Tropical waxweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tropical waxweed |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cuphea
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| Species: |
aspera
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Cuphea aspera, also known as tropical waxweed or Chapman's waxweed, is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the loosestrife family. This plant is found only in Florida, United States. It grows in just two counties there: Gulf and Franklin Counties. It might not be found in Calhoun County anymore.
Contents
What is Tropical Waxweed?
This plant is a type of herb that lives for many years. It can grow up to about 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. It has a strong, woody root system that branches out.
Its stems are covered with soft white hairs. They also have tiny purplish hairs that produce a sticky substance. The leaves are small, about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. They grow in pairs opposite each other or in circles around the stem.
Flowers and Blooming
The flowers of the tropical waxweed are very pretty. They can be lavender or pink. They have reddish parts called sepals that protect the petals. This plant usually blooms in June and July.
It looks a bit like another plant called Colombian waxweed. But the Colombian waxweed is not native to Florida. One way to tell them apart is that the Colombian waxweed has leaves that grow one after another, not in pairs or circles.
Where Does Tropical Waxweed Live?
This plant likes places that are wet and moist. You can find it in wet prairies, which are like grassy fields. It also grows in areas where water slowly seeps out of the ground. Sometimes, you might even see it growing along roadsides.
Tropical waxweed needs lots of sunlight. It grows best in open areas. These open spaces are often kept clear by natural fires. Fires help remove bigger plants that would block the sunlight.
Why is Tropical Waxweed Special?
Cuphea aspera is considered endemic to Florida. This means it naturally grows only in that specific area and nowhere else in the world. This makes it a very unique and important plant for Florida's environment.
Challenges for Tropical Waxweed
There are only about 20 groups of these plants left. Most of them are on land owned by companies that grow trees. The biggest challenges for tropical waxweed include:
Habitat Changes
Many of the places where this plant used to grow have been changed. They are now used to grow slash pine trees for wood. This changes the natural environment the waxweed needs to survive.
Fire Prevention
Fires are a natural part of the environment where tropical waxweed lives. They help keep the forest open and sunny. When fires are stopped, taller plants and trees grow big. They create too much shade, and the waxweed cannot grow in the shade.
Other Dangers
Other things that can harm the tropical waxweed include using herbicides (chemicals that kill plants). Also, activities like mowing or other machine work can disturb the ground and damage the plants.
