Hamakua clermontia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hamakua clermontia |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Clermontia
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| Species: |
pyrularia
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Clermontia pyrularia is a very rare flowering plant. It is part of the bellflower family. People often call it the Hamakua clermontia or pear clermontia. It is also known by its Hawaiian names, ʻoha wai and haha. This plant grows only on the island of Hawaiʻi. There is only one group of these plants left in the wild. It has about 15 individual plants. Some more have been planted in safe areas. The United States government lists this plant as an endangered species.
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All About the Hamakua Clermontia
Where It Lives and What It Looks Like
The Hamakua clermontia is a small tree. It grows on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. These are large volcanoes on the island of Hawaiʻi. The tree lives in wet and dry forests. These forests are found high up in the mountains. The elevation is between 3,000 and 7,000 feet (about 900 to 2,100 meters).
This plant often grows near Metrosideros polymorpha and Acacia koa trees. Its leaves have jagged edges. They grow on stems that have small wings. The Hamakua clermontia blooms in November and December. Its flowers are greenish-white. They have two lips and sepals with green tips. After the flowers, pear-shaped fruits grow on the tree.
Why This Plant is in Danger
The Hamakua clermontia faces many threats. Feral pigs and black rats are a big problem. They can damage the plants or eat their seeds. Also, many introduced plants are taking over its habitat. These include banana passionfruit and kikuyu grass. These plants compete with the native clermontia for space and sunlight.
Another challenge is the loss of native birds. In the past, special birds helped the plant. Some birds were pollinators. They moved pollen between flowers. Other birds ate the fruits and helped spread the seeds. Without these birds, it is harder for the Hamakua clermontia to reproduce and spread.
Helping the Hamakua Clermontia Survive
People are working to protect this rare plant. Some new groups of Hamakua clermontia have been planted. These are in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a safe place for native Hawaiian plants and animals. By planting more trees in protected areas, scientists hope to help the species recover.
