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Shrubby stylo facts for kids

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Shrubby stylo
Flickr - João de Deus Medeiros - Stylosanthes scabra.jpg
In bloom
Starr 070404-6540 Stylosanthes scabra.jpg
Habit
Scientific classification
Genus:
Stylosanthes
Species:
scabra
Synonyms
  • Stylosanthes diarthra S.F.Blake
  • Stylosanthes gloiodes S.F.Blake
  • Stylosanthes plicata S.F.Blake
  • Stylosanthes scoparia Standl. & L.O.Williams
  • Stylosanthes subsericea S.F.Blake

Stylosanthes scabra, also known as the shrubby stylo, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is also called the pea or bean family. This plant is very useful because it can grow well even when there isn't much water. People often plant it to feed farm animals.

What is Shrubby Stylo?

The shrubby stylo is a plant that grows like a small bush. It has pretty flowers, as you can see in the picture. It's known for being very tough. This plant can survive in dry places where many other plants would struggle.

Where Does Shrubby Stylo Come From?

This plant originally comes from South America. It grows naturally in tropical parts of the continent. But over time, people have taken it to other places. Now, you can also find it growing in Hawaii and Australia. This shows how adaptable it is to different environments.

Why is Shrubby Stylo Important?

Shrubby stylo is very important for farmers. It is widely planted as "forage" for livestock. Forage is simply food for animals like cows, sheep, and goats. The plant is a great food source because it is "drought-tolerant." This means it can live and grow even during long periods without rain. This makes it a reliable food source for animals, especially in dry areas where other plants might die. It helps farmers keep their animals healthy and fed.

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