Boehmeria australis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Boehmeria australis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Urticaceae
Genus:	Boehmeria
Species:	B. australis
Binomial name
Boehmeria australis Endl.

The Boehmeria australis is a large shrub that belongs to the plant family called Urticaceae. This plant is considered critically endangered. This means it is very close to disappearing forever.

You can only find Boehmeria australis growing naturally on a few small islands. These islands are located near Australia and New Zealand. When a plant or animal is found only in one specific place, it is called endemic.

Meet the Different Types of Boehmeria australis

There are a few different types, or subspecies, of Boehmeria australis. Each one grows in a specific island location.

Norfolk Island Subspecies

One type is called Boehmeria australis subspecies australis. This one is found only on Norfolk Island. In 2003, scientists knew of only about 33 adult plants left. This was a very small number!

To help save this plant, people started growing new plants from seeds. They then planted these new plants to increase the total number. These plants grow very quickly but do not live for a long time.

Kermadec Nettle

Another type is Boehmeria australis subspecies dealbata. This plant is also known as the Kermadec Nettle. It grows on the Raoul and Kermadec Islands. There is also a similar plant found nearby.

Lord Howe Island Subspecies

A third subspecies of Boehmeria australis lives only on Lord Howe Island. Each of these unique types needs special care to survive.