Pimelea actea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pimelea actea |
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| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Critical (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pimelea
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| Species: |
actea
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| Synonyms | |
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Pimelea "Turakina" |
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The Pimelea actea is a small plant that grows near the coast in New Zealand. It was officially named and described in 2008 by a scientist named Colin J. Burrows. He had been studying New Zealand's Pimelea plants for a very long time.
The name actea means "coastal," which perfectly describes where this plant likes to live. Before it got its official name, people often called it Pimelea "Turakina."
About the Pimelea actea Plant
This special plant used to be found all along the western coast of the North Island in New Zealand. Records show it grew in places like Foxton Beach and near the Turakina River.
However, today, the Pimelea actea is very rare in the wild. It only grows in two small areas. One is a coastal field in Himatangi, and the other is in the sand dunes of Tapuarau Reserve, near Whanganui.
Where Pimelea actea Lives
The natural home for Pimelea actea is in "dune slacks." These are like small, temporary wetlands that form between sand dunes. They can be wet for part of the year.
These special areas are important for the plant. But they are in danger because of grasses that are not native to New Zealand. These "introduced grasses" can take over the space and push out the native plants.
Why Pimelea actea is Endangered
Since 2004, the Pimelea actea has been listed as "Nationally Critical" by the Department of Conservation. This means it is one of New Zealand's most threatened plant species. It is very close to disappearing from the wild forever.
In Whanganui, there was only one Pimelea actea plant left in a garden. Luckily, this plant was moved and carefully grown to make more plants. These new plants were then replanted in the Tapuarau Reserve to help save the species.
