Olearia hectorii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Olearia hectorii |
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| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Endangered (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Olearia
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| Species: |
hectorii
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Olearia hectorii is a special kind of flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family, called Asteraceae. It's often known by its common names, the deciduous tree daisy or Hector's tree daisy. This amazing plant grows only in New Zealand, which means it's endemic there. It's a unique part of New Zealand's natural world!
What's in a Name?
This plant was first named Olearia hectori. But later, scientists decided the correct name should be Olearia hectorii. This change followed special rules for naming plants. It helps everyone around the world use the same name for each plant.
What Does It Look Like?
The Hector's tree daisy is a shrub, which is like a small, bushy tree. It has reddish stems that stand out. Its leaves are a pretty gray-green color and can grow up to 5 centimeters long. When it blooms, you'll see lovely yellow flowers. These flowers hang down from where the leaves meet the stem.
Who Lives Here?
Olearia hectorii is very important for many types of moths. It's like a home and a food source for them! Scientists know that at least 23 different moth species use this plant. About 12 of these species rely only on the Hector's tree daisy to live. These moths probably help the plant make seeds by moving pollen around.
Some of the moths that live on this plant are very rare. For example, the Stathmopoda campylocha moth is in critical danger of disappearing. Another one, S. albimaculata, is also nationally endangered. Protecting the Hector's tree daisy helps protect these special moths too!
Why It Needs Our Help
Sadly, the Hector's tree daisy is in danger. It needs open spaces to grow new plants from seeds. But these open areas are shrinking because new plants, brought from other countries, are taking over. Also, animals like deer or goats, which were brought to New Zealand, eat the young plants.
Because of these threats, the Hector's tree daisy is now classified as Nationally Endangered. This means it's at high risk of becoming extinct in New Zealand. We need to work hard to protect its habitat and help it survive!
