Furbish’s Lousewort- A Rare Flowering Plant — Passage
Furbish’s Lousewort is a rare flowering plant found only in the state of Maine in the United States and in New Brunswick, Canada. This small, yellow-flowered plant grows along the banks of the Saint John River, where it thrives in sandy, rocky soils.
Discovered in the late 1800s by botanist Kate Furbish, the plant was once thought to be extinct. However, it was rediscovered in the 1970s, sparking efforts to protect it. Furbish’s Lousewort is now listed as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
The plant faces several threats, including habitat destruction from dam construction, logging, and development. Climate change also poses a risk, as rising temperatures and changing water levels could disrupt its fragile ecosystem.
Efforts to conserve Furbish’s Lousewort include protecting its habitat, monitoring populations, and educating the public about its importance. The plant plays a key role in its ecosystem by providing food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Fun fact: Furbish’s Lousewort is named after Kate Furbish, a pioneering botanist who documented hundreds of plant species in Maine during the 19th century.
Where is Furbish’s Lousewort found?
California and OregonMaine and New BrunswickFlorida and TexasAlaska and CanadaWhat type of environment does Furbish’s Lousewort grow in?
DesertSandy, rocky soils along riversTropical rainforestsGrasslandsWho discovered Furbish’s Lousewort?
Charles DarwinKate FurbishJames LovelockRachel CarsonWhy was Furbish’s Lousewort thought to be extinct?
It was overharvestedIt was not seen for many yearsIt was eaten by animalsIt was destroyed by wildfiresWhat is one threat to Furbish’s Lousewort?
OverwateringHabitat destruction from dam constructionToo much sunlightLack of pollinatorsWhat role does Furbish’s Lousewort play in its ecosystem?
It provides food for pollinatorsIt cleans the waterIt produces oxygenIt controls pestsWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
Furbish’s Lousewort is named after a riverIt was discovered in the 1900sIt is named after botanist Kate FurbishIt grows in desertsWhy is Furbish’s Lousewort important to protect?
It is a source of medicineIt supports pollinators and its ecosystemIt is used for building materialsIt is a major food cropRelated Content
