Haplostachys haplostachya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haplostachys haplostachya |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Haplostachys
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| Species: |
haplostachya
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The Haplostachys haplostachya is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the mint family. People often call it honohono or Hawaiian mint. This special plant only grows in Hawaii. Today, you can only find it on the island of Hawaii. Sadly, it has disappeared from Kauai and Maui. Since 1979, the United States has listed it as an endangered species.
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What is the Honohono Plant Like?
This plant is a type of perennial shrub. This means it lives for more than two years. It can grow up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) tall. Its stems are square-shaped. They have soft, woolly, somewhat heart-shaped leaves.
Its Flowers and Scent
The honohono produces beautiful flowers. They grow in a showy cluster called a raceme. These flowers are fragrant and white. Each flower can be up to 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) long. Interestingly, unlike most mints, the honohono plant does not have a minty taste or smell.
Where Does the Honohono Live?
The Haplostachys haplostachya is an endemic plant. This means it naturally grows only in Hawaii. It is probably the only one of five Haplostachys species that is not yet extinct. This makes it very unique.
How Many Honohono Plants Are Left?
Today, there are fewer than 20,000 individual honohono plants left. They grow in small, separate groups. Most of these groups are found at Kipukakalawamauna. This area is on the Pohakuloa Plateau. It is near the Pohakuloa Training Area. Long ago, this plant was common on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
Why is the Honohono Endangered?
Many things have caused the honohono plant to become so rare. Its natural home, called its habitat, has been destroyed. This has broken up the areas where the plant can grow.
Main Threats to the Honohono
- Wild Animals: Feral ungulates, like wild goats or pigs, eat the plants and destroy their habitat.
- Military Activities: Construction and other activities at the Pohakuloa Training Area can harm the plants. Things like dust and fires can also damage them.
- New Plants: Introduced plant species are plants brought from other places. They can take over the honohono's space and resources.
- Cutting Down Trees: Deforestation, which is the clearing of forests, also destroys the honohono's home.
How Habitat Loss Affects Reproduction
When the plant's habitat is broken into small pieces, it creates problems. The smaller groups of plants become isolated. This means it's harder for them to reproduce with other groups. This can lead to a genetic bottleneck. This makes the plants less healthy and less able to survive changes.
Helping the Honohono Survive
Even though there are few wild honohono plants left, people are trying to help. The honohono is grown and cared for in gardens across Hawaii. This helps keep the species alive and prevents it from disappearing completely.
