Plantago aucklandica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plantago aucklandica |
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| Plate XLII | |
| Conservation status | |
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Invalid status (NZ TCS)
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Plantago
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| Species: |
aucklandica
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Plantago aucklandica is a special type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family, which includes many well-known plants like plantains. This plant is found only in the Auckland Islands, making it unique to that place.
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What Makes This Plant Special?
Plantago aucklandica is different from other Plantago plants found in New Zealand. It has very large leaves, sometimes with as many as seven veins. Its leaves also have tiny hairs where they meet the stem. The stems that hold the leaves (called petioles) are wide.
This plant grows tall flower spikes. Each spike can have up to 132 flowers! Inside its flowers, it usually has two tiny ovules, which are like tiny eggs that can become seeds. One of these ovules often doesn't grow. The seeds of Plantago aucklandica have small, rounded bumps on their bottom side. This is different from other native New Zealand Plantago seeds, which have a net-like pattern.
Where Does It Live?
This unique plant lives only in the higher parts of the Auckland Islands. You can find it growing in wet, marshy areas. It also likes windy spots where there isn't much other plant growth. Sometimes, it even grows among rocks.
How It Was Discovered and Named
The Plantago aucklandica was first officially described in 1844. It was discovered by a famous botanist named Joseph Dalton Hooker. He found the plant while he was on a big trip called the Ross expedition to the Antarctic.
Hooker collected samples of the plant in the Auckland Islands. He found them on mountain ridges, about 1,000 to 1,200 feet high, growing in peaty soil. The name aucklandica simply means "of the Auckland Islands." This tells us where the plant comes from.
Is This Plant in Danger?
Scientists check on plants and animals to see if they are safe. In 2009, 2012, and again in 2018, Plantago aucklandica was classified as "At Risk - Naturally Uncommon." This means it's not in immediate danger, but it's not very common either.
It's considered "Naturally Uncommon" because it only lives on the Auckland Islands. This means it has a very small area where it can grow. Plants that live only in one small place are often more vulnerable than plants found all over the world.
