San Diego coastalcreeper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids San Diego coastalcreeper
Aphanisma blitoides
Scientific classification
Genus:	Aphanisma
Species:	blitoides

Aphanisma blitoides is a special kind of plant. It's the only plant in its group, called a monotypic genus. People often call it the San Diego coastalcreeper or just aphanisma.

This plant is quite rare. It's an annual plant, which means it lives for only one year. You can find it growing along the coastlines of Baja California and southern California. This includes the beautiful Channel Islands.

What is Aphanisma blitoides?

This plant loves living near the ocean. It grows in sand or low-growing bushes right by the coast. It's a succulent plant, meaning it can store water in its leaves and stems. This helps it survive in salty places.

The plant has many thin stems that spread out. It has only a few small green leaves. Its flowers are tiny. When the stems get older, they turn a bright red color.

Why is it Rare?

Aphanisma blitoides is becoming harder to find. This is because its natural home along the coast is disappearing. Many coastal areas are being developed.

Because of this, the plant has completely vanished from many places where it used to grow. This is called being extirpated from an area. It means it's gone from that specific spot, even if it still exists elsewhere.

See also

In Spanish: Aphanisma blitoides para niños