Rayjacksonia aurea
| Rayjacksonia aurea | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Rayjacksonia |
| Species: | R. aurea
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| Binomial name | |
| Rayjacksonia aurea | |
| Synonyms | |
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Rayjacksonia aurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names Houston tansyaster[2] and Houston camphor daisy. It is endemic to Texas in the United States, where it is known only from the Houston area. It is limited to Galveston and Harris Counties.[1][3]
Description[edit]
This species is an annual herb which generally remains small in its native habitat but in cultivation may be much larger.[3] It grows from a taproot. The small leaves are linear or lance-shaped and just a few millimeters wide. The flower heads contain several yellow ray florets which may reach nearly a centimeter in length.[4] The plant has a scent like camphor. Flowering occurs in October and November.[3]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
This plant grows on the Texas coastal prairie, especially on Mima mounds and in open areas such as fields and pastures.[5] It prefers sandy soils or loams, and typically grows in areas that are seasonally wet or are poorly drained.[5] The plant may occur with other rare local endemics, such as Texas windmill grass and prairie dawn.[5]
Conservation[edit]
The species is currently classified as imperiled, and fewer than 20 populations remain.[3] The species and its habitat are threatened by development and expansion of the Houston metropolitan area, as well as from competition from woody vegetation and non-native grasses.[1][5]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Machaeranthera aurea. The Nature Conservancy.
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Rayjacksonia aurea". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d Rayjacksonia aurea. Center for Plant Conservation.
- ^ Rayjacksonia aurea. Flora of North America.
- ^ a b c d "Comprehensive Report Species - Machaeranthera aurea". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
External links[edit]
Data related to Rayjacksonia aurea at Wikispecies