DeLaney's goldenaster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chrysopsis delaneyiDeLaney's goldenaster |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: |
C. delaneyi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Chrysopsis delaneyi Wunderlin & Semple
|
|
Chrysopsis delaneyi, also known as DeLaney's goldenaster, is a special plant found only in Florida, USA. It belongs to a group of plants called Chrysopsis, which are often called "golden asters." These plants are small and usually grow close to the ground. Most golden asters are found only in Florida.
Contents
Discovering DeLaney's Goldenaster
How Was This Plant Found?
Scientists have found many new Chrysopsis species in recent years. Chrysopsis delaneyi is one of them. A botanist named Kris DeLaney discovered this plant in the mid-1980s. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants.
Naming the Plant
The plant was officially named Chrysopsis delaneyi in 2003. It was named in honor of Kris DeLaney, who first found it. Kris DeLaney has also discovered other new plants in central Florida. One of these is another golden aster called C. highlandsensis.
Where DeLaney's Goldenaster Lives
A Special Florida Home
Chrysopsis delaneyi is found only in Florida. This means it is an endemic species. It lives in a very small area and is highly endangered. This plant needs a specific type of environment to grow.
Its Natural Habitat
Most of its original home was destroyed by farms growing citrus fruits. This habitat was a type of ecosystem called a "longleaf pine / turkey oak sandhill."
What Its Home Looks Like
Most Chrysopsis species, including DeLaney's goldenaster, live in dry, sandy areas. These places are often called "sand pine scrub" or "longleaf pine / turkey oak sandhills." The soil there does not have many nutrients.
How the Plant Grows
DeLaney's goldenaster is a bright green plant that can grow quite tall, up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet). It has large, leafy parts that look a bit like lettuce. The plant is covered in sticky hairs. Its flowers are bright yellow and grow at the top of the stems. They can be about 2.4 to 5.0 centimeters (about 1 to 2 inches) wide.
Why This Plant Is Important
Different Types of DeLaney's Goldenaster
Chrysopsis delaneyi can look a bit different depending on where it grows. Scientists have found that there are different types, or "ecotypes," of this plant. These types have adapted to specific areas in Florida.
Where It's Found in Florida
The plant mainly lives in four main areas. These include the Lake Wales Ridge, Orange County Ridge, and the southern Atlantic Coastal Ridge. These areas are all sandy ridges in Florida.
Why It's Endangered
Even though you might find many of these plants in a small spot, the species is very endangered. This is because most of its natural home has been lost. Scientists believe that the different types of C. delaneyi might have become separate species over time. This happened because they were isolated in their small "island-like" habitats.
