Smooth cyanea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smooth cyanea |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
glabra
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Cyanea glabra is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family. People often call it the smooth cyanea. This plant is special because it only grows in one place: the island of Maui in Hawaii. There are only about twelve of these plants left in the wild.
In 1999, the United States government officially listed Cyanea glabra as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. It was listed along with nine other plants that are also unique to the Maui Nui islands. In the Hawaiian language, this plant, like other Cyanea species, is known as haha.
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What is Cyanea glabra?
This plant is a type of Hawaiian lobelioid. It is a shrub that grows branches. Scientists are not sure how tall it can get. It likes to grow in wet forests. These forests are usually filled with Acacia koa and Metrosideros polymorpha trees.
Where Does Cyanea glabra Live?
You can find Cyanea glabra growing at high elevations. It lives between 975 and 1,340 meters (about 3,199 to 4,396 feet) above sea level. Many other plants grow near it. These include Cheirodendron trigynum and Tetraplasandra hawaiensis. Other neighbors are Xylosma hawaiiense, Pipturus albidus, and different kinds of Coprosma plants.
You might also see Wikstroemia oahuensis and Clermontia kakeana. Other plants found nearby are Psychotria species and Sadleria species. Cyrtandra spathulata, Touchardia latifolia, Freycinetia arborea, and Cyanea elliptica also share its home.
How Many Plants Are Left?
There are only 12 Cyanea glabra plants remaining. They all belong to one main group, or population. This group is split into two smaller parts, called subpopulations. This makes the plant very vulnerable.
Why is Cyanea glabra Endangered?
Several things threaten the survival of Cyanea glabra. One big problem is exotic plants. These are plants that are not native to Hawaii. They can grow very fast and take over the space and resources that Cyanea glabra needs.
Threats from Animals and Nature
Another threat comes from feral pigs. These are wild pigs that can damage the plants and their habitat. They might eat the plants or dig up the soil around them. Landslides are also a natural danger. They can destroy the areas where these rare plants grow.
