Vortriede's spineflower facts for kids

Get ready to meet a very special plant called Vortriede's spineflower, also known by its scientific name, Systenotheca vortriedei. This unique wildflower belongs to the buckwheat family. What makes it extra special is that it's the only species in its entire plant group, called a genus. That's why scientists call its genus monotypic – meaning "one type."

What Does Vortriede's Spineflower Look Like?

This little plant is an annual, which means it completes its whole life cycle in just one year. It grows to be quite small, usually no taller than 15 centimeters (about 6 inches). You can easily spot it because of its bright red stems and leaves, which make it stand out. Its flowers are a pretty white color.

Where Does This Plant Live?

Vortriede's spineflower is a true Californian native! It is endemic to California, meaning it naturally grows nowhere else in the world. You can find it specifically in the Santa Lucia Mountains, which are part of California's central coast region.

This wildflower is quite rare, even in its home territory. It prefers to grow in a special kind of ground called serpentine soil. This soil is unique because it has a lot of certain minerals and not much of others, which makes it a tough place for most plants to grow. But Vortriede's spineflower has adapted to thrive there, often found at higher elevations in these mountains.