Fosberg's love grass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fosberg's love grass |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eragrostis
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| Species: |
fosbergii
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Eragrostis fosbergii is a very rare type of grass that people often call Fosberg's love grass. This special grass only grows in Hawaii, specifically in the Waianae Mountains on the island of Oahu. Because there are so few of these plants left, the government officially listed it as an endangered species in 1996. This means it is in danger of disappearing forever.
Discovery and Rediscovery
This unique grass was first found in 1933 by a scientist named Francis Raymond Fosberg. A few years later, in 1937, it was officially named a new species and given the name Eragrostis fosbergii to honor him.
For many years, people thought this grass had completely disappeared. It was believed to be extinct. But then, in 1991, scientists were very excited when they found it again! It was a big rediscovery.
When the grass was listed as endangered, only six individual plants were known to exist. All of them were found on just one mountain slope near the city of Honolulu. This shows how incredibly rare Fosberg's love grass is.
What Does It Look Like?
Fosberg's love grass is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to one meter (about 3 feet).
The grass produces a special cluster of flowers called a panicle. This panicle can be up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long.
Why Is It Endangered?
Fosberg's love grass faces many dangers that threaten its survival. Its home, or habitat, is being damaged. One big problem comes from feral pigs. These pigs dig up the ground and eat plants, which harms the grass.
Another threat comes from exotic species. These are plants and animals that were brought to Hawaii from other places. They can take over the space and resources that native plants like Fosberg's love grass need to grow.
Finally, the grass is also threatened by trampling. This happens when animals or people walk over the delicate plants, crushing them. All these threats make it very hard for this rare grass to survive and grow.
