Lundy cabbage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lundy cabbage |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Coincya
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| Species: |
wrightii
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The Lundy cabbage, also known as Coincya wrightii, is a very special plant. It's a type of wild cabbage that grows only on Lundy island, off the coast of England. This makes it an "endemic" species, meaning it's found naturally nowhere else in the entire world!
The Lundy cabbage is a protected species, which means it's against the law to harm it. It can grow up to one metre (about three feet) tall. From May to August, it shows off bright yellow flowers, looking a bit like rapeseed plants. Even though it's related to the cabbage family, don't try to eat it! People say it tastes like a super-strong Brussels sprout.
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What Makes Lundy Cabbage Special?
The Lundy cabbage is a great example of how living on an isolated island can lead to unique life forms. Because Lundy island is so far from other places, the cabbage there has developed its own special features over time.
Where Does it Live?
This unique plant grows only on the eastern cliffs and slopes of Lundy island. It needs this specific environment to thrive. Its isolation on the island has allowed it to become its own distinct species.
Its Special Insect Friends
The Lundy cabbage has two very special insect friends that also live nowhere else! These are the Lundy cabbage flea beetle (Psylliodes luridipennis) and the Lundy cabbage weevil (Ceutorhynchus contractus pallipes). These beetles feed on the Lundy cabbage, and they are just as unique to the island as the plant itself. It's a perfect example of how different species can depend on each other.
Why is it Protected?
The number of Lundy cabbages can change a lot each year. This plant faces several challenges that make it a protected species:
- Grazing animals: Goats, sheep, and rabbits on the island sometimes eat the Lundy cabbage, which can reduce its numbers.
- Invasive plants: A plant called Rhododendron has been spreading across Lundy island. These bushes are not native to the island and can grow very quickly, taking over the space and light that the Lundy cabbage needs to survive.
Protecting the Lundy cabbage means protecting a piece of nature that is found nowhere else on Earth, along with its unique insect partners.
