Baccharis arbutifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baccharis arbutifolia |
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| Near Quito, Ecuador | |
| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Baccharis
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| Species: |
arbutifolia
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Baccharis arbutifolia is a special kind of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This family is also known as the daisy family, and it includes many well-known plants like sunflowers and dandelions! This particular plant is very unique because it only grows in Ecuador, a country located in South America.
This plant loves to live in warm, wet places. You can often find it in mountain forests and high-up bushy areas in tropical regions. Sadly, Baccharis arbutifolia is currently facing a threat: its natural home is being destroyed.
Contents
What is Baccharis arbutifolia?
Baccharis arbutifolia is a species of plant named by a scientist called Vahl in 1794. It's part of a larger group of plants called Baccharis. These plants are known for their small, often white or yellowish flowers. They are usually shrubs or small trees.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is an endemic plant of Ecuador. This means it naturally grows only in Ecuador and nowhere else in the world. It prefers specific types of environments:
- Tropical Moist Montane Forests: These are forests found in mountains in tropical areas. They are usually very wet and misty.
- Tropical High-Altitude Shrubland: This refers to areas high up in the mountains in tropical regions where the main plants are shrubs and bushes, not tall trees.
Why is Baccharis arbutifolia Important?
Every plant and animal plays a role in its ecosystem. Baccharis arbutifolia is part of the amazing variety of life, called biodiversity, found in Ecuador. Plants like this help keep the air clean and provide homes and food for other creatures.
What Does "Near Threatened" Mean?
The Baccharis arbutifolia is listed as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the IUCN. This means that while it's not in immediate danger of disappearing forever, it could become threatened in the future if things don't change.
The main reason it's considered "Near Threatened" is habitat destruction. This happens when the natural places where the plant lives are cleared for farming, building, or other human activities. When its home is destroyed, the plant has fewer places to grow and reproduce, which can lead to its numbers going down.
Protecting Baccharis arbutifolia
Protecting plants like Baccharis arbutifolia is very important. Conservation efforts aim to save their natural homes and make sure these unique species can continue to thrive. This often involves setting aside protected areas, encouraging sustainable farming, and educating people about the importance of biodiversity.
See also
In Spanish: Baccharis arbutifolia para niños
