Ceramanus elegans facts for kids

Ceramanus elegans is a tiny, leafy plant that belongs to a group called liverworts. It is a special type of plant found only in New Zealand.

What is Ceramanus elegans?

Ceramanus elegans is a species of liverwort. Liverworts are small, simple plants that are related to mosses. They don't have true roots, stems, or leaves like bigger plants. Instead, they often grow flat along the ground or on other plants.

About Liverworts

Liverworts are some of the oldest types of land plants on Earth. They usually like damp, shady places to grow. They get their name because some of them look a bit like a liver. They are very important for their ecosystems, helping to keep soil moist and providing homes for tiny creatures.

Where Does It Live?

This specific liverwort, Ceramanus elegans, makes its home in New Zealand. It is part of the amazing plant life found there. New Zealand is known for its unique plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Finding the First Specimen

The very first official sample of Ceramanus elegans was collected a long time ago. This sample is called a "type specimen." It has a special registration number, H007861, and is kept safe at the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington. The place where this first sample was found is called Great Barrier Island, which is located off the coast of the North Island in New Zealand. Scientists use these type specimens to compare and identify new plants they discover.