Cyanea eleeleensis
Cyanea eleeleensis | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Campanulaceae |
Genus: | Cyanea |
Species: | C. eleeleensis |
Binomial name | |
Cyanea eleeleensis (H.St.John) Lammers | |
Synonyms | |
Delissea eleeleensis |
Cyanea eleeleensis is a rare species of flowering plant in the bellflower family known by the common name Eleele cyanea. It is endemic to Kauai, where there are no more than ten plants remaining in the wild.[1][2] It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010.[1] Like other Cyanea it is known as haha in Hawaiian.[3]
This Hawaiian lobelioid was discovered in 1977 near a gulch called Pali 'Ele'ele on Kauai. The shrub is known to grow nearly two meters tall with leaves up to 40 centimeters long by 11 wide. The inflorescence bears up to 20 tubular flowers which are purple in color with paler longitudinal stripes.[4]
Threats to this rare species include habitat degradation by feral pigs, exotic plants, and landslides.[2]
Much of the potential habitat for this plant has not been surveyed, and it is said to be "likely" that more individuals will be found in future searches.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 USFWS. Determination of endangered status for 48 species on Kauai and designation of critical habitat; Final rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010.
- 1 2 Bruegmann, M. M. & V. Caraway. (2003). Cyanea eleeleensis. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2010. www.iucnredlist.org Archived June 27, 2014, at the Wayback Machine.. Retrieved on 25 February 2011.
- ↑ USFWS Species Reports: Listed Plants.
- ↑ Lammers, T. G. (1992). Two new combinations in the endemic Hawaiian genus Cyanea (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae). Novon 2:2 129-131.