Geothallus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geothallus tuberosus |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: |
Marchantiopsida
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| Order: |
Sphaerocarpales
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| Family: |
Sphaerocarpaceae
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| Genus: |
Geothallus
Campb.
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| Species: |
G. tuberosus
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| Binomial name | |
| Geothallus tuberosus Campb.
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Geothallus tuberosus is a very special and rare plant. It's a type of liverwort, which are small, simple plants related to mosses. This particular liverwort is so unique that it's the only species in its entire group, called a monotypic genus. Its common name is Campbell's liverwort.
This amazing plant is found only in California. It lives in just two counties: San Diego and Riverside. Because it grows only in this small area, it is called endemic to California.
Discovering Campbell's Liverwort
Campbell's liverwort is a tiny plant. It doesn't have true roots, stems, or leaves like bigger plants. Instead, it has a flat, green body that looks a bit like a small, wrinkled leaf.
It gets its name from Douglas Houghton Campbell, a famous botanist. He was the first to describe and name this unique liverwort.
Where Campbell's Liverwort Lives
This liverwort needs very specific places to grow. It likes moist areas near the coast. You can find it in two main types of habitats:
- Moist coastal scrub: This is a type of shrubland found along the coast. The air here is often damp from the ocean.
- Vernal pools: These are special ponds that fill with water in the rainy season and then dry up later in the year. Campbell's liverwort thrives in these changing conditions.
Special Locations
Some important places where Campbell's liverwort grows include:
- The grounds of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. This is a large military base.
- The Santa Rosa Plateau. This is a protected natural area.
Finding Campbell's liverwort is exciting because it's so rare. Scientists and conservationists work hard to protect its habitats. This helps make sure this unique plant can continue to grow for many years to come.
