"I was first described thanks to an enthusiast who took me abroad
from the state of Jalisco."
Superbum has a fundamental role in its ecosystem by acting as a primary producer. Because it is a photosynthetic plant it produces oxygen and glucose which is vital for supporting its ecosystem. It is also a source of food and water as small animals feed of it leaves and even smaller insects use the plant for consumption of its substaces. The plant also produces nectar which atracts pollinators like bees and is fundamental for the transaction of pollen from flower to flower. Its form is used as shelter by small insects and its material is also used by birds to create their nests. Adding to that the roots of the plant also help stabalize the soil and prevent eruption.
Superbum is crucial to its environment. Firstly the plant attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds which transfer nectar from plant to plant for its reproduction. Also, they play a critical part in the food web as they are food for herbivors and indirectly also impact predators. They also help with soil stabilization, soil formation because of its growth in rocky areas which with time converts into soil, and its microhabitat creation which helps several organisms have shelter.
Grsptopetalum Superbumb creates energy through photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a process which contains four steps. The first one is light absorption, this occurs due to the plants leaves which contain chlorophyll which absorbs the lights energy. Secondly the plant absorbs water (H2O) through its roots and oxygen (CO2) from the air and into the plants small opening in its leaves. Thirdly is the photosynthesis process in which the plants converts the water into oxygen which is used as Energy. Lastly the energy can be either used or stored by the plant.
Superbumbs are native to México and are very adaptable plants. They originate from central and easter México and enjoy bright lights and warm temperatures, however they are very adaptable to lower lights and cooler temperature levels as well. This plants are very sensitive to wet soil and need potting soil that drains well and dosent retain too much moisture. They share their habitat with plants like succulent, cacti and agave and fauna like reptiles, insects and small mammals.
Superbum is considered common in its native area of México and it is not listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered. However this plant still needs to be cared about and known to keep it this way.
Superbums are very economically valuable as they have ornamental value due to their very pretty appearance and low maintenance, cost. They are also used fand sold or tradicional medicines.
Suberbum is not considered as historically "important" as other succulents, it has still participated in Méxicos history and has a big impact in todays day and age. For indigenous people it was used as medicine for its soothing and healing properties. Now a days it has become really popular because of its aesthetic and it can be symbolized as a house Mexican plant.
Kingdom: Plantea
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Species: G. Superbum
Superbums are succulents so they store water in their thick leaves which they later use as they live in vey warm climates so they can avoid dyhadration. There shape is also vital for their survival as it helps store water, minimize water loss and helps reduce water evaporation. This adaptations help superbums thrive in arid and semi arid enviorments.
Works Cited
Wikipedia, https://blog.desertmuseum.org/2022/01/04/weaving-the-web-of-life/. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Wikipedia, https://worldofsucculents.com/graptopetalum-superbum-beautiful-graptopetalum/. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Wikipedia, https://mexico.inaturalist.org/taxa/1457294-Graptopetalum-superbum. Accessed 29 May 2024.
“Ghost Plant Plant Care: Water, Light, Nutrients.” Greg App, https://greg.app/plant-care/ghost-plant#:~%20=Ghost%20Plant%20is%20very%20sensitive,soil%20will%20do%20the%20trick. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Horn, Emily. “How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Ghost Plants.” Epic Gardening, https://www.epicgardening.com/ghost-plant/#:~%20=desert%20plant%20collection.-,Native%20Area,temperatures%2C%20depending%20on%20the%20season. Accessed 29 May 2024.
“Light & Plants.” Let's Talk Science, 4 April 2022, https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/backgrounders/light-plants. Accessed 29 May 2024.