Mat rushes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mat rushes |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Lomandroideae |
| Genus: | Lomandra Labill. |
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Lomandra, also known as mat rushes, is a type of plant that grows year after year. These plants are like grasses with long, thin leaves that grow from a central spot. They have strong, woody roots that help them stay put. There are 51 different kinds of Lomandra plants, and almost all of them come from Australia. A couple of types can also be found in New Guinea and New Caledonia. They belong to the same plant family as asparagus!
Lomandra plants usually grow in clumps. They have long, narrow leaves that look like blades of grass. These leaves grow from a base that doesn't have a stem above ground. Under the ground, they have thick, woody rhizomes (which are like underground stems) and strong, fibrous roots.
Plant Families: Where Lomandra Belongs
Scientists group plants into "families" based on how they are related. Think of it like your own family tree! The Lomandra genus is now part of the Asparagaceae family. This is the same family that includes asparagus! In the past, scientists thought Lomandra belonged to other plant families, like Dasypogonaceae or Liliaceae. But with new discoveries, they found its true home.
Many Types of Lomandra Species
There are 51 different kinds, or species, of Lomandra plants. Each species has its own unique features, but they all share the basic characteristics of mat rushes. Some well-known types include Lomandra hystrix and Lomandra longifolia.
