Malea pilosa facts for kids

Malea pilosa is a fascinating type of flowering plant that belongs to the Ericaceae family. This family is well-known for plants like blueberries and cranberries! Malea pilosa is the only species in its entire genus called Malea. You can find this special plant growing naturally in Mexico.

What is Malea pilosa?

Malea pilosa is a unique plant that was first described by a botanist named Cyrus Longworth Lundell. When we say "described," it means he officially identified and named it for science. This plant is a flowering species, which means it produces flowers, just like many plants you see around you.

Why Does Its Name Change?

Sometimes, scientists change how plants are grouped together. Many botanists, who are scientists who study plants, believe that Malea pilosa should actually be part of a much larger group of plants called Vaccinium. This genus includes many familiar berries like blueberries and cranberries.

If Malea pilosa is moved into the Vaccinium genus, its scientific name would change to Vaccinium lundellianum. This new name honors Lundell, the botanist who first described it. The original name, Vaccinium pilosum, can't be used because another plant in the Vaccinium genus already has that name. It's like two people can't have the exact same full name if it causes confusion!

Where Does Malea pilosa Grow?

This interesting plant is native to Mexico. This means it grows naturally there and isn't found in the wild in other parts of the world. Mexico has many different types of environments, from deserts to rainforests, and each one is home to unique plants like Malea pilosa.