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]
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]
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]
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]
Data related to
Rayjacksonia aurea at Wikispecies