Ravine cyanea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ravine cyanea |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
dunbariae
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Cyanea dunbariae is a very rare flowering plant. It is often called the ravine cyanea because it grows in ravines. This plant belongs to the bellflower family. You can only find it on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. In 2005, there were only sixteen of these plants left in the wild! Because it is so rare, the United States government has listed it as an endangered species. Like other plants in the Cyanea group, Hawaiians call it haha.
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What is Cyanea dunbariae?
This special Hawaiian plant is a type of lobelioid. It grows as a branching shrub. You can find it in wet and moist forests and gulches (small valleys) within the Molokai Forest Reserve.
A Plant Rediscovered
For most of the 1900s, people thought this plant had disappeared. But then, in 1992, it was found again! All the remaining plants were in one single spot. Sadly, even after its rediscovery, the number of Cyanea dunbariae plants continues to shrink.
Why is Cyanea dunbariae in Danger?
There are many reasons why this plant is struggling to survive. Its small numbers make it very fragile.
Threats from Animals
Animals are a big problem for the ravine cyanea.
- Axis deer and feral pigs damage the places where the plants live. They can eat the plants or stomp on them.
- Smaller creatures like slugs, rats, and birds also harm the plants by eating parts of them.
Competition from Other Plants
Another big threat comes from plants that are not native to Hawaii. These are called exotic plants. They grow very fast and take over the habitat, leaving less space, water, and sunlight for the native Cyanea dunbariae. Some of these harmful plants include:
- Climbing dayflower (Commelina diffusa)
- Air plant (Kalanchoe pinnata)
- Castor bean (Ricinus communis)
Limited Gene Pool
Because there are so few Cyanea dunbariae plants left, they have a very limited gene pool. This means there isn't much variety in their genes. A small gene pool can make plants weaker and less able to fight off diseases or adapt to changes in their environment.
Helping Cyanea dunbariae Survive
Scientists and conservationists are trying to help this rare plant. They have tried to grow new plants from seeds or cuttings in a greenhouse. This process is called propagation. However, these efforts have not been very successful so far. It is very difficult to get new Cyanea dunbariae plants to grow and thrive.
