Canary laurel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canary laurel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Apollonias
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| Species: |
barbujana
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The Canary laurel or barbusano (scientific name: Apollonias barbujana) is a special type of flowering plant. It belongs to the laurel family, called Lauraceae. This plant is found only on the Macaronesian islands, specifically Madeira and the Canary Islands.
Scientists have studied its genes and found that the Canary laurel is very closely related to the Persea genus. This means it's like a cousin to the plant that gives us avocados!
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What is the Canary Laurel?
The Canary laurel is a type of tree that grows in a special kind of forest called a laurel forest. These forests are very old and have unique plants that can only be found in certain places.
Where Does It Grow?
This tree is endemic to the Macaronesian islands. This means it naturally grows there and nowhere else in the world. You can find it on the islands of Madeira and the Canary Islands.
La Gomera's Special Subspecies
On the island of La Gomera, which is part of the Canary Islands, there's a special kind of Canary laurel. This subspecies is different from the others and is considered endangered. This means there aren't many of them left, and they need protection to survive.
Why is the Canary Laurel Important?
The Canary laurel is an important part of its ecosystem. It provides food and shelter for different animals. It also helps keep the soil healthy and prevents erosion.
Protecting This Unique Tree
Because some types of Canary laurel are endangered, it's very important to protect them. This involves protecting their natural homes, the laurel forests, and making sure people don't cut down too many trees. Protecting these trees helps keep the natural balance of the islands.
