Xolocotzia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xolocotzia |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Xolocotzia
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| Species: |
asperifolia
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Xolocotzia is a special group of flowering plants. It's called a monotypic genus because it only contains one known species: Xolocotzia asperifolia. This plant can grow as a shrub or a small tree. It naturally grows in Mexico and Honduras. It has only been found once in Honduras.
About Xolocotzia asperifolia
This unique plant belongs to the Verbenaceae family, which includes many different kinds of flowering plants. Xolocotzia asperifolia is closely related to another plant group called Petrea. These two groups form a small "clade," which is like a branch on a family tree of plants. This branch is a "sister group" to all the other plants in the Verbenaceae family.
What Makes it Special?
Plants in both the Xolocotzia and Petrea groups have some cool features. They grow fruits that are soft and fleshy. They also have very noticeable sepals. Sepals are like small, leaf-like parts that protect a flower bud. For these plants, their sepals are longer and more colorful than the actual flower petals (which are called the corolla).
Scientists are always learning more about plants. It's possible that Xolocotzia asperifolia might one day be moved into the Petrea group. However, more research and study are needed before such a change can happen.
