Kopa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kopa |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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.
