Kauai bluegrass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kauai bluegrass |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Genus: | Poa |
| Species: |
P. siphonoglossa
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| Binomial name | |
| Poa siphonoglossa (Reichardt) Hitchc.
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Poa siphonoglossa, also known as Kauai bluegrass or island bluegrass, is a very rare type of grass. This special plant grows only in Hawaii, specifically on the island of Kauai. It is considered an endangered species by the United States government because it is at risk of disappearing forever.
About Kauai Bluegrass
This unique grass is one of only three types of Poa grass that naturally grow in Hawaii. All three of these native Poa species are found only on Kauai. In 1995, experts found only about 50 individual plants of Poa siphonoglossa spread across five small groups. This shows just how rare it is!
What It Looks Like
Kauai bluegrass is a perennial grass, meaning it lives for more than two years. It grows in clumps or tufts. As the plant gets older, its stems lose their leaves. This makes the stems look bare and straight, a bit like the plants in the rush family.
Where It Lives
This particular grass prefers to grow on slopes that are moist and shady. These specific conditions are important for its survival. Finding the right kind of habitat is crucial for rare plants like Kauai bluegrass.
Why It's Endangered
Sadly, Poa siphonoglossa faces many threats that put its future at risk. One major problem is damage to its habitat. This damage comes from animals like deer, feral goats, and feral pigs. These animals can eat the grass or trample its delicate growing areas.
Another big threat is the invasion of introduced plants. These are plants that are not native to Hawaii and have been brought there by people. They can grow very fast and take over the space and resources that Kauai bluegrass needs to survive. This makes it even harder for this rare grass to thrive in its natural home.
 | Calvin Brent |
 | Walter T. Bailey |
 | Martha Cassell Thompson |
 | Alberta Jeannette Cassell |
