kids encyclopedia robot

Kopa facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Kopa
Starr-150518-0845-Kadua cordata-flowering habit in pots-Olinda Rare Plant Nursery-Maui.jpg
Kadua cordata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
(unranked):
(unranked):
(unranked):
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Kadua
Species:
K. cordata
Binomial name
Kadua cordata
Cham. & Schltdl.
Synonyms

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

Kadua cordata, also known as kopa, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the coffee family, which might surprise you! This plant is found only in Hawaii, meaning it's endemic there. It's a unique part of Hawaii's natural world.

About the Kopa Plant

The kopa plant, Kadua cordata, is a beautiful part of Hawaii's native plants. It was once known by another name, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana. Like all plants, it plays an important role in its ecosystem. Being endemic means it naturally grows nowhere else in the world.

An Endangered Hawaiian Plant

Sadly, some types of Kadua cordata are in danger. There are at least two different natural forms, called varieties. One of these, known as var. remyi, is a federally listed endangered species in the United States. This means it is at serious risk of disappearing forever.

Protecting Var. Remyi

The var. remyi variety was once found only on the island of Lanai. However, scientists haven't seen any of these plants growing in the wild for a long time. This means it might have become extinct in the wild.

To help save this rare plant, some individuals of var. remyi are being cared for. They are kept at the National Tropical Botanic Garden on Kauai. This garden works to protect rare plants and might one day help them grow in the wild again.

kids search engine
Kopa Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.