Cyrtandra viridiflora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cyrtandra viridiflora |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyrtandra
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| Species: |
viridiflora
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Cyrtandra viridiflora is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the African violet family. This special plant grows only in Hawaii. You can find it in the northern Koolau Mountains on the island of Oahu.
By 2003, there were only nine small groups of these plants left. In total, there were just 69 plants remaining. Because it is so rare, the United States government officially listed it as an endangered species in 1996. In Hawaii, this plant, like other Cyrtandra species, is known by the name ha`iwale.
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What is Cyrtandra viridiflora?
This unique plant is a shrub. It usually grows between 0.5 and 2 meters tall. That's about the height of a person!
Its leaves are covered in tiny hairs. The plant produces flowers that are a mix of green and white colors.
Where Does it Live?
Cyrtandra viridiflora lives high up in the mountains. It prefers a special area called the cloud zone. This means it grows where clouds often hang low.
The plant needs a very wet and windy place to thrive. This specific type of habitat is important for its survival.
Why is Cyrtandra viridiflora Endangered?
The places where Cyrtandra viridiflora grows are in danger. Several things are harming its natural home.
One big problem comes from feral pigs. These wild pigs can damage the plants and their habitat. They dig up the ground and eat plants.
Another threat comes from plants that are not native to Hawaii. These are often called exotic or invasive species. They grow very fast and take over the space that native plants need.
Invasive Plant Threats
Two main invasive plants cause trouble for Cyrtandra viridiflora. One is called Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta). The other is strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum).
These invasive plants spread quickly. They can outcompete the native plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This makes it hard for Cyrtandra viridiflora to survive and grow.
What's Being Done to Help?
People are working hard to protect Cyrtandra viridiflora. Conservation efforts are underway to save this rare plant.
One method is to build fences around some of the plants. These fences help protect them from feral pigs and other animals.
Scientists and conservationists also collect many seeds from the plants. These seeds can be grown in special nurseries. This helps to create new plants that can be planted back into safe areas. These efforts are important to ensure Cyrtandra viridiflora does not disappear forever.
