Mountain germander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain germander |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Teucrium
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| Species: |
montanum
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The mountain germander (scientific name: Teucrium montanum) is a cool plant that grows in southern Europe. You can find it from Spain all the way to Turkey. It's a type of germander, which is a group of plants in the mint family.
This plant usually grows into small bushes, about 30 centimeters (one foot) tall. Its leaves are tiny, less than 2.5 centimeters (one inch) long. When it blooms, you'll see pretty yellowish-white flowers. Mountain germander loves sunny mountain slopes and can grow very high up in the Alps, sometimes as high as 2,400 meters (about 7,900 feet)!
People have known about this plant for a very long time. The ancient Greeks even had a name for it, χαμαίπιτυς. A famous Roman writer named Pliny the Elder mentioned it in his big book about nature, called Historia Naturalis.
Contents
About the Mountain Germander
The mountain germander is a tough plant that can handle different kinds of environments. It often grows in rocky areas or dry grasslands. Its small size and strong roots help it survive in places where other plants might struggle.
Plant Parts and Appearance
The stems of the mountain germander are often woody at the base, making it feel like a small shrub. Its leaves are narrow and sometimes have a slightly fuzzy feel. The yellowish-white flowers grow in clusters, making the plant look bright and cheerful when it's in bloom.
Where It Grows
This plant is native to many parts of Europe. It's common in countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. It also grows in parts of Eastern Europe and Turkey. It prefers sunny spots and well-drained soil, which is why it's often found on mountain slopes.
Scientific Classification
Scientists group living things into categories to understand them better. The mountain germander belongs to the Teucrium group, which is a genus of plants. Within this group, there are different types, called species. The mountain germander is its own unique species.
Scientists also recognize two slightly different versions of the mountain germander. These are called subspecies. They are T. m. montanum and T. m. helianthemoides. These subspecies have small differences, but they are still part of the same main species.
See also
In Spanish: Zamarrilla de hojas de espliego para niños
- Germander
- Mint family
