Owens Valley sidalcea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Owens Valley sidalcea |
|
|---|---|
_1.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sidalcea
|
| Species: |
covillei
|
The Sidalcea covillei, also known as the Owens Valley sidalcea or Owens Valley checkerbloom, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the mallow family, which includes plants like cotton and hibiscus. This plant is quite rare and only grows in one specific place: the Owens Valley in Inyo County, California.
It loves to grow in unique spots like alkali flats, which are dry lakebeds with salty soil, and in wet, salty meadows and springs. Even though it's only found in this one valley, there are about 44 known places where it grows. Scientists believe there are around two million of these plants in total!
Contents
What Does the Owens Valley Checkerbloom Look Like?
The Owens Valley checkerbloom is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It grows from strong, fleshy roots. This plant can reach a height of about 20 to 60 centimeters, which is roughly the size of a small ruler to a large one.
Stems and Leaves
The stem of the plant is covered in tiny hairs. Near the bottom, these hairs are a bit rough and bristly. Higher up, they become softer and finer.
The leaves are also very interesting. They are deeply divided into long, narrow parts, almost like they are split into many tiny leaves. The leaves feel a bit thick and waxy, which helps them survive in their dry environment.
Flowers
The flowers grow in an open cluster called a panicle. Each flower has five beautiful pinkish-purple petals. These petals can be up to 1.5 centimeters long. Both the leaves and the flower parts called sepals (which protect the bud) are covered in tiny, branching hairs.
Why Is This Plant Special?
The Owens Valley checkerbloom is named after an American botanist named Frederick Vernon Coville. He was a scientist who studied plants.
This plant is very important because it's endemic to the Owens Valley. This means it doesn't naturally grow anywhere else in the world! Because it's so unique and only found in one area, it needs our protection.
Protecting the Plant
One of the biggest challenges for the Owens Valley checkerbloom is the dropping water table. The water table is like an underground water level. When it drops, the water moves deeper into the ground. This makes it harder for the plant to reach the water it needs, especially in its special alkaline-seep habitats where water usually collects near the surface. Protecting its water supply is key to helping this plant thrive.
