Leptecophylla tameiameiae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptecophylla tameiameiae |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Leptecophylla
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| Species: |
tameiameiae
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| Synonyms | |
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Cyathodes tameiameiae Cham. & Schltdl. |
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Leptecophylla tameiameiae is a special flowering plant. In the Hawaiian language, it is known as pūkiawe or maiele. This plant is native to the Hawaiian Islands and the Marquesas Islands.
Its scientific name, tameiameiae, honors King Kamehameha I. He was the first king of the [[Kingdom of Hawaiʻi]]. The pūkiawe can grow as a small tree, reaching about 4.6 meters (15 feet) tall in forests. In other areas, it grows as a shrub, usually 0.9 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) tall.
Its leaves are small and look like needles. They are dark green on top and whitish underneath. The plant also produces round berries. These berries can be white, pink, or red.
Where Pūkiawe Grows
The pūkiawe plant is found in many different places in Hawaii. It grows at elevations from 15 to 3,230 meters (50 to 10,600 feet).
Pūkiawe Habitats
You can find pūkiawe in several types of habitats. These include:
- Mixed mesic forests: These are forests with a moderate amount of moisture.
- Wet forests: These areas receive a lot of rain.
- Bogs: These are wetlands with very wet, spongy ground.
- Alpine shrublands: These are high-altitude areas with low-growing shrubs.
This wide range shows how adaptable the pūkiawe plant is. It can thrive in many different environments across the Hawaiian Islands.
