In the West movies, it is common to see how a ball of what looks like straw Or hay wheel with the desert, accompanying scenes of duels between jeans or symbolizing loneliness and abandonment of a place. Although at first glance it may seem only a visual effect, these balls exist in nature and have diverse names in Spanish.
What are they really called?
He More technical term for these rolling plants It is thispicor, although they are also known as rolling plant, rolling plant or Russian thistle. Depending on the region, they also receive names such as Barrilla, Albarrilla, Salicor, Salicornio, Rodamundos, Witch, Captain, Cachanilla, Salsola or Rodcaja.
In English, they are Call Tumbleweeda term widely used in bilingual dictionaries and literature.
The explanation of the SAR
According to the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), there is no definitive term in Spanish for these plants. In some sources, reference is made to them simply as a rolling matojo, while in other cases it is preferred to use specific names such as Barrilla or Russian thistle.
Why do these plants roll?
The rolling plants grow with a rounded shape And, when they reach maturity, they dry and die. Inside, they retain their seeds, which need to disperse to germinate. The wind gives off the plant of its roots and makes it roll, allowing it to spread.
In Some places in the United States is considered a danger For the ecosystem. The Texas Invasive Spices Institute points out that Russian thistles contribute to the extinction of other plants and the propagation of forest fires. They are easily flammable as they are dry and can accumulate in large quantities in clear areas.
An ecological danger in the United States
Despite his harmless appearance and its importance in seed dispersionin some regions of the United States, such as Texas, these plants are considered an invasive species.
The Texas Invasive Species Institute warns that Russian thistles contribute to the extinction of other plant species and increase the risk of forest fires. Being dry, they are highly flammable and can accumulate in large quantities in clear areas, generating serious environmental problems.
A western icon with an impact on nature
The Rolling balls of the desertso emblematic in the west cinema, they are a natural phenomenon with an important ecological function, but also with negative consequences in some ecosystems. What in the cinema seems a simple decorative element, in reality it is a vital (already dangerous) part of the desert landscape.