Raoulia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vegetable sheep |
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| Raoulia glabra | |
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Gnaphalieae
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Raoulia
Hook.f. ex Raoul
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| Raoulia australis Hook.f. ex Raoul
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Raoulia (say: Rah-OO-lee-uh) is a special group of plants found only in New Zealand. They are part of the daisy family, which is a very large group of flowering plants. These plants are often called vegetable sheep because of their unusual appearance.
Raoulia plants grow in cold, high-up areas called alpine regions. They form very tight, dense clumps that look like soft, cushion-like mounds. Only the very tips of the plants can be seen. From a distance, these plant clusters can look a lot like sheep resting in a field!
What is a Vegetable Sheep?
Vegetable sheep are not animals, even though they look like sheep! They are plants that have adapted to live in harsh mountain environments. Their compact, cushion-like shape helps them survive strong winds and cold temperatures. This shape also helps them hold onto moisture.
Types of Raoulia Plants
There are many different kinds of Raoulia plants. Here are a few examples:
- Raoulia australis
- Raoulia eximia
- Raoulia glabra
- Raoulia haastii
- Raoulia hookeri
Some plants that used to be called Raoulia are now in a different group called Argyrotegium. For example, Raoulia mackayi is now known as Argyrotegium mackayi.
Growing Raoulia Plants
If you wanted to grow a Raoulia plant, it would be a slow-growing plant. It spreads out flat, making it a good choice for a rock garden. It has silver-gray leaves that look almost like moss.
Here are some things to know about growing them:
- Sunlight: They like lots of sun, but can also handle a little bit of shade.
- Height: These plants usually only grow about 2 inches (5 cm) tall.
- Width: They can spread out to about 1 foot (30 cm) wide.
- Water: They need regular watering.
- Hardiness: Raoulia plants can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F (about -6°C) or even 35°F (about 2°C), depending on the specific type.
