Kalalau rim dubautia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kalalau rim dubautia |
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D. kenwoodii
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| Dubautia kenwoodii G.D.Carr
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The Dubautia kenwoodii, also known as the Kalalau rim dubautia, is a super rare flowering plant. It is part of the aster family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. This special plant grows only in Hawaii, specifically on the island of Kauai. It is an endemic species, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world.
So far, only one plant of this type has ever been seen! A small piece of this plant was collected in 1991. Scientists then studied it and officially described it as a new species in 1998. Because it is so rare, the United States government listed it as an endangered species in 2010. Like other plants in its group, this one is also called na`ena`e.
About the Kalalau Rim Dubautia
This plant is a member of the silversword alliance. This is a special group of plants found only in Hawaii. The only known Dubautia kenwoodii was discovered growing on a cliff. This cliff is next to the Kalalau Valley on Kauai.
How It Was Discovered
A biologist named Ken Wood found the single plant in 1991. He had to rappel down the steep cliff to get a good look at it. He also collected a small part of the plant for scientists to study. Later, the plant was named after him to honor his discovery.
After a big storm called Hurricane Iniki hit in 1992, the plant could not be found. People worried it might have disappeared forever, which is called being extirpated. However, biologists are still hopeful. They believe more of these "exceedingly rare" and "critically endangered" plants might be found. They continue to search other parts of Kauai.
What It Looks Like
The only Dubautia kenwoodii ever found was a small shrub. It was about half a meter (or 1.6 feet) tall. Its leaves grew opposite each other on the stem. Each leaf could be up to 12 centimeters (about 4.7 inches) long and 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) wide.
The top side of the leaves was shiny. The undersides were a lighter color. The plant also had flower heads. These heads contained several small flowers. As the flowers got older, they would turn a "rusty yellow" color.
