Nā Pali coast labordia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nā Pali coast labordia |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Labordia
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| Species: |
helleri
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The Labordia helleri is a very rare flowering plant found only on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is also known as the Nā Pali coast labordia or Heller's labordia. Like other plants in its group, it is sometimes called Kamakahala. This plant is so rare that the United States government has listed it as an endangered species. This means it is in great danger of disappearing forever.
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What is Labordia helleri?
The Labordia helleri is a type of shrub. A shrub is like a small, bushy tree. This plant can grow quite tall, up to 4.5 meters (about 15 feet). Sometimes, its stems can even climb!
What Does it Look Like?
The Labordia helleri has flowers that grow in a special cluster called a cyme. A cyme is a type of flower arrangement where the oldest flower is at the center. Each cluster usually has 3 to 9 flowers. These flowers can be white or a greenish-yellow color.
Where Does it Live?
This plant is endemic to Hawaii. This means it naturally grows only in Hawaii and nowhere else in the world. Specifically, it is only found on the island of Kauai.
Long ago, Labordia helleri used to grow all over Kauai. But today, it is much harder to find. There are only about 10 small groups of these plants left. In total, there are no more than 550 plants remaining. Most of these rare plants live in special protected areas. These areas include the Nā Pali Kona Forest Reserve and the Kuia Natural Area Reserve. These reserves help protect the plants and their homes.
Why is it in Danger?
The Labordia helleri faces several big threats that make it an endangered species. These threats are mostly caused by things that are not native to Hawaii.
Threats from Animals
One major threat comes from feral ungulates. Feral animals are those that used to be tame but now live in the wild. Ungulates are animals with hooves, like wild boars. These wild boars cause a lot of damage to the plant's home. They dig up the ground, which leads to erosion. Erosion is when soil is washed away by rain or wind. This makes it hard for the Labordia helleri to grow and thrive.
Threats from Other Plants
Another problem for Labordia helleri is the arrival of invasive species of plants. Invasive species are plants that are not native to an area and grow very quickly. They can take over the space and resources that native plants like Labordia helleri need to survive. This makes it harder for the rare plant to find enough sunlight, water, and nutrients.
