Elaphoglossum serpens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elaphoglossum serpens |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Elaphoglossum
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| Species: |
serpens
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Elaphoglossum serpens is a very rare type of fern. It grows only on Cerro de Punta, which is the highest mountain in Puerto Rico. Scientists know of only 22 of these ferns, all growing in one special spot. Because it's so rare, the United States government officially listed it as an endangered species in 1993. This means it's protected by law because it's at high risk of disappearing forever.
Scientists first described this fern in 1947. They found it on another mountain called Monte Jayuya. Sadly, that area was cleared for building, and the ferns there completely vanished. Later, this special fern was found again on Cerro de Punta. Elaphoglossum serpens is an epiphyte, which means it's a plant that grows on other plants, but it doesn't harm them. It grows on the trunks of a specific tree called Lyonia rubiginosa var. stahlii. Only six of these trees are home to all 22 known ferns! The top of Cerro de Punta is a popular place for building communication towers, and this construction has already destroyed some of the forest where the ferns live.
Contents
What Does This Fern Look Like?
This unique fern has two different kinds of leaves, called fronds. These are known as "dimorphic fronds" because they have two shapes.
Sterile Fronds
- The sterile fronds are like regular leaves.
- They can grow up to 19 centimeters (about 7.5 inches) long.
- The leafy part at the end is about 8 centimeters long and 3.5 centimeters wide.
Fertile Fronds
- The fertile fronds are special because they carry the fern's spores, which are like tiny seeds for ferns.
- These fronds are a bit shorter, up to 18 centimeters (about 7 inches) long.
- Their leafy part is also smaller, only about 4 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide.
Where Does This Fern Live?
The Elaphoglossum serpens fern lives in a special kind of forest called an "elfin forest." This forest is found on the highest peak of Puerto Rico. It's also known as a cloud forest because it's often covered in clouds.
Forest Features
- The trees in this forest are short and dense, usually no taller than 7 meters (about 23 feet).
- It's a very wet and windy place.
- The soil is always soaked with water and doesn't have many nutrients.
Why Is This Fern Endangered?
Since all 22 known ferns grow in just one small area, anything that harms that spot could cause the entire species to disappear forever. This is called extinction.
Threats to the Fern
- Natural Disasters: A strong storm like Hurricane Hugo in 1989 can cause a lot of damage.
- Building Projects: Many companies want to build towers and other structures on the mountain peak. This kind of construction has already destroyed some of the fern's habitat in the past. If more building happens, it could wipe out the remaining ferns.
