Striped adobe lily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Striped adobe lily |
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Fritillaria
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F. striata
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| Fritillaria striata |
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The Fritillaria striata, often called the striped adobe lily, is a special and rare type of fritillary flower. It's known for its beautiful bell-shaped blooms. This plant is quite unique because it grows in only a few places.
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Where the Striped Adobe Lily Lives
The striped adobe lily is found only in California, USA. This means it's an endemic plant, growing naturally nowhere else in the world! You can find it in the southern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Specifically, it grows in Kern County and Tulare County. It also lives near the Tehachapi Mountains on the Tejon Ranch. This special lily prefers to grow in a type of soil called adobe clay.
What the Striped Adobe Lily Looks Like
The striped adobe lily grows a straight stem that can be about 25 to 40 centimeters (10 to 16 inches) tall. It has pairs of long, oval-shaped leaves. These leaves are usually about 6 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long.
The Unique Flower
The flower of the striped adobe lily hangs downwards. It is shaped like a bell and has a lovely smell. Each flower has six light pink petals, which are called tepals. These petals have darker pink stripes, making the flower look very pretty. The tips of the petals also roll back slightly. In the middle of the flower, there is a greenish-yellow part called a nectary. This is where the plant makes sweet nectar. Around the nectary, you can see yellow parts called anthers.
Why the Striped Adobe Lily Needs Our Help
The striped adobe lily is a very rare plant. It is considered a threatened species by the State of California. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever if we don't protect it.
Threats to the Plant
Several things make it hard for the striped adobe lily to survive. One big problem is when cattle eat the plants. Wild pigs can also damage the areas where these lilies grow. Another threat comes from invasive species of grasses. These are grasses that are not native to California. They grow very fast and can take over the space and resources that the striped adobe lily needs.
Protecting This Rare Flower
Because it's so rare, the striped adobe lily is listed on the Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. This list is created by the California Native Plant Society. It shows that the striped adobe lily is seriously endangered in California. Efforts are being made to protect its habitat and help this beautiful flower thrive.
