Florida's endemic species are plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. One example is the endangered Florida goldenaster, whose range consists of five Florida counties: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Hardee, and Highlands Counties. This plant is found only in open, dry, and sandy scrub habitat and historically on beach dunes. It provides food for common species like the eastern cottontail rabbit. Since the first sample was collected in Bradenton in 1901, much of this plant's habitat has disappeared. As houses were built and the fires that kept the scrub clear were put out, populations of goldenaster dwindled, impacting the wildlife that depends on a diversity of native plants. Manatee County land managers have worked with Bok Tower Gardens to grow and reestablish this rare native plant.