riverbanks (riparian zones). It also grows next to roads and in places where the land has been changed, from sea level up to 2,800 meters high. A scientist named Kunth first gave this plant its name and described it in 1818.
Contents
What Does the Rio Grande Butterfly-Bush Look Like?
The Buddleja sessiliflora is a shrub or small tree. It can grow to be about 1.5 to 5 meters (5 to 16 feet) tall. Its main stem, or trunk, can be up to 7 centimeters (almost 3 inches) wide. The bark is yellowish-brown and has cracks in it.
Leaves and Branches
The younger branches are somewhat square-shaped and yellowish. The newest parts of these branches feel soft and fuzzy. The leaves of this plant can look very different depending on where they are. Leaves near the bottom are usually oval-shaped. They are about 9 to 23 cm (3.5 to 9 inches) long and 5 to 14 cm (2 to 5.5 inches) wide. Their edges are saw-toothed.
Leaves higher up on the plant are more narrow, like a spear or a long oval. These are about 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches) long and 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6 to 1.2 inches) wide. Their edges can be smooth or have small, irregular teeth. The top surfaces of all the leaves are usually smooth and hairless.
Flowers and Scent
The flowers of the Buddleja sessiliflora grow in long clusters called inflorescences. These clusters are 6 to 25 cm (2.4 to 9.8 inches) long and have leaves mixed in with the flowers. The flower heads are round, about 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 inches) across. Each head has 10 to 35 flowers. These flowers are attached directly to the stem or have very short stalks. Many people say the flowers have an unpleasant smell, like ammonia but a bit sweeter.
Where Can You Find This Plant?
The Buddleja sessiliflora is grown in some gardens. For example, it is known to be grown in France at a place called Le Jardin de Rochevieille. You can find more information about it there [1].
