Pendant kihi fern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pendant kihi fern |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Adenophorus
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| Species: |
periens
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The Adenophorus periens, also called the pendant kihi fern, is a very rare type of fern. It only grows in Hawaii, which means it is endemic there. You can find it in wet mountain forests on the slopes of volcanoes. It usually grows on trees. There are only about 2,000 of these ferns left in the world. Because it is so rare, the United States government has listed it as an endangered species.
About the Pendant Kihi Fern
This special fern is easy to tell apart from other ferns in its family. It has long, hanging leaves, called fronds. These fronds can grow to be more than 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. This is twice as long as other ferns in the same group!
What It Looks Like
The small leaf parts on the fronds are called leaflets. These leaflets are twisted at an angle from the main stem of the leaf. The edges of the leaves also have unique tiny hairs. Scientists have studied the fern's genes. They found that even though it's rare, it has a good amount of variety in its genes. This can help it survive.
Where It Lives
The pendant kihi fern is found only in Hawaii. Most of the ferns live in one area called Puna on the island of Hawaii. A few others can be found on the islands of Kauai and Molokai. These ferns like to grow in wet mountain forests. They prefer to live on the sides of volcanoes.
Why It's in Danger
The pendant kihi fern faces many threats that make it hard for it to survive.
- Volcano Dangers: Since it grows on volcanoes, it can be harmed by lava flows. It is also affected by gases that come from the volcanoes.
- Host Tree Problems: The fern grows on other trees. If these host trees die, the fern loses its home and support.
- New Species: Introduced species are plants and animals brought to Hawaii from other places. Some of these, like weeds, can take over the fern's habitat. Feral pigs also cause damage by digging up the forest floor.
- Development: Building projects, especially those for geothermal power, can also harm the fern's home. These projects change the land where the ferns live.
