Wislizenia refracta facts for kids

Wislizenia refracta, also known as jackass-clover or spectacle fruit, is a type of plant. It is one of three recognized species in its group, called Wislizenia. This plant grows naturally in northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States.

You can find Wislizenia refracta in places like Chihuahua and Sonora in Mexico. In the United States, it grows in trans-Pecos Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and parts of California. It likes sandy, flat areas, dry desert lands, and even disturbed spots like roadsides.

What is Jackass-Clover?

Wislizenia refracta is an annual herb. This means it's a plant that lives for only one growing season. It sprouts from a seed, grows, flowers, produces seeds, and then dies, all within a single year.

How Tall Does It Grow?

This plant can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to 200 centimeters (about 6.5 feet). That's taller than most kids your age!

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of the jackass-clover are special because they are trifoliate. This means each leaf is made up of three smaller leaflets, like a clover. These leaflets are shaped like an egg and can be up to 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) long. When it blooms, Wislizenia refracta has bright yellow flowers.