Tonestus graniticus facts for kids

Tonestus graniticus, also known as granite serpentweed or Lone Mountain serpentweed, is a very rare plant. It is found only in one special place: the east side of Lone Mountain in Esmeralda County, Nevada. This area is about 20 km (12.5 miles) west of Tonopah.

This plant is endemic to this spot. This means it naturally grows nowhere else in the world. It likes to grow in the cracks of granite rocks.

What Does It Look Like?

Tonestus graniticus is a type of plant called a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows close to the ground and often forms flat, mat-like shapes.

Its leaves can be shaped like an egg (called ovate) or like a spoon (called spatulate). They have edges that are not smooth, but are irregularly toothed. Each leaf can grow up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) long.

The plant has yellow flowers that grow in groups. Unlike some flowers that have large, showy petals (like a daisy's white petals), Tonestus graniticus only has small, yellow disc flowers. It can have up to 23 of these tiny flowers in each head.