Guano de Barreras facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guano de Barreras |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Coccothrinax
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| Species: |
boschiana
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The guano de Barreras (scientific name: Coccothrinax boschiana) is a special type of palm tree. It is only found in certain dry forests in the southern part of the Dominican Republic. This unique palm grows on limestone rocks in the Sierra Martín García ridge and the Sierra de Neiba mountains, which are part of the Barahona peninsula. Scientists first officially described this species in 1997.
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What is the Guano de Barreras?
The guano de Barreras is a beautiful palm tree known for its unique leaves. It has leaves that are shaped like a hand with fingers spread out, which is called "palmate-leaved." Imagine a fan or a hand, and that's how its leaves look!
Leaves and Height
The leaves of the guano de Barreras are very striking. They are often described as looking "golden" on the top side and "silvery" on the underside. This makes the tree stand out in its natural habitat. These palm trees can grow quite tall, reaching heights of about 12 metres (about 39 feet). That's as tall as a four-story building!
Where Does it Live?
This palm tree is an endemic species. This means it naturally grows only in one specific area and nowhere else in the world. For the guano de Barreras, that special place is the dry forests of the Dominican Republic. It prefers areas with limestone soil, which is a type of rock that forms from the remains of sea creatures.
Habitat and Environment
The guano de Barreras thrives in dry forests. These forests have a long dry season, but the trees there are adapted to survive with less water for part of the year. The specific mountains where it lives, the Sierra Martín García and Sierra de Neiba, provide the perfect conditions for this rare palm to grow.
