Rixford's rockwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rixford's rockwort |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Scopulophila
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| Species: |
rixfordii
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| Synonyms | |
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Achyronychia rixfordii Brandegee |
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Scopulophila rixfordii is a special kind of flowering plant. It's often called Rixford's rockwort. This plant belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, which is also known as the carnation family.
What is Rixford's Rockwort?
Rixford's rockwort is a unique plant that loves to grow in tough, rocky areas. It's known for its ability to anchor itself firmly to its surroundings.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
This plant is native to the Mojave Desert. This desert stretches across parts of eastern California, southern Nevada, and probably Arizona. You can find it growing in very rocky places. It often lives on steep limestone cliffs and inside canyons.
How Does Rixford's Rockwort Look?
Scopulophila rixfordii grows stems that branch out. These stems can be about 10 to 30 centimeters long. They hold onto rocks using a strong main root called a taproot. Some parts of the stem might feel a bit fuzzy, but most of it is smooth.
The plant has small, thick green leaves. These leaves are long and narrow, and they grow in pairs along the stem. Next to each leaf, there's a tiny, pointed leaf-like part called a stipule.
The flowers of Rixford's rockwort grow where the leaves meet the stem. They can appear alone or in small groups. These flowers don't have colorful petals. Instead, they have thin, white leaf-like parts called sepals. These sepals have delicate, see-through edges.
