Myosotis eximia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myosotis eximia |
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| Conservation status | |
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Invalid status (NZ TCS)
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Myosotis
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| Species: |
eximia
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Myosotis eximia is a special type of forget-me-not flower. It grows only in the North Island of New Zealand. This beautiful plant was first described by a scientist named Donald Petrie.
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Discovery of the Striking Forget-Me-Not
This unique plant was first found in December 1914. A person named Bernard Aston discovered it. He found it on the slopes of Mt Aorangi, which is in the Ruahine Ranges.
Bernard Aston said the plant grew in "continuous patches" with "masses of lovely flowers." It was growing high up, at about 1,189 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level. In 1915, Donald Petrie officially described the plant. He gave it the name eximia, which means "strikingly unusual."
What Does Myosotis eximia Look Like?
Myosotis eximia is a plant that lives for many years. It has many branches and spreads out. It grows in groups of tight leaf clusters called rosettes. From these rosettes, tall flower stems grow upwards.
The leaves of this plant have thin, straight hairs. These hairs lie flat against the leaf surface. Myosotis eximia blooms in December and January. Its flowers are large and noticeable. They are white with a bright yellow center, like an eye. The flowers have parts called anthers that stick out. These anthers are very small, only about 2 mm long. They are much shorter than the thin stalks that hold them.
Where Does This Plant Live?
Myosotis eximia is a plant that is endemic to New Zealand. This means it is found naturally nowhere else in the world. It only grows in a small area. You can find it in the Kaimanawa and Ruahine Ranges. These ranges are in the middle of the North Island.
This forget-me-not lives in high mountain areas. It grows in places called subalpine and alpine zones. You can often see it on rocky slopes or on cliffs made of limestone. It likes soils that are rich in lime, which are called calcareous soils.
Protecting Myosotis eximia
The Department of Conservation lists Myosotis eximia as "At Risk – Naturally Uncommon." This is part of the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This means the plant is not very common in nature.
Scientists believe the number of these plants is stable. However, they say there isn't much information about them (Data Poor). Also, they only grow in a small area (Range Restricted). Because this plant needs special places to grow, its groups are small and found in specific spots. But for now, they don't seem to be in danger.
Growing Myosotis eximia in Gardens
It might surprise you, but this mountain plant grows quite well in gardens! It likes soil that has some added lime. You can often buy it at plant nurseries that sell native plants.
To grow it successfully, you need to plant it in a sunny spot. The soil must drain water well. Even in warmer places, far from its natural cold mountain home, it will flower a lot.
Images for kids
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Myosotis eximia flowers
