Azorella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Azorella |
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| Azorella compacta | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Azorelloideae |
| Genus: | Azorella Lam. |
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Azorella is a group of cool plants that grow in some of the toughest places on Earth! They are found in South America, New Zealand, parts of Australia, and even on islands in the chilly Southern Ocean. These plants are known for growing very low to the ground, often forming dense, cushion-like mats.
Contents
What are Azorella Plants?
Azorella plants are a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family called Apiaceae. This family is also known as the carrot or parsley family! So, even though Azorella looks very different, it's related to some common vegetables.
Where Do They Live?
These plants are super tough! They live in places with lots of wind and sun, like high up on mountains or along windy coastlines in cold areas. They are often found in places where not many other plants can survive.
How Do They Grow?
Azorella plants grow very close to the ground. They form thick, cushion-like mats, almost like a carpet. This special way of growing helps them survive in harsh, windy environments. It protects them from the cold and helps them hold onto moisture.
Most Azorella plants are quite small, usually less than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) tall. But some very old plants can grow into big, rounded mounds. These mounds can sometimes be as tall as 1 meter (about 3 feet)! Imagine a giant plant cushion!
Using Azorella in Gardens
Because of their unique look and ability to survive in tough conditions, several Azorella species are grown as ornamental plants. This means people plant them in their gardens just because they look nice. They are especially popular in rock gardens, where their mat-forming habit fits right in with rocks and other low-growing plants.
Species of Azorella
As of December 2022, scientists have identified 58 different types, or species, of Azorella plants. Each species has its own unique features, but they all share the general characteristics of the Azorella group. One well-known species is Azorella compacta, which is famous for forming very dense, hard cushions.
Images for kids
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Azorella on Macquarie Island
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Flowers of Azorella monantha
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See also
In Spanish: Azorella para niños
