Sotoa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sotoa |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sotoa
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| Species: |
confusa
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| Synonyms | |
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Sotoa is a special type of orchid. It is a relatively new genus, which is a group of very similar plants. Scientists first described this group in 2010.
What is the Sotoa Orchid?
The Sotoa group has only one known plant species. This species is called Sotoa confusa. It is a unique and interesting plant.
Where Does Sotoa confusa Grow?
This orchid is native to certain parts of North America. You can find it in western Texas in the United States. It also grows in Mexico, reaching as far south as the state of Oaxaca.
Discovering Sotoa confusa
Sotoa confusa is very rare, especially in Texas. The first time scientists collected this plant in Texas was in 1931. They found it in the Chisos Mountains. These mountains are inside Big Bend National Park.
At first, the plants collected in 1931 were mistakenly identified. Scientists thought they were another type of orchid called Spiranthes durangensis. It took many years for experts to realize that these plants were actually a completely different species.
It was not until 2008 that a group of these rare orchids was found growing alive in the wild again. This discovery helped scientists learn more about Sotoa confusa.
