Hawaii hala pepe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawaiʻi hala pepe |
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The Dracaena konaensis, also known as the Hawaiʻi hala pepe, is a very rare flowering plant. It is a type of plant that grows only in one specific place. For this plant, that place is the island of Hawaiʻi. This means it is endemic to that island.
About the Hawaiʻi Hala Pepe
The Hawaiʻi hala pepe is a special plant. It is part of the Dracaena family. Sometimes, it is also called Pleomele hawaiiensis. This plant is unique to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.
Where It Lives
This plant lives in dry forests. These forests are found on old ʻaʻā lava flows. It grows at heights between 300 and 800 meters (about 980 to 2,600 feet). You can find it on the drier, leeward side of the island.
Many other native plants grow near the Hawaiʻi hala pepe. These include ʻōhiʻa lehua, lama, and māmane trees. Other plants like alaheʻe, huehue, and naio also share its home. You might also see olopua, kuluʻī, and ʻilima. Even wiliwili and ʻiliahi trees grow nearby. Other neighbors are ʻūlei, uhiuhi, and kauila. Maʻola, maiapilo, and Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla are also found there. Finally, ʻaiea plants share this special habitat.
Why It's Endangered
Sadly, the Hawaiʻi hala pepe is an endangered species. This means there are very few of these plants left. Scientists believe only 300 to 400 individual plants remain.
The biggest threats to this plant are habitat loss and changes to its home. This can happen when land is used for building or farming. It also happens when new plants or animals are brought in. These new species can harm the native plants.
Traditional Uses
In the past, the flowers of the Hawaiʻi hala pepe were used to make leis. Leis are beautiful garlands worn around the neck. The wood from this plant was also used for carvings. These carvings were important in Hawaiian culture.
