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Description
Cordylanthus Ramosus, commonly known as the branching bird’s beak or the ramosus bird’s beak, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cordylanthus. It is native to North America, specifically in the states of California, Nevada, and Oregon. This plant is a parasitic herb that grows on the roots of other plants, such as sagebrush, and it has no chlorophyll.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Cordylanthus |
Appearance
The branching bird’s beak is a small plant that grows up to 20-50 cm tall. Its stems are slender, reddish-brown, and branching. The leaves are scale-like and lack chlorophyll, giving them a yellowish color. The flowers are tubular and pink to reddish in color, and they bloom from June to September. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
The branching bird’s beak is a parasitic plant and does not require much care. It grows naturally on the roots of other plants, so it does not need soil or fertilizers. It also does not need much water, as it gets its nutrients from its host plant. It prefers full sunlight and can grow in hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The branching bird’s beak is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by drought, which can cause the plant to die. In some cases, it can also be affected by herbivores, such as deer, that feed on its host plant.
Habitat
Cordylanthus Ramosus is native to North America and is found in California, Nevada, and Oregon. It grows in dry, open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and sagebrush scrub. It is a parasitic plant that grows on the roots of other plants, particularly sagebrush.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cordylanthus Ramosus a rare plant?
A: Yes, it is considered a rare plant, particularly in California where it is listed as a rare and endangered species.
Q: Does the branching bird’s beak have any medicinal properties?
A: No, there is no evidence to suggest that it has any medicinal properties.
Q: Can the branching bird’s beak be grown in a garden?
A: It is not recommended to grow this plant in a garden as it is parasitic and requires a host plant.
Q: How long does the branching bird’s beak live?
A: It is not known how long this plant lives as it is difficult to study in the wild.
Related Plants
- Cordylanthus Parviflorus
- Cordylanthus Tenuis
- Cordylanthus Nevinii
References
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Cordylanthus ramosus. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Cordylanthus-ramosus-()
- USDA. (n.d.). Cordylanthus ramosus. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CORA13
- The Jepson Herbarium – UC Berkeley. (n.d.). Cordylanthus ramosus. Retrieved from https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=22166
