Myrcia ascendens facts for kids

Myrcia ascendens is a special type of plant that belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This family includes many well-known plants like eucalyptus and guava trees! This plant is endemic to a specific part of Brazil called Bahia. "Endemic" means it's only found naturally in that one place in the whole world. Scientists first officially described Myrcia ascendens in 2015.

What's in a Name?

The name Myrcia ascendens is quite interesting! The word "ascendens" comes from a Latin word that means "rising" or "going upwards." This name was chosen because of how the plant's branches grow. They mostly point straight up towards the sky!

What Does Myrcia ascendens Look Like?

Myrcia ascendens can be either a small shrub or a tiny tree. It usually grows to be about 1 to 3 meters (about 3 to 10 feet) tall. That's roughly the height of a tall person or a small car!

Leaves and Fruits

The leaves of this plant are quite small. They grow up to 16 millimeters (about half an inch) long and 5 millimeters (less than a quarter of an inch) wide. When the plant produces fruit, they are a bright red color. These little fruits are also small, growing up to 6 millimeters wide. Each fruit usually contains one or two tiny seeds inside.

Where Does Myrcia ascendens Live?

This unique plant has only been found in a few very specific places in Brazil. It grows on rocky areas near rivers. You can find it in the municipal park of Mucugê and in a place called the Serra de São Pedro. Because it only grows in these particular spots, it's quite rare!

Why Is This Plant in Danger?

Myrcia ascendens is considered to be critically endangered. This means it's at a very high risk of disappearing forever. The main reason it's in so much danger is because it only grows in a very small area. If something happens to its habitat, like changes in the environment or human activity, the plant could be lost. Scientists and conservationists are working to protect these special plants and their homes.