Woodbury's stopper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodbury's stopper |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eugenia
|
| Species: |
woodburyana
|
Eugenia woodburyana is a special kind of plant. It is also known as Woodbury's stopper. This plant is a tree that belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which includes plants like eucalyptus and guava.
This tree is found only in Puerto Rico. When a plant or animal is found in just one place in the world, it is called endemic. Sadly, Woodbury's stopper is an endangered species. This means there are very few of these trees left. Its biggest threat is habitat loss, which happens when its natural home is destroyed.
Contents
What Does Woodbury's Stopper Look Like?
Woodbury's stopper is an evergreen tree. This means it keeps its leaves all year round. It can grow up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) tall.
Leaves and Flowers
The tree has oval-shaped leaves. They are about 2 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters wide. These leaves are a bit hairy and grow in pairs opposite each other on the branches.
When the tree blooms, it produces clusters of up to five white flowers. These flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem.
Fruit
After the flowers, the tree grows a unique red berry. This berry can be up to 2 centimeters long. What makes it special is that it has eight small wings.
Where Does Woodbury's Stopper Live?
This rare tree grows in specific areas of Puerto Rico. You can find it in the Sierra Bermeja mountains. It also lives in the Guánica State Forest.
There is even one tree reported to be in the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. In 1998, scientists counted only 45 of these trees left in the wild. This shows how truly rare and endangered they are.
Who Was Roy Woodbury?
The tree is named after a botanist named Roy Orlo Woodbury. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. Roy Woodbury was an expert on the plants of Puerto Rico. Naming the tree after him is a way to honor his important work.
