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Bent alligator-flag facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Bent alligator-flag
Thalia geniculata.JPG
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Thalia
Species:
geniculata
Synonyms
  • Maranta arundinacea Billb. ex Beurl. nom. illeg.
  • Maranta flexuosa C.Presl
  • Maranta geniculata (L.) Lam.
  • Renealmia erecta (Vell.) D.Dietr. nom. illeg.
  • Renealmia geniculata (L.) D.Dietr.
  • Thalia altissima Klotzsch. nom. inval.
  • Thalia angustifolia C.Wright ex Griseb.
  • Thalia caerulea Ridl.
  • Thalia dipetala Gagnep.
  • Thalia divaricata Chapm.
  • Thalia erecta Vell.
  • Thalia schumanniana De Wild.
  • Thalia trichocalyx Gagnep.
  • Thalia welwitschii Ridl.

Thalia geniculata, also known as the bent alligator-flag, arrowroot, or fire-flag, is a fascinating plant. It grows in many warm, tropical parts of the world. This plant is known for its tall stems and interesting flowers.

Where Does It Grow?

Thalia geniculata is found in a very wide area. It grows naturally in many parts of Africa. You can find it from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east. It also grows south into countries like Zimbabwe and Angola.

This plant is also native to a large part of the Americas. It thrives in Mexico and Central America. You can see it across the West Indies and most of South America. In the United States, it grows in states like Puerto Rico, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and southern Georgia. It loves wet places, often growing near water.

Who Eats This Plant?

Some insects like to munch on Thalia geniculata. The young forms, called larvae, of certain moths have been seen eating this plant. For example, the larvae of the Stolidoptera tachasara, Xylophanes hannemanni, and Sphenarches anisodactylus moths use it as a food source. This shows how different living things are connected in nature.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Thalia geniculata para niños

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