Thurber's spineflower facts for kids
Centrostegia is a special group of plants that has only one known type, or species. This unique plant is called Centrostegia thurberi. You can find it growing in the southwestern United States and the northwestern part of Mexico. It belongs to the plant family called Polygonaceae.
Centrostegia thurberi has a couple of interesting common names: Thurber's spineflower and red triangles. It's a small, delicate plant, and what makes it really stand out is its bright red color.
Quick facts for kids Thurber's spineflower |
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| Centrostegia thurberi | |
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Centrostegia
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thurberi
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Contents
What is Thurber's Spineflower?
Thurber's spineflower, or Centrostegia thurberi, is a small, annual plant. This means it completes its entire life cycle in just one growing season. It's known for its distinctive red stems and leaves, which can make it look like a splash of color on the ground.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant loves dry, open areas. You can often find Centrostegia thurberi in sandy or rocky soils. It grows in deserts, grasslands, and chaparral habitats. It's well-adapted to the hot and dry conditions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
What Does It Look Like?
Centrostegia thurberi is a very small plant, often growing only a few inches tall. Its stems are thin and often spread out along the ground. The leaves are tiny and can be a mix of green and red. The plant gets its "red triangles" name from the way its leaves and stems can turn a vibrant reddish color. This color often becomes more intense as the plant matures.
The flowers of Thurber's spineflower are also very small. They are usually yellowish or reddish and grow in clusters. After the flowers, the plant produces tiny, spiny fruits. These spines are likely why it's called a "spineflower."
Life Cycle
As an annual plant, Centrostegia thurberi starts from a seed. It grows quickly during the spring and early summer. It then produces its small flowers and seeds. Once the seeds are mature, the plant dies. The seeds then wait in the soil for the right conditions to sprout the next year. This cycle helps the plant survive in its dry environment.
See also
In Spanish: Centrostegia thurberi para niños
