Splitleaf cyanea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Splitleaf cyanea |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
grimesiana
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Cyanea grimesiana is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family. People often call it the splitleaf cyanea. In Hawaiian, it is known as haha.
This plant grows naturally on the islands of Oahu and Molokai in Hawaii. There are only about 12 known groups of these plants left. Because it is so rare, the United States government lists it as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
What is a Species Complex?
Cyanea grimesiana is part of what scientists call a "species complex." This means it is a group of very closely related plants. They are so similar that it's hard to tell if they are different species or just types of the same species.
This complex includes at least three main types, called subtaxa or subspecies. One type, called var. cylindrocalyx, is now believed to be extinct. This means it no longer exists anywhere in the world.
Where Do They Live?
The two remaining types of Cyanea grimesiana are very few in number. Across both Oahu and Molokai, there are fewer than 50 plants in total.
- The ssp. grimesiana type used to be found on both Oahu and Molokai. However, it has not been seen on Molokai since 1991.
- The ssp. obatae type only grows in the Waianae Mountains on Oahu.
Sadly, the ssp. obatae type might have only five individual plants left today. All of these plants are on private land and are not protected. This makes them even more vulnerable.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant is a type of Hawaiian lobelioid. It grows as a shrub, which is a woody plant smaller than a tree. It can grow quite tall, sometimes over three meters (about 10 feet) high.
The stem and leaves of the plant are prickly. Its flowers are shaped like tubes and can be up to 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. They come in colors like purple, green, or yellow, often with reddish stripes. After the flowers, the plant produces an orange berry.
Images for kids
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A Cyanea grimesiana plant in its natural habitat.
