Puerto Rico halberd fern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Puerto Rico halberd fern |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tectaria
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| Species: |
estremerana
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Tectaria estremerana is a very rare type of fern. It is often called the Puerto Rico halberd fern. This special plant grows only in Puerto Rico. When a plant or animal lives only in one place, it is called endemic. Because it is so rare, the United States government has listed it as an endangered species. This means it is protected by law to help it survive.
About the Puerto Rico Halberd Fern
What It Looks Like
The Puerto Rico halberd fern has long leaves called fronds. These fronds can grow up to 80 centimeters (about 31 inches) long. Each frond has a stem part called a stipe. This stipe is covered in orange-brown hairs. The main stem of the leaf, called the rachis, is also hairy. The leaf itself is divided into several long, thin parts called leaflets.
Where It Lives
When scientists first listed this fern as endangered, they knew of only 23 plants. These ferns were found in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. They grew about 200 meters (about 218 yards) from the famous Arecibo Radio Telescope.
Later, more of these rare ferns were discovered. Scientists found new groups of them in the Río Abajo Commonwealth Forest. They also found more plants in the area of Florida, Puerto Rico. Finding more plants gives hope for the future of this unique fern.
