Once again, science pops up and embraces a bit of pop culture (earlier this week, we shared a bit of science and Harry Potter). Researchers from San Diego State University (SDSU plant biologist Michael Simpson and former SDSU graduate student Mark Dodero) and UC Sana Cruz (UCSC Stephen McCabe) found a new and rare species of succulent that was discovered in Mexico - that was named after one of their favorite rockstars, Jimi Hendrix. The plant's name "Dudleya hendrixii" translates into "Hendrix’s liveforever.” This plant is found only on a tiny sliver of Baja California, called the Colonet peninsula.
The plant is thin, stalky plant and is less than a foot tall with succulent leaves and brilliant pinkish white flowers. During the summer it dies and then re-sprouts again in the fall. Mark was listening to "Voodoo Child" when he came across the plant and he and Stephen decided to name it after the musical icon.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | San Diego State University