Myrciaria alta facts for kids

Myrciaria alta is a special type of plant that belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This family includes many well-known plants like eucalyptus and guava. This plant is found only in one specific place: Espírito Santo, Brazil. Scientists first officially described it in 2019. It's quite similar to another plant called `Myrciaria glomerata`.

What Does Myrciaria alta Look Like?

The `Myrciaria alta` plant looks a lot like its cousins, `Myrciaria glomerata` and `Myrciaria strigipes`. However, `Myrciaria alta` can grow much taller! It can reach heights between 12 and 17 meters. That's like a four or five-story building!

Its leaves are about 6 to 9.3 centimeters long. This plant also grows flowers and fruits. The fruits are about 2 to 3 centimeters big. What's cool is that the flowers and fruits grow right on its older, woody branches. This is a special way of growing called cauliflory.

Where Does Myrciaria alta Live?

`Myrciaria alta` is found only in one small area. It lives in the mountainous region of Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo in Brazil. It grows at high places, usually around 850 meters above sea level. This means it's a plant that is endemic to this specific area.

What Does Its Name Mean?

The name alta comes from the Latin word altum. This word means "high." The scientists chose this name because `Myrciaria alta` grows much taller than its close relative, `Myrciaria glomerata`. So, its name tells us something important about it!

Is Myrciaria alta in Danger?

Sadly, `Myrciaria alta` might be in serious trouble. Scientists only know about three places where this plant grows. The total area where it lives is very small, less than half a square kilometer.

Its home is also being threatened by new buildings and cities. Because of this, scientists think `Myrciaria alta` might be a critically endangered species. This means it's at a very high risk of disappearing forever.