Ridge rollandia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ridge rollandia |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
longiflora
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| Synonyms | |
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Rollandia longiflora |
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Cyanea longiflora is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family. People sometimes call it the ridge rollandia. In Hawaiian, it is known as haha.
This special plant only grows in one place: the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is found only in the northern Waianae Mountains. There are fewer than 300 of these plants left in the world. Because it is so rare, the United States government has listed it as an endangered species. This means it is protected by law.
Contents
What is Cyanea longiflora?
This plant is a type of Hawaiian lobelioid. It grows as a shrub and can reach up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) tall. It looks a bit like a small palm tree.
Its Flowers and Fruit
The plant produces beautiful magenta-colored flowers. After the flowers, it grows a type of berry. When the berry is young, it is purple or red. As it ripens, it turns orange.
Where Does It Live?
In 2009, experts counted the Cyanea longiflora plants. They found 76 grown-up plants. They also found 84 younger plants and 28 tiny seedlings. All these plants live in the northern Waianae Mountains.
Sadly, this plant used to live in another area called the Koʻolau Range. But it no longer grows there. Now, it only survives in a very small part of Oahu.
Why is Cyanea longiflora in Danger?
This plant faces many threats that make it hard for it to survive.
Small Numbers
One big problem is that there are so few plants left. With such small numbers, it is harder for the species to recover.
Habitat Loss
The places where Cyanea longiflora grows are being harmed.
- Wild Animals: Feral pigs and feral goats roam freely. They can eat the plants or damage the land where they grow.
- New Plants: Other plants that are not native to Hawaii have been brought in. These "exotic plants" can grow quickly and take over the habitat. They leave less space and resources for the native Cyanea longiflora.
- Land Disturbances: Some activities can disturb the land. This can harm the plants or their growing areas.
- People Harming Plants: Sometimes, people might accidentally or purposely harm the plants.
Natural Dangers
The areas where these plants live can be affected by erosion and landslides. These natural events can destroy the plants and their homes. Other small creatures like slugs and rats can also damage similar plants. They might be a threat to Cyanea longiflora too.
