Big Bend hop-hornbeam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Bend hop-hornbeam |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ostrya
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| Species: |
chisosensis
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| Synonyms | |
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The Big Bend hop-hornbeam (scientific name: Ostrya chisosensis) is a special kind of tree. It is also sometimes called the Chisos hop-hornbeam. This tree is found only in one specific area: the Chisos Mountains inside Big Bend National Park in Texas. Because it lives in such a small area, it is considered very rare.
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What is the Big Bend Hop-Hornbeam?
The Big Bend hop-hornbeam is a unique tree. It is part of the Ostrya family, which includes other "hop-hornbeam" trees. The "hop" part of its name comes from its fruit, which looks a bit like the hops used to make beer. This tree is known for being found in only one place on Earth. This makes it an endemic species to Texas.
Where Does It Live?
This rare tree grows in the rugged Chisos Mountains. These mountains are located within the huge Big Bend National Park in Texas. You can often find these trees growing along the edges of streams or on the steep walls of canyons. This specific habitat helps them survive in the dry Texas climate. While most Big Bend hop-hornbeams are in Texas, some similar trees might also grow in northern Chihuahua, Mexico. Scientists are still studying these to see if they are the same species.
What Does It Look Like?
The Big Bend hop-hornbeam can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to 12 meters (about 39 feet). Its bark is interesting because it often splits into thin, vertical strips.
Its Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this tree are shaped like an oval or a spear. They are usually smooth and do not have tiny hairs (called glandular hairs). When the tree flowers, it produces male flower clusters called catkins. These male catkins are about 3.5 to 5 centimeters (1.4 to 2 inches) long.
