Eleele cyanea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleele cyanea |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
|
| Species: |
eleeleensis
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Delissea eleeleensis |
|
Cyanea eleeleensis was a very rare flowering plant. It was part of the bellflower family. People called it the Eleele cyanea. This plant only grew on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Sadly, it is now extinct, meaning it has completely disappeared. In 2010, it was listed as a critically endangered species in the United States. This meant it was in extreme danger of vanishing forever. Like other Cyanea plants, Hawaiians called it haha.
About the Eleele Cyanea
This special Hawaiian plant was first found in 1977. It grew near a deep valley called Pali 'Ele'ele on Kauai. The Eleele cyanea was a type of shrub. It could grow almost two meters (about 6.5 feet) tall. Its leaves were quite large, up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. They could also be 11 centimeters (about 4 inches) wide.
The plant had a cluster of flowers called an inflorescence. This cluster held up to 20 tube-shaped flowers. The flowers were purple in color. They also had lighter stripes running lengthwise.
Why Did It Disappear?
Many things threatened this rare plant. One big problem was feral pigs. These wild pigs damaged the plant's habitat. They dug up the ground and ate plants.
Another threat came from plants brought in from other places. These "exotic plants" grew very fast. They took over the space where the Eleele cyanea needed to grow. This made it hard for the native plant to survive.
Finally, landslides were also a danger. Landslides are when large amounts of earth and rocks slide down a slope. These natural events could destroy the plant's home. All these problems led to the Eleele cyanea becoming extinct.
