Author: Christopher Ko
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Panicum virgatum
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: PAN-ih-kum vir-GAY-tum Description: Distribution/Location: Environmental Benefits: Fun Fact: Switchgrass was one of the dominant species in the tallgrass prairies that once covered much of North America. Plays a key role in prairie restoration projects aimed at restoring these vital ecosystems!
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Asclepias syriaca
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: as-KLEE-pee-us see-REE-ah-kuh Description: Common Milkweed is a perennial plant that grows up to 5 feet tall. It has broad, ovate leaves and clusters of pink to purplish flowers that are highly fragrant. The leaves are large, oval, and opposite, with a smooth margin and a prominent midrib. The flowers are small,…
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Clanwilliam Cedar (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis)
Physical Description The Clanwilliam Cedar is a slow-growing, evergreen conifer that can reach up to 60 feet (18 meters) in height. It has a straight trunk, dark green, scale-like leaves, and produces small, woody cones. The bark is reddish-brown and peels in thin strips. Environmental Concerns Endemic to the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa, the…
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Saint Helena Gumwood (Commidendrum robustum)
Physical Description The Saint Helena Gumwood is a small to medium-sized tree, reaching heights of up to 15 meters (50 feet). It has smooth, light-colored bark and dense, evergreen foliage with small, ovate leaves. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers and fruiting capsules. Environmental Concerns The Saint Helena Gumwood is critically endangered due to habitat…
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Quercus kelloggii
Common Names: California Black Oal, Kellogg Oak Phonetic Spelling: KWER-kus keh-LOH-jee-eye Description: Quercus kelloggii is a deciduous tree that typically grows 15 to 25 meters (50 to 80 feet) tall, with a broad, rounded crown. In favorable conditions, it can grow up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall. The leaves are deeply lobed, glossy green…