Swamp justiceweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swamp justiceweed |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eupatorium
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| Species: |
paludicola
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The swamp justiceweed (scientific name: Eupatorium paludicola) is a special and rare plant. It belongs to the sunflower family. You can only find this plant growing naturally in two states in the southeastern United States: North Carolina and South Carolina.
Contents
Discovering the Swamp Justiceweed
For a long time, scientists thought the swamp justiceweed was just a part of another plant called E. leucolepis. It looked very similar!
How It Was Identified
But then, scientists did a special test called chromosomal analysis. This means they looked very closely at the plant's tiny genetic parts, like its DNA. By doing this, they found out that Eupatorium paludicola was actually its own unique species. It was different enough to get its own name! This discovery happened in 2007.
What Makes It Special?
The swamp justiceweed is a type of plant called a perennial herb. This means it's not a tree or a bush, and it lives for many years, coming back each growing season.
How It Grows
One cool thing about this plant is how it spreads. It uses special underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes grow horizontally under the soil, sending up new shoots to create more plants. This helps the plant spread out and form new groups.
Plant Features
The leaves of the swamp justiceweed are long and narrow. They are often described as "lance-shaped," which means they look a bit like the tip of a spear.
Plant Hybrids
Sometimes, the swamp justiceweed can even mix with other plants! Scientists have found hybrids (which are like plant mixes) between E. paludicola and another plant called E. mohrii. This happens when two different plant species cross-pollinate and create offspring with traits from both parents.
