Aeonium lancerottense facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aeonium lancerottense |
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Scientific classification | |
Genus: |
Aeonium
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Species: |
lancerottense
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Synonyms | |
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Aeonium lancerottense is a special kind of plant that grows only on the island of Lanzarote. This island is part of the Canary Islands, which are located off the coast of Africa. This plant is a succulent, meaning it has thick, fleshy parts that store water. It belongs to the plant family called Crassulaceae, which includes many other succulents.
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What is Aeonium lancerottense?
Aeonium lancerottense is a unique flowering plant. It's known for its ability to survive in dry places. Like many succulents, it has adapted to store water in its leaves and stems. This helps it live in areas where rain doesn't fall very often.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
This plant is what we call endemic to Lanzarote. This means it naturally grows nowhere else in the world! Lanzarote is a volcanic island. It has a dry climate and unique rocky landscapes. These conditions are perfect for Aeonium lancerottense.
Its Special Home
Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands. These islands are famous for their amazing variety of plants and animals. Many species found here, like Aeonium lancerottense, are endemic. This makes them very important to protect. The plant often grows on rocky slopes or in cracks in the volcanic rocks.
What Does It Look Like?
Aeonium lancerottense usually grows as a small shrub. It can reach about 60 to 100 centimeters (2 to 3 feet) tall. Its leaves form a beautiful rosette, which looks like a flower. These rosettes are often green or reddish-green.
Its Flowers
When it blooms, Aeonium lancerottense produces tall stems with many small, star-shaped flowers. These flowers are usually yellow. They add a splash of color to the dry, rocky landscape of Lanzarote. The plant flowers at certain times of the year, attracting insects that help it reproduce.
How Does It Survive?
Being a succulent is key to its survival. Its thick leaves act like tiny water tanks. This allows the plant to store water during wet periods and use it slowly during dry spells. This adaptation is crucial for living in a place like Lanzarote, where water can be scarce.
Adapting to the Environment
The plant's ability to grow in rocky areas also helps it. The rocks can offer some shade and protection from strong winds. Its roots can find small pockets of soil and moisture even in seemingly barren places. This resilience makes Aeonium lancerottense a true survivor of its harsh environment.
See also
In Spanish: Aeonium lancerottense para niños