Star gilia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Star gilia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gilia
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| Species: |
stellata
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Gilia stellata is a type of flowering plant. It is often called the star gilia because of its star-shaped flowers. This plant belongs to the phlox family.
You can find star gilia plants growing naturally in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They like to live in desert areas, especially in sandy places like dry riverbeds or on mountain slopes.
What Does Star Gilia Look Like?
Plant Structure and Size
The star gilia plant has a stem that stands straight up. This stem often branches out, like the branches of a small tree. It can grow to be about 40 centimeters tall. That's about the length of a standard ruler and a half!
The stem is covered in tiny, stiff white hairs. It also has special glands that look like they are on little stalks. These features help protect the plant.
Leaves and Flowers
Most of the plant's leaves grow in a circle close to the ground. This circle of leaves is called a basal rosette. Each leaf is made up of smaller parts that look like tiny teeth.
The plant produces several small flowers together. This group of flowers is called an inflorescence. Each flower is shaped like a small funnel. They have five pointed parts, called lobes. These lobes can be light pink or lavender in color. The center of the flower, called the throat, is usually yellowish.
