Cosmosflower beggarticks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cosmosflower beggarticks |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Bidens
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| Species: |
cosmoides
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| Synonyms | |
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Bidens cosmoides, also known as the cosmosflower beggarticks, is a special type of flowering plant. It belongs to the sunflower family. This plant is found only in one place: the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaii.
It grows in mixed mesic forests at elevations of about 2000 to 3000 feet (610 to 914 meters). Unlike many of its plant relatives, Bidens cosmoides is quite large. It is also unique because it is pollinated by birds.
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What Makes This Plant Special?
Bidens cosmoides is much bigger than other plants in its genus called Bidens. Its relatives are often known as kokoʻolau or koʻokoʻolau in the Hawaiian language. But B. cosmoides is so noticeable and different that local people gave it its own special name.
Its Hawaiian Name: Poʻola Nui
Locals call this plant poʻola nui. This name means "grand poʻola". It refers to how the leaves and overall shape of B. cosmoides look a bit like another plant called poʻola (Claoxylon sandwicense). However, poʻola nui stands out because it has amazing yellow flowers. The poʻola plant does not have such showy flowers.
Why Is This Plant in Danger?
Sadly, Bidens cosmoides is an endangered plant. It is only found along the Mohihi Trail on Kauaʻi. Several things threaten its survival.
Losing Its Home
One big threat is habitat loss. This means the natural places where the plant grows are shrinking.
Invasive Weeds
Another problem is the spread of invasive weeds. These are plants that are not native to Hawaii. They grow very fast and can take over the space and resources that native plants like Bidens cosmoides need to survive.
Wildfires
Brushfires also pose a risk to this plant. These fires can quickly destroy large areas of forest where Bidens cosmoides lives.
Losing Its Pollinators
The plant is also in trouble because of the disappearance of certain Hawaiian honeycreeper species. These birds are very important because they help to pollinate Bidens cosmoides. Without these birds, it's harder for the plant to reproduce and make new seeds.
