Lardizabala facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lardizabala |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lardizabala
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| Species: |
biternata
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Lardizabala is a special type of flowering plant that belongs to a group called a genus. What makes it special is that it's a monotypic genus, which means it's the only plant species in its entire group!
This plant is an evergreen liana, which is a fancy way of saying it's a climbing plant that stays green all year round. It grows naturally in the cool, wet forests of central and southern Chile.
The only species in this genus is called Lardizabala biternata. In Chile, people have many names for it, like Coguil, Cogüilera, Coiy, Coille, Voqui cógüil, or Voqui coille. In English, it's often just called Lardizabala or Zabala fruit. People grow this plant because it has tasty, edible fruits (called coguil or cógüil in the Mapuche language) and pretty flowers that make it a great ornamental plant.
What is Lardizabala?
The Lardizabala biternata plant is a strong, woody vine that loves to climb. It can grow quite long, using other trees and plants for support as it reaches for sunlight in the forest. Because it's evergreen, its leaves stay green and healthy even in winter, making the forests look vibrant all year.
This plant is native to the temperate forests of Chile, which means it grows in areas with mild temperatures and plenty of rain. It's an important part of the natural plant life in these regions.
Its Edible Fruits and Flowers
One of the most interesting things about Lardizabala biternata is its fruit. The fruits are called coguil or cógüil by the Mapuche people, who have lived in Chile for a very long time. These fruits are edible, meaning you can eat them! They are known for being sweet and tasty.
Besides the fruits, the plant also produces beautiful flowers. These flowers are often grown for their ornamental value, meaning they are pretty to look at and can make gardens or landscapes more attractive. The combination of its lovely flowers and edible fruits makes Lardizabala biternata a valuable plant.
Who is Lardizabala Named After?
The name Lardizabala was given to this plant genus to honor a person named Miguel de Lardizábal y Uribe. He was an important Spanish statesman who lived in the 18th century. A statesman is a skilled and respected leader in government. Naming a plant after him was a way to recognize his contributions and importance during his time.
