Palma de sierra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Palma de sierra |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gaussia
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| Species: |
princeps
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The Gaussia princeps, also known as palma de sierra, is a special type of palm tree. It is only found in Cuba, which means it is endemic there. This unique palm grows on steep limestone hills. These hills are called mogotes and are found in the Pinar del Río Province in western Cuba.
About the Palma de Sierra
The palma de sierra is a fascinating tree that stands out in the Cuban landscape. It is a type of palm that has adapted to live in a very specific environment. Learning about this tree helps us understand the amazing variety of life on Earth.
Where the Palma de Sierra Lives
This palm tree loves to grow on steep, rocky hills. These hills are made of limestone and are known as mogotes. Imagine tall, rounded hills with very steep sides. The Gaussia princeps clings to these slopes. You can find these special hills in the western part of Cuba, in a place called Pinar del Río Province. It's the only place in the world where this palm naturally grows!
What the Palma de Sierra Looks Like
The Gaussia princeps can grow quite tall, reaching about 8 meters (or more) high. That's like two tall basketball hoops stacked on top of each other! Its trunk, or stem, is whitish in color. It's wider at the bottom, about 30 centimeters across, and then gets narrower as it goes up.
Each tree usually has three to six large leaves. These leaves are pinnately compound. This means they are made up of many smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem, much like a feather. The tree also produces fruit. These fruits are orange-red and are about 1 centimeter long. Each fruit can hold one to three seeds inside.
