Cyanea st.-johnii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cyanea st.-johnii |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
st.-johnii
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| Synonyms | |
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Rollandia st.-johnii |
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The Cyanea st.-johnii is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family. People often call it St. John's rollandia. In the Hawaiian language, it is known as haha. This plant is special because it grows naturally only in one place. It is found only on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Specifically, it lives in the Koʻolau Mountains.
What is Cyanea st.-johnii?
The Cyanea st.-johnii is a type of Hawaiian lobelioid. It is a small shrub that grows about 30 to 60 centimeters tall. That's about the height of a small child! When it blooms, it produces beautiful white flowers.
Where Does It Live?
This special plant lives in the higher parts of the Koʻolau Mountains on Oahu. It likes to grow on top of windy ridges. This area is often covered in clouds, which is why it's called the "cloud zone." The plant needs this specific kind of environment to survive.
Why Is It So Rare?
The Cyanea st.-johnii is a federally listed endangered species in the United States. This means it is in danger of disappearing forever. In 2007, experts believed there were only about 70 of these plants left. These plants are spread out in seven different small groups.
The main reason it's so rare is something called habitat fragmentation. Imagine a big forest where animals live. If a road is built through it, the forest gets cut into smaller pieces. This is habitat fragmentation. For the Cyanea st.-johnii, its natural home in the Koʻolau Mountains has been broken up. This makes it hard for the plants to connect and grow new groups. It also makes them more vulnerable to threats.
Scientists and conservationists are working hard to protect the remaining plants. They want to make sure this unique Hawaiian plant can survive for future generations.
