Hackelia venusta
Hackelia venusta | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Boraginales |
Family: | Boraginaceae |
Genus: | Hackelia |
Species: | H. venusta
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Binomial name | |
Hackelia venusta |
Hackelia venusta is a rare species of flowering plant in the borage family known by the common name showy stickseed, or lesser showy stickseed. It is endemic to Washington state in the United States, where it is known from only one canyon in Chelan County. There is only one small population with a global distribution of less than one hectare.[1] The plant was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2002.[2]
This is a perennial herb producing several leafy stems up to 20 to 40 centimeters tall from a taproot. The plant blooms in April and May, bearing clusters of white or blue-tinged flowers. Each flower is about 2 centimeters across with five rounded lobes and a short tubular throat. The fruit is a nutlet covered with stiff hairs that allow it to attach to the fur of animals and be dispersed from the parent plant.[1][2] The hairs are stiff enough to cling to human skin.[3]
The plant is only found in Tumwater Canyon within the Tumwater Botanical Area in
The species is threatened by its small size, as its single population could be easily eliminated by a single large event. It is threatened by the lack of suitable habitat, which has been reduced in size by factors such as fire suppression.
In 2010 the total population of this species was estimated to be no more than 772 individuals. Research suggests that to be viable it would need to exceed 1000.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e Hackelia venusta. The Nature Conservancy.
- ^ a b c d USFWS. Determination of endangered status for the Washington plant Hackelia venusta (Showy Stickseed). Federal Register February 6, 2002.
- ^ a b c d Hackelia venusta. Archived 2010-12-15 at the Wayback Machine Center for Plant Conservation.