Waihee Valley cyanea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waihee Valley cyanea |
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| C. lobata flower | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
lobata
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The Cyanea lobata is a very rare flowering plant. It is part of the bellflower family. People often call it the Waihee Valley cyanea. This special plant only grows in Hawaii. You can find it on the islands of Lanai and Maui. It is an endangered species, which means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. Like other plants in the Cyanea group, Hawaiians call it haha.
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What is the Waihee Valley Cyanea?
This plant is a type of Hawaiian lobelioid. It grows as a shrub and can get quite tall. Some plants can even grow taller than 2 meters (about 6.5 feet)! Its main stem might have smaller branches growing from it.
What Does It Look Like?
The Cyanea lobata has flower clusters called inflorescences. These clusters hold its unique flowers. The flowers can be greenish or purplish in color.
Its Rare Subspecies
There are two different types, or subspecies, of this plant. Both of them are extremely rare.
The lobata Subspecies
One subspecies is called lobata. For many years, no one saw this plant. Then, in 1982, one was found on Maui. Sadly, this plant was later destroyed by a landslide. But don't worry! In 1996, three more lobata plants were discovered. Scientists are now watching them very carefully.
The baldwinii Subspecies
The other subspecies is called baldwinii. This one had not been seen since 1934! But in 2006, two baldwinii plants were found on the island of Lanai. These two plants are also being closely monitored to keep them safe.
Why is Cyanea lobata Endangered?
There are only five of these plants left in the world. This makes them very vulnerable. Their biggest threat is the damage to their natural home. They live in wet and moist forests.
Threats to Their Habitat
The places where these plants grow are being destroyed or harmed. This is called habitat degradation. For example, the baldwinii subspecies on Lanai grows in the understory of the forest. This means it grows beneath taller trees. Its home is a place where ferns cover about 80% of the ground. Protecting these special forest areas is very important for the survival of Cyanea lobata.
