Athrotaxis laxifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Athrotaxis laxifolia |
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| Conservation status | |
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Athrotaxis
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| Species: |
laxifolia
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Athrotaxis laxifolia is a special type of conifer tree that only grows in one place: the island of Tasmania in Australia. It's quite rare and is found high up in the mountains, usually between 1,000 and 1,200 meters (about 3,300 to 3,900 feet) above sea level. This means it is endemic to Tasmania, as it naturally lives nowhere else in the world.
Contents
What is Athrotaxis laxifolia?
This tree is an evergreen, meaning its leaves stay green all year round. It can grow to be 10 to 20 meters (about 33 to 66 feet) tall, which is like a 3 to 6-story building! Its trunk can be as wide as 1 meter (about 3 feet).
Leaves and Cones
The leaves are small and flat, like scales. They measure about 4 to 12 millimeters long and 2 to 3 millimeters wide. These leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches.
The tree also produces cones. The seed cones, which hold the seeds, are shaped like a slightly squashed ball. They are about 15 to 26 millimeters long and 14 to 20 millimeters wide. These cones have 14 to 18 scales arranged in a spiral. They become fully grown about six months after the tree is pollinated. The pollen cones, which produce pollen, are smaller, only 3 to 5 millimeters long.
Rarity and Origin
Athrotaxis laxifolia is the rarest of the three types of Athrotaxis trees. Scientists don't know much about how many of these trees are left in the wild.
A Possible Hybrid
This tree shares many features with two other Athrotaxis species: Athrotaxis cupressoides and Athrotaxis selaginoides. Because of this, many experts believe that Athrotaxis laxifolia might be a natural hybrid. A hybrid is a plant that results from two different species breeding together. However, genetic tests haven't fully proven this idea yet.
Growing Athrotaxis laxifolia
Even though it's very rare in its natural home, Athrotaxis laxifolia is sometimes grown as an ornamental tree in other parts of the world. An ornamental tree is one grown for its beauty, often in gardens or parks.
Cultivation in Europe
This tree is most often planted in northwestern Europe. It is the most commonly grown Athrotaxis species, even though it's the rarest in the wild. However, you will usually only find it in very large plant collections or botanical gardens. Some of these trees in Ireland have even grown as tall as 20 meters (about 66 feet).
Images for kids
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A super closeup of foliage and seed cone.
See also
In Spanish: Cedro de Tasmania para niños
