Tharp's bluestar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tharp's bluestar |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Amsonia
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| Species: |
tharpii
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Amsonia tharpii, also known as Tharp's bluestar or feltleaf bluestar, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which includes many interesting plants. This special plant grows naturally in parts of New Mexico and Texas in the United States.
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About Tharp's Bluestar
This plant is a type of perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and has soft stems, not woody ones like a tree. It has a strong, woody taproot that grows deep into the ground. Tharp's bluestar usually grows to be about 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) tall.
What Does It Look Like?
The leaves of Tharp's bluestar are long and narrow, like a line or a spear. Each leaf can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) long. They grow in a circle around the stem, which is called a whorl. The leaves closer to the bottom of the plant are a bit wider than those near the top.
The flowers grow in bunches at the very top of the stems. They can be white, a light blue, or even a greenish color. Each flower is shaped like a tube and is about 1.5 centimeters (about 0.6 inches) long. After the flowers bloom, the plant produces a fruit. This fruit is called a follicle and has two parts. Inside the fruit are cylindrical seeds, which are about 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inches) long.
Where Does It Grow?
Tharp's bluestar is found in specific areas. In New Mexico, there are three known groups of these plants in Eddy County. In Texas, there is only one known group, located in Pecos County. These New Mexico and Texas locations are quite far apart, more than 160 kilometers (about 100 miles).
Scientists believe this plant might be a relict species. This means it was probably more common a long time ago. As conditions changed, it became much rarer. Today, it prefers to grow on rocky ground made of limestone and gypsum. You can find it in the Chihuahuan Desert scrub, which is a type of dry, shrubby land.
What Threats Does It Face?
Sadly, Tharp's bluestar is facing challenges that threaten its survival. Its natural home, or habitat, is being lost or damaged.
In New Mexico, the plant's habitat is affected by activities like oil and gas development. This can change the land where the bluestar grows. Also, too much grazing by animals, known as overgrazing, has caused problems. This can lead to erosion, where the soil washes away, and can also allow new, unwanted plants (called introduced species) to grow and take over.
In Texas, the plant often grows along the sides of roads. This means it could be at risk from road maintenance work, like when roads are repaired or widened. Protecting these special areas is important to help Tharp's bluestar continue to thrive.
