Kelseya

Kelseya is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae, native to mountainous regions of western North America. It is a small genus, typically consisting of one or two recognized species. These are perennial, cushion-forming plants adapted to harsh alpine or subalpine environments.

Kelseya plants are characterized by their dense, mat-forming growth habit, which helps them to withstand strong winds and temperature fluctuations. They typically have small, leathery leaves and produce clusters of small, white or pinkish flowers.

The taxonomic classification of Kelseya has been revised several times, and the exact number of species recognized within the genus may vary depending on the source. Some botanists recognize only one species, Kelseya uniflora, while others differentiate a second species.

Kelseya uniflora, also known as the one-flowered kelseya, is the most commonly recognized species. It is found in rocky areas, cliffs, and scree slopes at high elevations. The plants are well-suited to these environments due to their drought tolerance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

The genus is named after Francis Kelsey, an American botanist who collected the type specimen of Kelseya uniflora. Due to the specialized habitat and limited distribution of Kelseya species, conservation efforts may be important to ensure their long-term survival.