Diplotaxis siettiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diplotaxis siettiana |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Diplotaxis (plant)
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| Species: |
siettiana
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The Diplotaxis siettiana, also known as jaramago de Alborán in Spanish, is a special type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes plants like cabbage and mustard. This plant is very rare because it is endemic to just one tiny place: Alborán Island. This island is located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea.
What makes the Diplotaxis siettiana even more unique is that it only grows around the helipad on Alborán Island. Sadly, the natural population of this plant completely disappeared in 1974. But thankfully, people worked hard to bring it back, and it was re-introduced to the island in 1999. Its natural habitat is a type of bushy area called Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation. Today, it is still in danger mainly because its home is shrinking.
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Meet the Alborán Mustard Plant
The Diplotaxis siettiana is a small plant that is part of the mustard family. It's often called the Alborán mustard plant because of where it lives.
Where Does It Live?
This plant is a true islander! It lives only on Alborán Island. This small island is located between Spain and North Africa in the Mediterranean Sea. Imagine a plant that can only be found in one specific spot on Earth – that's how special the Alborán mustard is.
An Island Home
Alborán Island is a small, rocky island. The Diplotaxis siettiana grows in the natural plant areas, especially near the island's helipad. A helipad is a special landing area for helicopters.
A Story of Disappearance and Return
The history of the Diplotaxis siettiana is quite dramatic. It's a story of how a plant almost vanished forever, but then got a second chance.
When It Vanished
In 1974, scientists realized that all the wild Diplotaxis siettiana plants had died out on Alborán Island. This means the plant became extinct in its natural home. This often happens because of changes to a plant's habitat, like building or other human activities.
Bringing It Back to Life
Luckily, some seeds of the plant had been saved. In 1999, scientists and conservationists worked together to re-introduce the plant to Alborán Island. They carefully planted new Diplotaxis siettiana plants, hoping they would grow and thrive again. This effort helped bring the plant back from the brink of total extinction.
Why Is It Still in Danger?
Even though the Diplotaxis siettiana was brought back, it is still considered a critically endangered plant. This means it faces a very high risk of becoming extinct again in the wild.
Threats to Its Home
The biggest threat to the Alborán mustard plant is habitat loss. This means that the natural areas where it grows are getting smaller or are being damaged. Because it lives on such a small island and only in specific spots, any changes to its environment can have a huge impact. Protecting its tiny island home is key to its survival.
