Kauai labordia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kauai labordia |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Labordia
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| Species: |
pumila
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The Labordia pumila, also known as the Kauai labordia, is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family. This plant is special because it is endemic to Hawaii. This means it grows naturally only in Hawaii, and specifically, only on the island of Kauai.
The Kauai labordia is listed as an endangered species by the United States government. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. Like other plants in the Labordia group, it is also called Kamakahala.
What is the Kauai Labordia?
The Kauai labordia is a type of shrub. A shrub is a woody plant that is smaller than a tree. It has many branches that grow from or near the ground. This plant produces groups of flowers called cymes. Each cyme can have up to 15 orange flowers.
Where Does the Kauai Labordia Live?
This rare plant lives only on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is found on the Alakai Plateau. This area is known for its wet, spongy ground called a bog. Bogs are special wetlands where certain plants thrive.
There are only three known groups of Kauai labordia plants left. All of these groups are found on the Alakai Plateau. One group even lives at the top of Mount Waiʻaleʻale. Experts believe there are about 800 to 900 of these plants left in the world. Some think the number could be as high as 6,000.
Why is the Kauai Labordia Endangered?
The Kauai labordia faces several threats that make it an endangered species. One big problem comes from feral ungulates. These are animals like wild boars that used to be farm animals but now live in the wild. They can damage the plants and their habitat.
Another threat is invasive species of plants. These are plants that are not native to Hawaii. They grow very fast and take over the space and resources that the Kauai labordia needs to survive. This makes it harder for the rare plant to grow and reproduce.
