Sandcarpet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sandcarpet |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Cardionema
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| Species: |
C. ramosissimum
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| Binomial name | |
| Cardionema ramosissimum (Weinm.) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr.
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| Synonyms | |
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Loeflinga ramosissima |
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Cardionema ramosissimum is a special plant that grows on beaches. People often call it sandcarpet because it spreads out like a carpet on the sand. It belongs to the plant family called Caryophyllaceae.
What is Sandcarpet?
Cardionema ramosissimum is a plant that lives for many years. It grows as a flat mat or in small clumps. You can find it along the coastlines of western North America and also in Chile.
How Sandcarpet Grows
This plant has a main root called a taproot that goes deep into the ground. From this root, many small stems spread out. These stems can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. They are covered in tiny, needle-like leaves, which are only about one centimeter long.
Between the spine-shaped leaves, you'll find long, thin parts called stipules. The plant also grows tiny, fuzzy flowers.
Why Sandcarpet is Useful
Because this plant grows so thickly, it forms a strong blanket over the sand. This makes it very helpful for stopping erosion on beaches. Erosion is when sand or soil is washed away by wind or water. Sandcarpet helps keep the beach in place!
See also
- In Spanish: Cardionema ramosissimum para niños
Images for kids
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A close-up of the plant's thick form.
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A robot icon.
