Canyon schiedea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canyon schiedea |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Schiedea
|
| Species: |
spergulina
|
The canyon schiedea or spreading schiedea (scientific name: Schiedea spergulina) is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the plant family called Caryophyllaceae, which includes many types of pinks and carnations. This special plant is found only in Hawaii, specifically on the island of Kauai.
Contents
What is Schiedea spergulina?
This plant is a type of subshrub, which means it's a small, woody plant that doesn't grow as big as a tree. It stands upright and can reach a height of about 60 centimeters (that's about two feet tall).
Where Does it Live?
The canyon schiedea is a plant that is endemic to Hawaii. This means it naturally grows only in Hawaii and nowhere else in the world. It is found specifically on the island of Kauai.
Why is it Rare?
This plant is very rare and is considered a threatened species. This means its survival is at risk. The main reasons it's in danger are because its natural home is being damaged or destroyed.
The Two Types of Canyon Schiedea
There are two main types, or varieties, of the canyon schiedea plant:
- The leiopoda variety
- The spergulina variety
One of these varieties is listed by the United States government as an endangered species. This means it's in very serious danger of disappearing forever. The other variety is listed as threatened, which means it's also at risk, but perhaps not as immediately as an endangered species.
How Many Plants Are Left?
The leiopoda variety is extremely rare. There is only one known group of these plants, and it has fewer than 325 individual plants. This number includes young plants and even tiny seedlings.
The spergulina variety is a bit more common. It exists in six different groups, with a total of up to 585 individual plants.
How Are the Varieties Different?
Scientists tell the two varieties apart mainly by how much hair they have on their stems and leaves. They also grow in slightly different areas on the island of Kauai. Sometimes, scientists group these two varieties together and consider them all just one species, without separating them into different types.
