Myosotidium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myosotidium |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Myosotidium
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| Species: |
hortensia
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| Synonyms | |
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Myosotis hortensia Decne. |
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The giant forget-me-not, also known as the Chatham Islands forget-me-not, is a very special plant. Its scientific name is Myosotidium hortensia. This plant is the only one in its group, called a genus, named Myosotidium. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family, which includes many other flowering plants.
This amazing plant grows only in one place: the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. When a plant or animal lives only in one specific area, it is called endemic. Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly where its ancestors came from. They think its family might have started in America. This is because Myosotidium hortensia is closely related to a plant from South America called Selkirkia. Both of these are also related to a North American plant called Mimophytum.
About the Giant Forget-Me-Not
The giant forget-me-not is a type of herb. This means it has soft stems, not woody ones like a tree. It has large, roundish leaves that feel a bit thick and fleshy. The veins on its leaves look like they run side-by-side.
What it Looks Like
In late spring, the plant grows many beautiful blue flowers. These flowers grow in a cluster called an inflorescence. After the flowers, the plant produces seeds. These seeds are quite large and blackish. They also have special "wings" that might help them spread.
Where it Lives
In its natural home, the giant forget-me-not grows near beaches. It can handle the salty sea spray and strong winds from the ocean. This shows how tough and adaptable this plant is.
A Popular Garden Plant
Even though it's wild in the Chatham Islands, the giant forget-me-not is also a popular garden plant. People in New Zealand and other places love to grow it. Most plants have blue flowers. But there is also a popular type called 'Alba' that has white flowers.
