Zanthoxylum hawaiiense facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zanthoxylum hawaiiense |
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Zanthoxylum
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hawaiiense
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Zanthoxylum hawaiiense, also known as aʻe or Hawaiʻi pricklyash, is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which is also known as the citrus family. This plant is found only in Hawaii, meaning it is endemic to the islands.
You can find Zanthoxylum hawaiiense growing in different types of forests in Hawaii. It lives in dry forests and mixed mesic forests. These trees often grow on lava flows. They are found at elevations between 550 and 1,740 meters (about 1,800 to 5,700 feet) above sea level. You can spot them on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi.
Sadly, this unique plant is in danger. It is threatened by habitat loss. This means that the places where it naturally grows are being destroyed or changed, making it harder for the plant to survive.
What's in a Name?
The name Zanthoxylum comes from the Greek words "xanthos" and "xylon." "Xanthos" means "yellow," and "xylon" means "wood." So, the name basically means "yellow wood." This probably refers to the color of the wood from some plants in this group.
A Unique Citrus Relative
Zanthoxylum is a very interesting group of plants. It is the only group in the citrus family (Rutaceae) that grows all over the tropical parts of the world. This means you can find different types of Zanthoxylum in tropical areas across many continents.
The Hawaiian species of Zanthoxylum are quite special. They are one of the few native Hawaiian plant groups that are older than the main islands we see today. This shows they have been in Hawaii for a very long time, adapting and evolving.
See also
In Spanish: Zanthoxylum hawaiiense para niños
