Roundleaf leather-root facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roundleaf leather-root |
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H. orbicularis
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| Hoita orbicularis (Lindl.) Rydb.
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Psoralea orbicularis |
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Hoita orbicularis is a type of plant known as a legume. Its common name is roundleaf leather-root. This plant is special because it is found only in California. It grows mostly in the mountain areas of the state, especially in places that are damp or wet.
About the Roundleaf Leather-Root
The roundleaf leather-root is a perennial herb. This means it is a plant that lives for many years, not just one season. It does not have a woody stem like a tree. Instead, it grows low to the ground, often spreading out flat.
What It Looks Like
This plant has large leaves. Each leaf is made up of three smaller, round parts called leaflets. These leaflets can be up to about 11 centimeters (4 inches) long. The plant's leaves and stems can feel a bit sticky or have tiny hairs on them.
The flowers of the roundleaf leather-root grow on a tall stem called a raceme. This stem can stand up straight and reach about 35 centimeters (14 inches) tall. Many flowers grow along this stem. Each flower is shaped like a pea and is usually one or two centimeters long. They are often a light to medium purple color.
The Fruit of the Plant
After the flowers bloom, the plant produces a fruit. This fruit is a legume pod, which is a type of seed case. The pod is hairy and has visible veins. It is quite small, just under 1 centimeter (half an inch) long.
