Triphysaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Triphysaria |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Triphysaria eriantha | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Tribe: | Pedicularideae |
| Genus: | Triphysaria Fisch. & C.A. Mey. |
| Species | |
|
5, see text |
|
Triphysaria is a group of five different plants. They are often called owl's-clovers because their flowers look a bit like an owl's beak. These plants belong to the Orobanchaceae family.
Owl's-clovers are closely related to other plants like Castilleja and Orthocarpus. You can find Triphysaria plants growing naturally in western North America. One type of owl's-clover only grows in California. This means it is endemic to that state.
Contents
What Makes Owl's-Clovers Special?
These plants have a unique way of getting some of their food. They are called facultative hemiparasites. This means they can make their own food using sunlight, just like most plants. But they also get extra nutrients from other plants.
They do this by growing special roots called haustoria. These roots connect to the roots of nearby plants. Through these connections, owl's-clovers can take some water and nutrients from their neighbors. It's like they're sharing a drink!
How Do Owl's-Clovers Look?
Owl's-clovers grow their flowers in a tall spike. Each flower is shaped like a small pouch or fold. The most interesting part is their "lips," which look like the beak of an owl. This is why they got their common name!
Different Kinds of Owl's-Clovers
There are five main types of Triphysaria plants. Each one has its own special name:
- Triphysaria eriantha - This one is also known as johnny-tuck or butter-and-eggs.
- Triphysaria floribunda - Called the San Francisco owl's-clover. It only grows in California.
- Triphysaria micrantha - Known as the purplebeak owl's-clover.
- Triphysaria pusilla - This is the dwarf owl's-clover, meaning it's quite small.
- Triphysaria versicolor - Also known as the yellowbeak owl's-clover.
See also
In Spanish: Triphysaria para niños
