Aylacophora facts for kids

Aylacophora is a small group of flowering plants. It belongs to the plant family called Asteraceae, which is also known as the daisy or sunflower family.

There is only one known species in this group, called Aylacophora deserticola. This plant is endemic to Neuquén Province in Argentina. Being endemic means it is found naturally only in that specific area and nowhere else in the world.

Discovering Aylacophora

Aylacophora deserticola is a unique plant. It was first described by a famous botanist named Ángel Lulio Cabrera. He was a scientist who studied plants. This plant is special because it's the only one of its kind in the Aylacophora genus.

What is a Genus?

In biology, a genus is a way to group together very similar living things. Think of it like a family name for plants or animals. For example, all different types of oak trees belong to the Quercus genus. Aylacophora is a genus with just one member, Aylacophora deserticola.

The Asteraceae Family

The Aylacophora deserticola plant is part of the Asteraceae family. This is one of the largest families of flowering plants. It includes many plants you might know, like sunflowers, daisies, dandelions, and chrysanthemums. Plants in this family often have flowers made up of many tiny florets grouped together.

Where Does Aylacophora deserticola Grow?

This special plant grows only in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. Neuquén is a province in the western part of Argentina. It's known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and steppes. The plant's name, deserticola, even hints at where it lives, as "deserticola" means "dweller of the desert."

Why is it Endemic?

When a plant is endemic to one place, it means it has adapted perfectly to the conditions there. These conditions might include the specific soil, climate, or other plants and animals in the area. If its habitat changes, or if it's moved to a different place, it might not be able to survive. This is why endemic species are often very important for conservation efforts.

Why is Aylacophora deserticola Important?

Every plant, even a small and seemingly unknown one like Aylacophora deserticola, plays a role in its ecosystem. Studying unique plants helps scientists understand:

• How plants evolve and adapt to different environments.
• The biodiversity of our planet, which is the variety of all life forms.
• Potential new sources for medicines or other useful products.
• The health of an ecosystem. If a unique plant is struggling, it can be a sign that its environment is also in trouble.

Protecting endemic species like Aylacophora deserticola helps keep the natural world balanced and healthy for everyone.

About Ángel Lulio Cabrera

Ángel Lulio Cabrera (1908–1999) was a very important Argentine botanist. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. Cabrera spent his life researching and classifying plants, especially those found in South America. He discovered and named many new species, including Aylacophora deserticola. His work helped us understand the incredible plant life of Argentina and beyond.

See also

In Spanish: Nardophyllum para niños