Aeonium hierrense facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aeonium hierrense |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Aeonium
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| Species: |
hierrense
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Aeonium hierrense is a special type of succulent plant, which means it has thick, fleshy parts that store water. It's a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. You can only find this plant growing naturally on one place in the world: the island of El Hierro, which is part of the Canary Islands. This means it is an endemic species, found nowhere else!
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Discovering Aeonium hierrense
This unique plant was first described in 1899. It was named by two botanists, J. Pitard and L. Proust, based on earlier work by R.P. Murray. Its name, hierrense, comes from El Hierro, the island where it grows.
What Does it Look Like?
Aeonium hierrense can grow quite tall, with its main stem reaching up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) in height.
Leaves and Their Colors
The plant has leaves that grow in a circular pattern, like a whorl. These leaves have tiny hairs along their edges, which is called being ciliate. One of the coolest things about this plant is how its leaves change color! In the winter, they are mostly green. But when summer arrives, they turn a lovely purple color, making the plant look very attractive.
Flowers and Their Shape
When it blooms, Aeonium hierrense produces pretty whitish-pink flowers. These flowers are special because they have an 8-fold symmetry. This means if you were to divide the flower, you could cut it into 8 equal parts that look the same.
Where it Grows
As mentioned, Aeonium hierrense is only found on El Hierro, one of the smaller Canary Islands. These islands are located off the northwest coast of Africa and are known for their unique plant life. The specific climate and environment of El Hierro are perfect for this plant to thrive.
See also
In Spanish: Aeonium hierrense para niños
