Hemithrinax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hemithrinax |
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| Hemithrinax ekmaniana | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Subfamily: | Coryphoideae |
| Tribe: | Cryosophileae |
| Genus: | Hemithrinax Hook.f. |
| Type species | |
| Hemithrinax compacta (Griseb. & H. Wendl.) Hook.f.
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Hemithrinax is a group of palm trees found only in eastern Cuba. This group, also called a genus by scientists, includes three different kinds, or species, of palms and one special type called a variety. Before, these palms were thought to belong to a different group called Thrinax.
Discovering Hemithrinax Palms
The Hemithrinax palms are special because they are endemic to Cuba. This means they grow naturally only in Cuba and nowhere else in the world. They are an important part of Cuba's natural environment.
Where Hemithrinax Palms Grow
Each type of Hemithrinax palm grows in specific areas of eastern Cuba:
- Hemithrinax compacta is found in the Sierra de Nipe mountains, located in the Holguin Province.
- Hemithrinax ekmaniana grows in the Las Villas region, which is part of the Granma Province.
- Hemithrinax rivularis can be seen in the Sierra de Moa mountains, also in the Holguin Province.
- A special type of Hemithrinax rivularis, known as Hemithrinax rivularis var. savannarum, grows in the Oriente region and the Sierra de Moa in Holguin Province.
How Scientists Study Palms
Scientists often study plants to understand how they are related. Sometimes, they change how plants are grouped, like when Hemithrinax was separated from the Thrinax group. This helps us learn more about the amazing variety of life on Earth.
