American Alyssum
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American Alyssum
odontarrhena obovata
The American Alyssum (Odontarrhena obovata) is a resilient, low-growing perennial herb belonging to the mustard family. This hardy species is adapted to thrive in some of the most challenging environments on Earth, such as subalpine and alpine tundra, rocky mountain slopes, and metal-rich serpentine barrens. Its ability to colonize barren soils and survive freezing temperatures makes it an important pioneer species in northern latitudes, helping to stabilize gravelly substrates and initiate soil development.
Hábitat: Found on rocky slopes, gravelly scree, alpine tundra, and serpentine soils in cold temperate and arctic regions.
Aspecto
American Alyssum forms low, spreading cushions or mats of woody-based stems reaching 5 to 20 centimeters in height. Its small, paddle-shaped (obovate) leaves are covered in a dense layer of tiny, silvery, star-shaped hairs, giving the foliage a distinct grayish-green or dusty appearance. In mid-summer, it produces dense, rounded clusters of tiny, bright yellow flowers, each featuring the characteristic four petals of the mustard family.
ReinoPlantaeFiloTracheophytaClaseMagnoliopsidaOrdenBrassicalesFamiliaBrassicaceaeGéneroOdontarrhena
Categoría
PlantasRareza
Common
Peligro
1/5 · Muy bajo
Snaps
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Datos interesantes
The genus name Odontarrhena translates to 'toothed male' in Greek, referring to the characteristic shape of the filaments in the stamens of some species.
The silvery hairs that cover its leaves are so dense that they can make the entire plant look frosted even on warm summer days.
This plant is used by scientists in phytoremediation studies to explore how plants can clean up heavy-metal-polluted industrial soils.
Habilidades especiales
Habilidad
Nickel Hyperaccumulation
It can safely absorb and store high concentrations of toxic heavy metals, particularly nickel, from serpentine soils in its tissues.
Habilidad
Stellate Hair Shield
Its leaves are densely covered in star-shaped hairs that reflect excess solar radiation and reduce water loss from dry winds.
Habilidad
Frost Resistance
It produces specialized proteins and sugars that act as natural antifreeze, protecting its cellular structure during sudden freezes.
Medidas y detalles
- Longitud
- 5-20 cm
- Peso
- 0.01-0.1 kg
- Esperanza de vida
- 3-10 años
- Incubación
- 14-30 días
Dieta y alimentación
As a photoautotroph, this plant produces its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed through its roots.
Alimentos principales
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil minerals
Conexiones ecológicas
eaten by
Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
Caterpillars feed on the foliage of this plant as a primary food source.
mutualism
Arctic Bumblebee
Bombus polaris
Provides vital nectar and pollen during the short arctic summer.
competitor
Moss Campion
Silene acaulis
Competes for space and sparse nutrients in dry alpine gravel soils.
Rasgos
Aún no hay insignias de rasgos asignadas a este objeto.
También conocido como
Todavía no hay alias listados.
Colecciones
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Seguridad
Peligro
1/5 · Muy bajo
Todavía no hay notas especiales de seguridad.
Preguntas frecuentes
¿Cómo identificar a American Alyssum?
La forma más fácil de identificar a American Alyssum es usar la aplicación de identificación de naturaleza Snappit.
¿Cuál es el longitud de American Alyssum?
5-20 cm
¿Cuál es el peso de American Alyssum?
0.01-0.1 kg
¿Cuál es el esperanza de vida de American Alyssum?
3-10 años
¿Qué come American Alyssum?
As a photoautotroph, this plant produces its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed through its roots.
¿Dónde se encuentra normalmente American Alyssum?
Found on rocky slopes, gravelly scree, alpine tundra, and serpentine soils in cold temperate and arctic regions.
¿Cuál es el incubación de American Alyssum?
14-30 días
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