Cuminia facts for kids
Cuminia is a special type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mint and lavender. There is only one known species in this group, called Cuminia eriantha.
This unique plant lives only on Robinson Crusoe Island. This island is part of the Juan Fernández Islands. These islands are located in the southeast Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Chile. Cuminia eriantha is found nowhere else in the world.
Quick facts for kids Cuminia |
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| Bird feeding on Cuminia eriantha flowers | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Nepetoideae |
| Tribe: | Mentheae |
| Genus: | Cuminia Colla |
| Species: |
C. eriantha
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| Binomial name | |
| Cuminia eriantha (Benth.) Benth.
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| Synonyms | |
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About Cuminia eriantha
Cuminia eriantha was first described in 1835. It is the only species in the Cuminia genus. This makes it a very special and rare plant.
Where it Lives
This plant is endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island. This means it naturally grows only in this specific place. The island is part of the Juan Fernández Islands. These islands are a territory of Chile.
Plant Varieties
Scientists recognize two main types, or varieties, of Cuminia eriantha. Some even think these might be different species.
- Cuminia eriantha var. eriantha
- Cuminia eriantha var. fernandezia
Why it's Critically Endangered
Sadly, Cuminia eriantha is listed as "critically endangered." This means it faces a very high risk of disappearing forever. There are very few of these plants left in the wild. Efforts are being made to protect this unique plant.
 | Jessica Watkins |
 | Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. |
 | Mae Jemison |
 | Sian Proctor |
 | Guion Bluford |
