Charpentiera densiflora facts for kids
Charpentiera densiflora is a special and rare tree from the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It's often called the dense-flowered pāpala or Nā Pali Coast pāpala. This tree is unique because it only grows in Hawaii. There are only about 300 to 400 of these trees left. Because it's so rare, it was added to the endangered species list in the United States in 2010. This means it needs special protection to survive.
Quick facts for kids Charpentiera densiflora |
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Charpentiera
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densiflora
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Contents
Discovering the Dense-Flowered Pāpala Tree
What Does the Pāpala Tree Look Like?
This amazing tree can grow quite tall, reaching up to 12 meters (about 40 feet) high. Its leaves are shaped like an oval and can be as long as 40 centimeters (about 16 inches). The tree produces many flowers in a special cluster called a panicle. Each main branch of this cluster can hold up to 100 flowers!
Where Does This Rare Tree Live?
The dense-flowered pāpala tree is found only on the island of Kauai. Most of these trees grow along the beautiful Nā Pali Coast. They live in moist mountain valleys, often alongside another common Pacific tree called hala.
There are only seven groups, or populations, of these trees left. Many of them are found in the forests of Hoolulu Valley. They grow at an elevation of about 800 feet above sea level. Sometimes, this rare tree grows near a similar species, Charpentiera elliptica.
How Does It Make Seeds?
Like other plants in its family, this pāpala tree has an interesting way of making seeds. Most of its flowers have both male and female parts. But some trees have flowers with only female parts. This shows how the species is slowly changing over time. Eventually, some trees might only have male flowers, and others only female. This tree also has the smallest seeds of any plant in its group.
Why Is This Tree Endangered?
The dense-flowered pāpala tree faces many dangers. It used to be found in many more places than it is today. Its home has been damaged by wild feral goats and pigs. Big floods have also washed away some of its habitat.
Many non-native plants have moved into its forests. These new plants can take over and make it hard for the pāpala tree to grow. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki caused a lot of damage. The storm led to erosion, which also harmed the trees. All these problems make it very important to protect this special Hawaiian tree.
