Molokai cyanea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Molokai cyanea |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
procera
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The Molokai cyanea (scientific name: Cyanea procera) is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family. This special plant is found only on the island of Molokaʻi in Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, it is called haha. It is officially listed as an endangered species by the United States government. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
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What is the Molokai Cyanea?
The Molokai cyanea is a type of tree. It grows tall and can look a bit like a palm tree. It is part of a group of plants called Hawaiian lobelioids. These plants are unique to Hawaii.
Where Does It Live?
This plant lives in the wet forests on Molokaʻi. These forests are usually found on mountains. The Molokai cyanea likes places with lots of shade. It grows under a thick roof of other trees. This creates a dark and cool understory below.
Many other plants grow near the Molokai cyanea. Some of these include Asplenium ferns and pilo trees. You might also find māmaki and olonā plants there. Other neighbors are Sadleria ferns and Cyrtandra plants.
Why is the Molokai Cyanea So Rare?
The Molokai cyanea is one of the rarest plants in the world. Its numbers have dropped very low. At one point, people thought it had completely disappeared.
A Single Survivor
In 1992, only four of these plants were known to exist. By 2005, there was only one single Molokai cyanea plant left in the wild. Scientists have tried to grow more plants from seeds or cuttings. These Plant propagation efforts have not been very successful so far. This makes the plant's future very uncertain.
Threats to Its Survival
The Molokai cyanea faces many dangers in its home. Its habitat is being harmed and destroyed.
- Animals: Wild animals like feral pigs and goats cause a lot of damage. They eat the plants and disturb the soil. Smaller creatures like slugs, snails, rats, and even some birds also harm the plants.
- Invasive Plants: The Molokai cyanea also has to fight for space and sunlight. It competes with non-native plants. These are plants brought to Hawaii from other places. Examples include castor bean and banana plants. These invasive plants can grow quickly and take over the habitat.
Scientists and conservationists are working hard to protect the last remaining Molokai cyanea plants. They hope to save this unique Hawaiian species from extinction.
