Nesogenes rotensis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nesogenes rotensis
Conservation status
Endangered (ESA)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Orobanchaceae
Genus:	Nesogenes
Species:	N. rotensis
Binomial name
Nesogenes rotensis Fosberg & D.R.Herbst
Script error: The function "autoWithCaption" does not exist.

Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".

Nesogenes rotensis is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the Orobanchaceae family, which includes plants often called broomrapes. This special plant grows only on Rota, a beautiful island in the Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Because it is found only in this one place, it is called an endemic species. In 2004, the United States government officially listed Nesogenes rotensis as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.

What Nesogenes rotensis Looks Like

This unique plant has leaves that grow opposite each other on its stem. The leaves are shaped like a spear, which is called "lance-shaped." Its small, white flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem, which are called "leaf axils."

Where This Plant Grows

Nesogenes rotensis likes to grow on limestone rocks along the coast. It shares its home with other interesting plants. These include nanaso (Scaevola taccada), talisai ganu (Terminalia samoensis), paodedo (Hedyotis strigulosa), and gausali (Bikkia tetrandra). Scientists are still learning a lot about this plant and its life.

Where to Find Nesogenes rotensis

Scientists know of only two places where Nesogenes rotensis grows on Rota island. These spots are called Poña Point and Puntan Fina Atkos.

Poña Point Population

At Poña Point, scientists counted 579 plants in 2001. But in 2002, a very strong storm called Typhoon Pongsona hit the area. After the typhoon, there were no plants left at Poña Point. Luckily, by 2005, about 20 new plants, including young seedlings, had started to grow there again.

Puntan Fina Atkos Population

The second group of plants was found in 2005 at Puntan Fina Atkos. This population was smaller, with about 15 to 20 plants, including seedlings.

Why Nesogenes rotensis is in Danger

This rare plant faces several threats that make it hard for it to survive.

Habitat Loss

The main problem for Nesogenes rotensis is that its home is being lost or damaged. This happens because of human activities like farming, building new structures, and people using the land for fun activities. When its habitat is disturbed, the plant has less space to grow and thrive.

Natural Disasters

Because there are so few Nesogenes rotensis plants, the species is very vulnerable. A single natural disaster, like a powerful typhoon, could wipe out an entire group of plants. This makes the species very fragile and at high risk of extinction.