Kauai phyllostegia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kauai phyllostegia |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phyllostegia
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| Species: |
waimeae
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| Synonyms | |
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Phyllostegia waimeae is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the mint family. People often call it the Kauai phyllostegia. This plant only grows in Hawaii. You can find it only on the island of Kauai. It is a protected plant because it is in danger of disappearing.
This special plant was not seen for a long time. It was last seen in 1969. Then, in the year 2000, scientists found it again! This plant is a small shrub with pink flowers. It likes to grow in forests that are wet and damp.
About the Kauai Phyllostegia
The Kauai phyllostegia is a unique plant. It is a type of subshrub. This means it is a plant that looks like a small bush. It has pretty pink flowers. These flowers help it to reproduce.
Where It Lives
This plant loves moist and wet forest areas. These are places where there is a lot of rain. The air is also very humid. It needs these conditions to grow well. It is only found on the island of Kauai. This makes it an endemic species. Endemic means it grows naturally only in one specific place.
Why It's Rare
The Kauai phyllostegia is very rare. Only two of these plants are known to grow naturally in the wild. However, there might be more in places that haven't been checked recently. Also, some of these plants have been planted by people. This helps to grow their numbers.
Dangers to the Plant
Many things threaten this plant. Wild feral pigs and feral goats can eat or damage it. Rats can also harm the plant. Other plants that are not native to Hawaii can also be a problem. These "introduced species" can take over the space the Kauai phyllostegia needs. Sometimes, too many people collect the plant. This also makes it harder for the plant to survive. Protecting its home is very important.
