Inaka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inaka |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dracophyllum
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| Species: |
longifolium
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| Synonyms | |
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Dracophyllum lyallii Hook.f. |
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Dracophyllum longifolium, also known as inaka, is a special shrub or small tree found only in New Zealand. Its Māori name is "inaka." This plant belongs to the Ericaceae family, which also includes plants like blueberries and rhododendrons.
Inaka plants can grow in many different places across New Zealand. You'll find them mostly in the South Island. They can live from sea level all the way up to 1,200 meters high. In open forests, inaka can grow quite tall, reaching up to 12 meters. But in colder, high-altitude areas, called sub-alpine regions, they are usually smaller, about 1 to 1.5 meters tall.
The branches of the inaka plant are thin. As old leaves fall off, they leave rings on the branches. Inaka has long, needle-like leaves. These leaves are about 3 to 5 millimeters wide and can be up to 25 centimeters long. They have a sharp, pointed tip. Their colors can vary from green to orange and even brown. Inaka is a very tough plant and can live for a long time, sometimes up to 220 years!
Types of Inaka Plants
There are two main types, or varieties, of Dracophyllum longifolium:
- Dracophyllum longifolium var. longifolium
- Dracophyllum longifolium var. septentrionale
Is Inaka Safe?
Scientists in New Zealand check on plants to see if they are in danger. This is called their conservation status.
The most common type, D. longifolium var. longifolium, is considered "Not Threatened." This means it is safe and there are plenty of these plants. This status was confirmed in 2009, 2012, and again in 2018.
However, the other type, D. longifolium var. septentrionale, is a bit rarer. In both 2012 and 2018, it was classified as "At Risk - Naturally Uncommon." This means it's not in immediate danger, but it's not as common as the other variety.
Images for kids
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The flowers of the inaka plant.
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Close-up of adult inaka leaves.
See also
In Spanish: Dracophyllum longifolium para niños
