AMSINCKIA TESSELLATA Meaning and
Definition
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Amsinckia tessellata is a species of flowering plant belonging to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Commonly known as checkerbloom fiddleneck or bristly fiddleneck, it is native to western North America, particularly California, Oregon, and Arizona.
Amsinckia tessellata is a biennial herbaceous plant that grows from a taproot and can reach heights of up to two feet. It has stems that are covered with bristly, glandular hairs. The leaves are lanceolate and arranged alternately along the stem, also covered in similar hairs. The plant gets its name from the distinctive pattern of the flowers. The small, yellow or orange tubular flowers are densely packed together in clusters forming an intricate tessellated pattern, similar to a checkerboard. These flowers bloom from spring to early summer, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The seeds of Amsinckia tessellata are dispersed by wind, and the plant is known for its ability to thrive in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and dry slopes. It can often be found in open grasslands and chaparral ecosystems. The plant's taproot allows it to withstand periods of drought by accessing water deep in the soil.
Amsinckia tessellata is valued for its ornamental qualities and is sometimes cultivated as a garden plant. It also plays a role in ecological restoration projects due to its ability to quickly establish in disturbed habitats.
Etymology of AMSINCKIA TESSELLATA
The word "Amsinckia" is derived from the surname of a German-born American botanist, Johann Friedrich Amsinck (1792-1863), who made significant contributions to the study of North American botany during the 19th century. "Tessellata" is derived from the Latin word "tessellatus", which means "something marked with small squares" or "checkered". Combining these two terms, "Amsinckia tessellata" refers to a species of plant named after Amsinck with a checkered or tessellated appearance, likely describing the patterns on its flowers or leaves.
