Kadua cookiana facts for kids
Kadua cookiana (also known as awiwi or Cook's bluet) is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the coffee family. This plant is found only in Hawaii. Today, it grows only on the island of Kauai. Sadly, it has disappeared from Molokai and Hawaii Island. Because it is so rare, the United States government lists it as an endangered species.
Quick facts for kids Kadua cookiana |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Kadua
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| Species: |
K. cookiana
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| Binomial name | |
| Kadua cookiana Cham. & Schltdl.
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| Synonyms | |
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Hedyotis cookiana |
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Contents
What Does Kadua cookiana Look Like?
This plant is a small shrub. It has many short branches that can grow up to 20 centimeters long. Its branches are covered with narrow leaves. When it blooms, it produces pretty white flowers.
Where Does Kadua cookiana Live?
Today, there are only two groups of Kadua cookiana plants left. They live in the Hanakoa and Waiahuakua Valleys. Both valleys are located on the Nā Pali Coast of Kauai. In total, there are no more than 122 individual plants left in the world.
This plant likes to grow near flowing water. You can often find it next to waterfalls. It grows out of cracks in the basalt rock walls, right where the water falls. Other plants that share its home include ahinahina (Artemisia australis), kookoolau (Bidens forbesii), akoko (Chamaesyce celastroides var. hanapepensis), kikawaio (Christella cyatheoides), 'uiwi (Kadua elatior), and uki (Machaerina angustifolia).
How Does Kadua cookiana Reproduce?
Kadua cookiana has a special way of reproducing. Some plants have flowers with both male and female parts. These are called bisexual flowers. Other plants have only female flowers. This type of plant reproduction is called gynodioecious.
Why Is Kadua cookiana Endangered?
Many things threaten this rare plant. One big problem is habitat damage. Feral pigs can destroy the places where the plants grow. Also, new plant species brought to Hawaii can take over the space and resources that Kadua cookiana needs.
Natural events also pose a risk. Strong floods can wash plants away. Powerful hurricanes and landslides can also damage or destroy their habitat.
