Hawaiian tropical low shrublands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawaiian tropical low shrublands |
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The Nature Conservancy's Moʻomomi Preserve, Molokaʻi.
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| Ecology | |
| Realm | Oceanian |
| Biome | Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands |
| Borders | Hawaiian tropical dry forests |
| Geography | |
| Area | 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi) |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| Conservation | |
| Conservation status | Critical/Endangered |
| Global 200 | No |
| Protected | 0 km² (0%) |
The Hawaiian tropical low shrublands are special natural areas in the Hawaiian Islands. They are a type of tropical savanna. This means they have lots of grasses and shrubs, like a mix between a grassland and a forest. These areas are very important because they are home to many plants found nowhere else on Earth.
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Where Are These Shrublands Found?
These unique shrublands cover about 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi). You can find them in the dry, low-lying areas of the main Hawaiian islands. They are also on most of the smaller islands. However, they are not found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Those islands have their own different types of natural areas.
Amazing Plants of the Shrublands
This special natural area has both grasslands and mixed shrublands. Grasslands are open areas mostly covered by grasses. Shrublands have more shrubs and small trees.
Common Grasses You Might See
Some common grasses here include:
- Kāwelu (Eragrostis variabilis)
- Mauʻu ʻakiʻaki (Fimbristylis cymosa)
- ʻAkiʻaki (Sporobolus virginicus)
- Lepturus repens
Shrubs That Grow Here
The shrublands are mostly covered by these plants:
- ʻIlima (Sida fallax)
- ʻAʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa)
- Naupaka (Scaevola species)
- Hinahina kū kahakai (Heliotropium anomalum var. argenteum)
- Kīpūkai (Heliotropium curassavicum)
- Maʻo (Gossypium tomentosum)
- ʻAkoko (Euphorbia species)
- ʻĀheahea (Chenopodium oahuense)
- Naio (Myoporum sandwicense)
- Kolokolo kahakai (Vitex rotundifolia)
- Pūkiawe (Styphelia tameiameiae)
Endemic Plants: Found Only Here!
More than 90% of the plant species in these shrublands are endemic. This means they naturally grow only in Hawaii and nowhere else in the world! Some examples of these unique plants are:
- ʻŌhai (Sesbania tomentosa)
- ʻĀwiwi (Schenkia sebaeoides)
- Wahine noho kula (Isodendrion pyrifolium)
Protected Areas: Keeping Them Safe
Many parts of these important shrublands are protected. This helps keep the plants and their homes safe for the future. Some of these protected places on Oahu include:
- Koko Head District Park
- Diamond Head
- Mākua Kea'au Forest Reserve
- Ka'ena Point State Park
- Kuaokala Forest Reserve
