Lapalapa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lapalapa |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cheirodendron
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| Species: |
platyphyllum
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| Subspecies | |
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C. p. kauaiense (Krajina) Lowry |
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The Cheirodendron platyphyllum, also known as lapalapa, is a special flowering plant that belongs to the ginseng family, called Araliaceae. This plant is endemic, which means it is found naturally only in one specific place. For the lapalapa, that place is the beautiful islands of Oʻahu and Kauaʻi in Hawaii.
What is Lapalapa?
The lapalapa is a small tree. It can grow up to about 8 m (26 ft) tall, which is like a two-story building. Its trunk can be around 20 cm (7.9 in) wide.
Where Does Lapalapa Live?
This unique Hawaiian tree loves to live in wet forests and bogs. These are places where there is a lot of rain and the ground is often very wet, sometimes even swampy. You can find lapalapa growing at high elevations, from about 670 m (2,200 ft) to 1,520 m (4,990 ft) above sea level.
Why is Lapalapa Special?
Being endemic to Hawaii means the lapalapa tree is a very important part of the islands' natural environment. It has adapted over many years to live only in these specific conditions found in Hawaii's wet forests and bogs. Protecting these trees helps keep Hawaii's unique plant life healthy and thriving.
