Arctic rustwort facts for kids

Marsupella arctica, also known as the Arctic rustwort, is a tiny green plant called a liverwort. Think of liverworts as distant cousins to mosses! This special plant grows in cold places in the northern parts of the world.

Discovering the Arctic Rustwort

The Arctic rustwort is a fascinating plant that scientists study. It's known for living in very specific, cold environments. Understanding where it grows helps us learn more about the health of these unique habitats.

Where Does This Tiny Plant Grow?

The Arctic rustwort is found in many northern areas. You can spot it in places like Alaska and Greenland. In Europe, it's a bit rarer, only growing in Scotland and a very cold place called Svalbard.

Its Home in Scotland

In Scotland, this plant was first found in 1989. It only grows in two specific spots within the Cairngorm mountains. These places are called the Lairig Ghru and Beinn a' Bhùird. These areas are high up in the mountains, which is perfect for the Arctic rustwort.

What Kind of Places Does It Like?

This liverwort prefers to live in cool, damp, and rocky areas. These are often found in montane (mountainous) and alpine (very high mountain) habitats. These places have cold temperatures and often a lot of moisture, which the Arctic rustwort needs to thrive.

Why Is It Important?

In Britain, the Arctic rustwort is classified as "Vulnerable." This means that its population is at risk. It's important to protect its habitats to make sure this unique plant continues to grow. Protecting vulnerable species helps keep our planet's biodiversity healthy.