Rusby's globemallow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rusby's globemallow
Scientific classification
Genus:	Sphaeralcea
Species:	rusbyi

Sphaeralcea rusbyi is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the mallow family. People often call it Rusby's globemallow or Rusby's desert-mallow. This plant naturally grows in the southwestern parts of the United States. You can find it in many different kinds of desert areas.

About Rusby's Globemallow

This plant is special because it has adapted to live in dry desert places. It's known for its bright, colorful flowers. Scientists have divided this plant into three main groups. Each group grows in a different part of the desert southwest. This helps the plant survive in slightly different conditions.

Where It Grows

Rusby's globemallow loves the desert. It grows well in places like Arizona, Utah, and the desert regions of California. It can be found in rocky areas, sandy flats, and even on hillsides. The plant is very tough and can handle the hot, dry weather of these regions. Its ability to thrive in such harsh conditions makes it a fascinating plant to study.

What It Looks Like

This plant can grow quite tall. Its stems are often covered in fine hairs or a woolly texture. This fuzzy coating helps protect the plant from the sun and helps it hold onto water.

Stems and Leaves

The stems of Rusby's globemallow can reach up to three meters high. That's about as tall as a basketball hoop! The stems are usually strong and upright. The leaves of the plant are also interesting. They can be lobed, meaning they have rounded sections, or they can be compound. Compound leaves are made up of several smaller leaflets.

Beautiful Flowers

The flowers of Rusby's globemallow are very pretty. Each flower has five petals. These petals are a bright red-orange color. They can grow up to 2 centimeters long. The vibrant color helps attract insects like bees. These insects then help the plant make seeds. The flowers add a splash of color to the desert landscape.