Mat-forming quillwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mat-forming quillwort |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Isoetes
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| Species: |
tegetiformans
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The mat-forming quillwort (scientific name: Isoetes tegetiformans) is a very special plant. It's also called mat-forming Merlin's grass. This plant is a type of lycophyte, which are ancient plants related to ferns. It lives only in the U.S. state of Georgia. This means it's endemic to Georgia, found nowhere else in the world!
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Discovering the Mat-Forming Quillwort
The mat-forming quillwort was first discovered in 1976. It's an aquatic plant, meaning it lives in water. But not just any water! It grows in very shallow, temporary pools that form on top of large granite rocks. These pools often have only about 2 centimeters (less than an inch) of soil.
Where It Makes Its Home
This unique plant needs a very specific place to live. It thrives on what are called granite outcrops. These are huge, exposed areas of granite rock. When it rains, small puddles and pools form in hollows on these rocks. The mat-forming quillwort grows right in these temporary pools.
Its Life Cycle
The mat-forming quillwort has an interesting way of dealing with the weather. When fall and winter rains arrive, new leaves quickly sprout. The plant looks green and healthy. However, during the hot, dry summer months, these pools often dry up. When this happens, the plant's leaves usually shrivel and dry out. But don't worry, the plant isn't dead! It waits for the rains to return, and then it sprouts new leaves again.
Facing Big Dangers
Sadly, the mat-forming quillwort is in a lot of trouble. It's a very rare plant. When it was first discovered, only 7 groups, or populations, of these plants were known to exist. Since then, three of these populations have been completely destroyed.
Why It's Disappearing
The biggest threat to the remaining mat-forming quillwort populations is habitat destruction. This means the places where they live are being ruined. A major reason for this is quarrying. Quarrying is when people dig up large amounts of rock, like granite, from the ground to use for building materials. This destroys the granite outcrops and the temporary pools where the quillwort lives.
How It's Protected
Because it's so rare and in danger, the mat-forming quillwort is protected by law. It's listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. This important law helps protect plants and animals that are at risk of disappearing forever. It means that people are not allowed to harm the plant or destroy its habitat. This protection is very important for helping the mat-forming quillwort survive.
