Sphaeralcea gierischii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sphaeralcea gierischii |
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Sphaeralcea
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gierischii
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The Gierisch's globemallow (scientific name: Sphaeralcea gierischii) is a special flowering plant. It is also called the Gierisch mallow. This plant belongs to the mallow family. It is an endangered species, which means it is at risk of disappearing forever.
This plant grows naturally in the western United States. You can only find it in parts of Utah and Arizona. Scientists officially described this plant in 2002.
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What Does Gierisch's Globemallow Look Like?
Gierisch's globemallow is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows in groups of stems that are dark reddish-purple. These stems can grow up to about one meter (about 3 feet) tall.
The plant has a few bright green leaves. These leaves have a lobed shape, like a hand with fingers. Its flowers are very pretty. They have petals that can be up to 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) long. The flowers are usually orange, but some people describe their color as "grenadine," which is a deep reddish-orange.
Where Does Gierisch's Globemallow Live?
This plant is very rare. Scientists know of only five places where it grows. About 90% of all these plants are found in Mohave County, Arizona.
The Gierisch's globemallow faces big threats. In Arizona, it is in danger because of open-pit mining for gypsum. Gypsum is a mineral used in building materials. This type of mining digs up large areas of land.
The only group of these plants in Utah is also in danger. It is threatened by off-road vehicle use and people dumping trash.
Plant Neighbors and Habitat
The Gierisch's globemallow often grows near other plants. Some of its neighbors include creosote bush, blackbrush, saltbush, yucca, ragweed, ephedra, rabbitbrush, prairie-clover, James' galleta, cheesebush, Anderson's desert thorn, prickly pear, indigo bush, and cliffrose.
This plant almost always grows in special soil called gypsum soil. This soil comes from the Kaibab Limestone rock. Sometimes, it can also grow in regular limestone soils.
Gypsum is a valuable mineral. It is mined a lot in the areas where this plant lives. The mining process removes the top layer of rock. Then, the gypsum-rich layers deeper down are dug out. After that, the pit is filled with the leftover rock from the top layer. This process destroys the plant's home.
Protecting Gierisch's Globemallow
Because it is so rare and threatened, the Gierisch's globemallow needs protection.
In 2012, experts suggested that it should be listed as an endangered species. This would give it special protection under the Endangered Species Act. In 2013, it officially became an endangered species.
Since 2011, a group called the Red Butte Garden's Conservation Department has been working to help this plant. They are located in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are studying how to grow the plant from seeds and how to plant it in new places. They are doing these studies in Arizona, near St. George, Utah. Their goal is to see if they can successfully reintroduce Gierisch's globemallow to areas that have been mined for gypsum.
