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Xanthisma paradoxum facts for kids

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Xanthisma paradoxum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
(unranked):
(unranked):
(unranked):
Order:
Family:
Tribe:
Astereae
Genus:
Species:
X. paradoxum
Binomial name
Xanthisma paradoxum
(B.L. Turner & R.L. Hartm.) G.L. Nesom & B.L. Turner
Synonyms
  • Haplopappus spinulosus var. paradoxus (B.L. Turner & R.L. Hartm.) Cronquist
  • Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. paradoxa B.L. Turner & R.L. Hartm.
  • Xanthisma spinulosum var. paradoxum (B.L. Turner & R.L. Hartm.) D.R. Morgan & R.L. Hartm.

Xanthisma paradoxum is a unique plant species. It is a type of herb that grows in the southwestern United States. This plant is special because it is found in only a few places.

What is Xanthisma Paradoxum?

Xanthisma paradoxum is a small, branching plant. It can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) tall. This plant is known for its interesting leaves.

Plant Appearance

The plant has two main types of leaves. Near the bottom, it has leaves that are deeply cut or "dissected." These leaves stay on the plant and are quite thick. Higher up on the stems, the leaves are narrow and long, like lines.

Where Does This Plant Grow?

Xanthisma paradoxum is native to a special area called the "Four Corners" region. This is where the corners of four states meet: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.

Specific Locations

This plant is only found in a few specific counties. These include Montezuma County in Colorado, San Juan County in Utah, and Apache County in Arizona.

Plant Habitats

Xanthisma paradoxum likes to grow in certain kinds of places. You can find it in areas where the ground has been disturbed. This could be along washes (dry streambeds) or in desert areas. It also grows in open pinyon-juniper woodlands. These are forests with pinyon trees and juniper trees.

How Did It Get Its Name?

The plant's name, paradoxum, comes from a town in Colorado. The first official sample of this plant was collected near the Town of Paradox, Colorado. This sample is called the type specimen. It helps scientists identify other plants of the same species.

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