Macquarie azorella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Macquarie azorella |
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| Azorella macquariensis cushion plant on Macquarie Island. | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Azorella
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| Species: |
macquariensis
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Azorella macquariensis, also known as Macquarie azorella or Macquarie cushions, is a very special plant. It is a type of cushion plant that grows only on Macquarie Island. This island belongs to Australia and is located in the cold subantarctic region. For many years, people thought it was the same as another plant, Azorella selago. But in 1989, scientists discovered it was a unique species.
About Macquarie Azorella
Macquarie azorella is a plant that lives for many years. It grows in a unique way, forming dense, rounded shapes called "cushions" or "mats." These cushions can be small, just a few centimeters wide. But they can also grow very large, up to several meters across and 60 centimeters tall!
This plant is super important for Macquarie Island. It's called a "keystone species." This means it plays a huge role in its environment. It's the main plant in a special area called the feldmark habitat. In these areas, it's the only vascular plant you'll find. Vascular plants have special tissues to carry water and food.
The feldmark habitat covers about half of Macquarie Island. These are the windiest parts of the island's plateau. They are usually found between 200 and 400 meters above sea level.
Life Cycle of the Plant
The Macquarie azorella has a clear life cycle. It starts to flower in December and continues until February. After flowering, it produces fruit from January to April.
When winter arrives, usually from June to August, the plant changes. It turns brown and stops growing. This helps it survive the cold and harsh weather.
Why is it in Trouble?
Sadly, Azorella macquariensis is in serious danger. Its numbers have dropped very quickly. This problem is called "dieback," which means parts of the plant are dying off. Scientists first noticed this happening in December 2008.
The exact reasons for this dieback are still unknown. Because of this big decline, the Macquarie azorella is now considered an endangered species. This means it's at high risk of disappearing forever. People are working hard to understand and protect this unique plant.
