Quercus brandegeei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quercus brandegeei |
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Quercus
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brandegeei
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The Brandegee Oak, or Quercus brandegeei, is a very rare type of oak tree. It is a plant that belongs to the Fagaceae family, which includes all oaks. This special tree is found only in the southern part of Baja California Sur, a state in northwestern Mexico.
This oak is an evergreen tree. This means it keeps its leaves all year long, unlike trees that lose their leaves in autumn.
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About the Brandegee Oak
The Brandegee Oak is a unique tree found only in one specific area. It was first described in 1916. This tree is part of the Virentes section of oaks. This group includes other evergreen oaks.
What the Brandegee Oak Looks Like
The Brandegee Oak can grow quite tall. It can reach up to 20 metres (66 feet) in height. That's about as tall as a six-story building!
Its leaves are shaped like an oval. They are not lobed, meaning they do not have deep cuts along their edges like some other oak leaves. The leaves can be up to 65 millimetres (2+1⁄2 inches) long. They get narrower at both ends. Sometimes, the edges of the leaves are smooth. Other times, they might have a few pointed teeth.
Where the Brandegee Oak Lives
This rare oak tree has a very specific home. It only grows in places next to streams. This means it needs a lot of water to survive. Its habitat is limited to these stream-side areas in southern Baja California Sur.
Protecting the Brandegee Oak
The Brandegee Oak is a very important tree to protect. It is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List. This list tracks plants and animals that are at risk of disappearing forever.
The main threats to this oak are:
- Climate drying: Long periods of dry weather make it hard for the tree to get enough water.
- Habitat loss: The places where the tree lives are being destroyed. This can happen because of human activities or changes in the environment.
Scientists and conservation groups are working to protect this special tree. They want to make sure it can continue to grow in Mexico for many years to come.
