Hilo murainagrass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hilo murainagrass |
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|---|---|
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| In Haleakalā National Park, Maui | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ischaemum
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| Species: |
byrone
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Ischaemum byrone is a special kind of grass that has a couple of common names: Hilo murainagrass or Hilo ischaemum. This grass is very rare and only grows naturally in Hawaii. You can find it on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii Island. Sadly, it used to grow on Oahu too, but it's not there anymore. Scientists believe there are only about 1,000 to 3,000 of these plants left in the world. Because it's so rare, the United States government has listed it as an endangered species.
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What is Hilo Murainagrass?
This unique grass is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years. It spreads out using special stems called stolons, which grow along the ground and can root to form new plants. The main stems of the Hilo murainagrass can grow up to 80 centimeters (about 31 inches) tall.
Where Does It Live?
Hilo murainagrass usually grows right along the coastline. It often finds a home in small cracks and spaces within lava cliffs. These are tough places to live, but the grass is adapted to them.
Where Can We Find It Now?
This rare grass is found on a few Hawaiian islands.
On Hawaii Island
On Hawaii Island, there are at least four groups of these plants. There might be more scattered in other places. Sadly, one large group of Hilo murainagrass was recently destroyed by a lava flow inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This shows how fragile its habitat can be.
On Kauai and Maui
On the island of Kauai, there are at least five known places where this grass grows. On Maui, there are six known spots. These areas might have several thousand plants in total, which is good news for the species.
On Molokai
In 1994, a count on Molokai estimated there were about 1,000 individual Hilo murainagrass plants. This island is also an important home for the species.
Why is Hilo Murainagrass Endangered?
Many things threaten the survival of Hilo murainagrass. Understanding these threats helps us protect it.
Natural Threats
- Volcanoes: Since it grows near lava, volcanic activity like lava flows can destroy its habitat.
- Natural Disasters: Strong storms or tsunamis along the coast can also harm the plants.
Human-Related Threats
- Development: New buildings or roads near the coast can destroy the places where the grass grows.
- Trampling: People walking or hiking in its habitat can accidentally step on and damage the plants.
- Non-Native Plants: Plants brought to Hawaii from other places can grow quickly and take over the space and resources that Hilo murainagrass needs.
- Fires: Wildfires can burn and destroy the grass and its habitat.
- Off-Road Vehicles: Vehicles driven off paved roads can crush the plants and damage the soil.
Protecting this special Hawaiian grass means working to reduce these threats and keep its coastal home safe.
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