Leptinella plumosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptinella plumosa |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Flora Antarctica, Plate XX | |
| Conservation status | |
|
Invalid status (NZ TCS)
|
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Leptinella plumosa is a tiny flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family. You can find this plant on many islands around the Southern Ocean. These are called subantarctic islands. The name plumosa comes from a Latin word. It means "feathery." This describes the plant's leaves.
About This Feathery Plant
Leptinella plumosa is a plant that can look a bit different from one place to another. It is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It also has soft, green stems, not woody ones. This plant often grows in wide, flat mats.
Its stems creep along the ground. They can be up to 5 mm thick. Short branches grow from these stems. The leaves grow in bunches at the end of these branches. The plant blooms with flowers from November to March. It then grows fruits from February to May.
Where It Lives
This plant grows on several islands in the Southern Ocean. You can find it on the Auckland, Antipodes, Campbell, Macquarie, Kerguelen, Prince Edward, Heard, and Crozet Islands.
It is very common near the coast. It is less common further inland. However, it has been found on hills up to 150 meters high.
Is It Safe?
Scientists check how safe plants are from disappearing. This is called their conservation status. In 2009, 2012, and 2018, Leptinella plumosa was listed as "At Risk - Naturally Uncommon" in New Zealand. This means it is not very common there. This is because it only grows in a small area in New Zealand. But it is considered safe in other countries.
