Citrus neocaledonica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Citrus neocaledonica |
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Oxanthera neocaledonica (Guillaumin) Tanaka |
The Citrus neocaledonica is a special type of plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. This family is also known as the citrus family, which includes well-known plants like oranges, lemons, and limes. This plant is sometimes called the large leaf oxanthera.
It is an endemic species, which means it grows naturally in only one place in the world. For the Citrus neocaledonica, that special place is New Caledonia, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Sadly, this unique plant is currently considered endangered, meaning it is at risk of disappearing forever.
What's in a Name? The Taxonomy of Citrus neocaledonica
Understanding the name of a plant, or its taxonomy, helps scientists organize and study living things. The Citrus neocaledonica has an interesting naming history.
A scientist named André Guillaumin first described this plant in 1911. He placed it in the Citrus genus. A genus is like a small group of very similar plants.
Later, some scientists thought this plant and others like it should be in a different group called Oxanthera. They even called them "false oranges."
However, modern science uses phylogenetic analysis. This is like creating a family tree for plants using their DNA. This analysis showed that the Oxanthera species, including the large leaf oxanthera, actually fit very well within the Citrus genus. Because of this, scientists now agree that its correct name is Citrus neocaledonica. This shows how scientific understanding can change and improve over time with new discoveries.
Why is it Endangered?
The Citrus neocaledonica is listed as endangered by the IUCN. This means its population is very small and faces a high risk of extinction in the wild. Being endemic to New Caledonia means it has a very limited natural habitat. Any changes to this habitat, like deforestation or climate change, can have a big impact on its survival. Protecting its home in New Caledonia is key to helping this unique citrus plant survive for future generations.
