Baeriopsis facts for kids

Baeriopsis guadalupensis is a special kind of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is also known as the daisy or sunflower family. This plant is the only species in its group, called a monotypic genus. This means it's the only member of the Baeriopsis genus.

This unique plant is found only in one place in the world: the Guadalupe Island archipelago. This group of islands is located off the coast of Baja California in Mexico. It grows in a specific type of environment called Guadalupe mesa scrub habitat.

What is Baeriopsis guadalupensis?

Baeriopsis guadalupensis is a type of plant that produces flowers. It's part of the large Asteraceae family, which includes many well-known plants like sunflowers, daisies, and dandelions. This plant is quite rare because it's the only one of its kind in the Baeriopsis group.

Where does this plant live?

This plant is what we call endemic to Guadalupe Island. This means it naturally grows only in this specific place and nowhere else in the world. Guadalupe Island is a volcanic island located in the Pacific Ocean, west of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico.

The plant prefers to grow in a place called "Guadalupe mesa scrub habitat." A "mesa" is a flat-topped hill or mountain with steep sides. "Scrub habitat" means it's an area with low-growing shrubs and bushes, often found in dry or semi-dry regions. So, Baeriopsis guadalupensis likes to live on these flat-topped hills where there are many small shrubs.

Why is it special?

Being a "monotypic genus" makes Baeriopsis guadalupensis very special. It means that scientists have found no other plants that are closely related enough to be in the same group (genus) as it. This highlights its unique evolutionary path.

Its limited habitat on Guadalupe Island also makes it important. Plants that are endemic to small areas are often more vulnerable. This means they can be easily affected by changes in their environment, like climate change or human activities. Protecting their habitat is very important to make sure these unique plants continue to survive.