Skottsbergia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skottsbergia |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Skottsbergia
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| Species: |
paradoxa
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Skottsbergia paradoxa is a special type of moss. It is the only species in its group, called a monotypic genus. This moss is found only in Argentina, which means it is endemic there. It is an endangered species, meaning it is at risk of disappearing forever.
This unique moss grows in the very southern parts of Argentina. You can find it in wet, boggy areas on South Georgia and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.
About Skottsbergia Moss
This moss is usually light green. It can grow quite tall for a moss, sometimes reaching up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). It has interesting red stalks, called setae, which hold up the spore capsules.
How It Was Discovered
The group (genus) Skottsbergia was first described by a scientist named Jules Cardot. He wrote about it in a science paper in 1905.
How It Got Its Name
The name Skottsbergia honors Carl Johan Fredrik Skottsberg. He was a Swedish botanist, which is a plant scientist, and an explorer. Skottsberg explored the cold lands of Antarctica many years ago.
