Hawaii bog orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawaii bog orchid |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Platanthera
|
| Species: |
holochila
|
The Platanthera holochila is a very rare type of orchid often called the Hawaii bog orchid. It grows only in Hawaii and nowhere else in the world. This special plant is officially listed as an endangered species by the United States government, meaning it's in danger of disappearing forever.
Contents
Why is the Hawaii Bog Orchid Endangered?
When this orchid was added to the endangered list in 1996, there were fewer than 35 plants left. These few plants were found on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Molokai. Sadly, it has already completely disappeared from Oahu.
By 2009, there were only 26 plants left in total across three groups. On Kauai and Maui, only one plant was left on each island, and they haven't been seen recently. A big storm called Hurricane Iniki destroyed most of the Kauai plants in 1992.
Main Threats to the Orchid
The biggest group of these orchids is on Molokai. This area is protected by a fence to keep out feral pigs. These pigs are a major threat because they can damage the plants and their homes.
Other dangers to the orchid include:
- Damage to its habitat from cattle.
- Invasive plants like glory bush, Koster's curse, and Maui pamakani. These plants are not native to Hawaii and can take over the orchid's space and resources.
How Does the Hawaii Bog Orchid Grow?
This orchid grows from a special underground part called a tuber. It sends up a straight stem that can reach about 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Its flowers are yellow-green and grow in tall spikes.
The Orchid's Life Cycle
Scientists still have a lot to learn about the Hawaii bog orchid's life cycle. For example, they don't fully know how it reproduces, how long it lives, or what things might limit its growth. This orchid is one of only three types of orchids that grow only in Hawaii, and it's the rarest of them all.
It likes to grow in damp and wet forests and bogs. You can also find it on ridges and in high, cool areas on lava rock.
Helping the Orchid Survive
People are working hard to save the Hawaii bog orchid. One way they help is through "outplanting." This means growing new orchid plants in special nurseries and then carefully planting them back into their natural homes.
Growing Orchids in Nurseries
It's quite tricky to grow these orchids in a plant nursery. Their tiny seeds will only sprout in complete darkness. Also, the plant needs a special partner to grow successfully: a type of fungus called a mycorrhizal fungus.
This is a symbiotic relationship, which means both the orchid and the fungus help each other. Without this fungus, the orchid won't grow well. So, when young plants are put back into the wild, they must be placed near other plants that already have this helpful fungus.
