Superb mariposa lily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Superb mariposa lily |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calochortus
|
| Species: |
superbus
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The superb mariposa lily (Calochortus superbus) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the lily family. You can find this plant only in California, USA. It grows in many different natural areas across the state. It is especially common in the Coast Ranges and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Contents
What the Superb Mariposa Lily Looks Like
The superb mariposa lily is a perennial herb. This means it is a plant that lives for more than two years. It does not have a woody stem. It can grow to be about 40 to 60 centimeters (16 to 24 inches) tall.
Leaves and Flowers
The plant has one long leaf at its base. This leaf can be up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. It usually dries up by the time the plant flowers.
The flowers grow in a loose group, usually 1 to 3 flowers together. They stand upright and are shaped like bells. Each flower has three sepals and three petals. Sepals are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. Both the sepals and petals can be up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long.
Flower Colors and Markings
The petals and sepals have yellow blotches at their bases. There is often a darker spot inside the yellow area. The main color of the flower parts can be white, light purple, or solid yellow.
Fruit of the Plant
After the flower blooms, it produces a capsule. This is a type of dry fruit that opens to release seeds. The capsule is angled and can be 5 or 6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches) long.
How it Compares to Similar Plants
The superb mariposa lily looks a lot like another plant called Calochortus venustus. One way to tell them apart is by looking at their nectary. A nectary is a part of the flower that makes nectar, a sweet liquid that attracts pollinators. The superb mariposa lily has a squarish nectary. The C. luteus plant has an oval or crescent-shaped nectary.
