Upright cyanea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upright cyanea |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
recta
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| Synonyms | |
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Cyanea recta is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family. People often call it the upright cyanea or Kealia cyanea. This plant is endemic to Hawaii, which means it grows naturally only there. You can find it only on the island of Kauai. The United States government lists it as a threatened species, meaning it needs protection. Like other Cyanea plants, Hawaiians call it haha.
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What is Cyanea recta?
Cyanea recta is a special plant that is part of a group called Hawaiian lobelioids. These plants are unique to Hawaii.
Where Does It Live?
This plant grows in wet forest areas. It likes to live in the understory, which is the area under taller trees. It often grows beneath ʻōhiʻa lehua trees (Metrosideros polymorpha). These forests are found in a few places on Kauai, including the Makaleha Mountains.
How Many Are Left?
Because Cyanea recta is so rare, scientists keep track of how many plants are left. In 1998, a study guessed there were about 1500 plants. These were spread out in seven different groups. By 2008, one of these groups had grown a lot, with "several thousand" plants! This was good news for the species.
What Does Cyanea recta Look Like?
Cyanea recta is a shrub, which is a woody plant smaller than a tree.
Plant Size and Flowers
This shrub can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, which is about the height of a tall person. Its flowers are very pretty. They can be white with purple stripes or completely purple. These flowers grow in a cluster called an inflorescence.
Why is Cyanea recta in Danger?
The places where Cyanea recta lives are facing many problems. These problems can hurt the plants or even destroy their homes.
Threats to Its Home
One big problem comes from feral pigs. These pigs dig up the ground and eat plants, which can damage the forest. Also, many new plants have been brought to Hawaii. These plants are not native and can take over the space where Cyanea recta grows. Examples include fireweed and Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta). These new plants compete with Cyanea recta for sunlight, water, and nutrients, making it harder for the rare plant to survive.
