Yosemite lewisia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yosemite lewisia
Scientific classification
Genus:	Lewisia
Species:	disepala

The Lewisia disepala, also known as the Yosemite Lewisia, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the Montiaceae family. This small, tough plant is a true survivor, growing in some very rocky places!

Discovering the Yosemite Lewisia

The Yosemite Lewisia is a tiny plant that lives for many years. It grows from a thick, branching taproot (a main root that grows straight down) and a short stem base called a caudex.

This plant has a bunch of small leaves that grow in a circle close to the ground, like a "rosette." These leaves are usually less than 1.5 centimeters long. They are thick, fleshy, and a shiny deep green. You might notice they look a bit like clubs, knobs, or even tiny fingers, all clumped together.

The flowers of the Yosemite Lewisia are very special. They grow so close to the leaves that it looks like they are sitting right on top of them! Each flower has 5 to 8 oval-shaped petals that can be pale or bright pink. You'll also see about 15 stamens (the parts that hold pollen) sticking out from the center of the flower.

Where Does It Grow?

The Yosemite Lewisia is a plant that is endemic to a specific area. This means it only grows naturally in one place: the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. You can find it high up in these mountains, in several different spots.

It loves rocky mountain areas! You'll often see it growing in places with loose rocks and broken stones, like talus slopes. It also thrives in open areas with bare gravel. This shows how tough and adaptable this little plant is!