Alfilerillo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alfilerillo |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
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| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Machaonia
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| Species: |
M. woodburyana
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| Binomial name | |
| Machaonia woodburyana Acev.-Rodr.
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Machaonia woodburyana, also known as the alfilerillo, is a special kind of plant. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is a large group of flowering plants. This unique plant is found only in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Specifically, it is endemic to the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This means it grows naturally nowhere else in the world.
Where the Alfilerillo Plant Lives
The alfilerillo plant likes to live in warm, dry places. Its natural habitats are dry forests and dry shrubland areas. These are places with many trees and bushes, but not a lot of rain.
Why the Alfilerillo Plant is in Danger
Sadly, the alfilerillo plant is in trouble. It is considered a critically endangered species. This means there are very few of these plants left. The biggest threat to the alfilerillo is habitat loss. This happens when the places where it naturally grows are destroyed or changed. For example, land might be cleared for buildings or farms. When its habitat is lost, the alfilerillo plant has nowhere to live and grow.
