Na Pali sandmat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Na Pali sandmat |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Euphorbia
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| Species: |
eleanoriae
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| Synonyms | |
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Chamaesyce eleanoriae M.E.Lawr. & W.L.Wagner |
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The Euphorbia eleanoriae is a very rare flowering plant. It is also known as the Nā Pali sandmat. This plant belongs to the euphorb family. You can only find it on Kauaʻi in Hawaii. Local people call it ʻakoko.
Scientists first found this plant in 1992. They officially described it in 1996. Back then, fewer than 500 plants existed. They were found in small groups on the steep cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast. By 2001, the number of plants had dropped a lot. Only three groups were left, with fewer than 50 plants in total. Because it is so rare, the United States government listed it as an endangered species in 2010. This means it is protected by law.
Contents
What Does the Nā Pali Sandmat Look Like?
This plant is a small shrub. It can grow up to about 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. It has many branches that are thin and easily broken. These branches can be red or green.
Its leaves are shaped like ovals. They are up to 2 centimeters (less than an inch) long and 1.4 centimeters wide. The leaves are light green with reddish edges. The plant's flowers are very small. They are called cyathia and are about 3 millimeters long. Each flower has white parts that are also very tiny.
Where Does the Nā Pali Sandmat Live?
This special plant grows on basalt cliffs. These are rocky slopes near the coast that get a lot of wind. It lives at high places, from about 270 meters (885 feet) to 1036 meters (3,399 feet) above sea level.
It likes to live in certain types of forests. These include mesic forests, which are not too wet and not too dry. In these forests, you'll find trees like ōhiʻa lehua and lama. It also grows on cliff sides with many shrubs. Sometimes, it lives on dry cliffs where kāwelu grass grows.
Why is the Nā Pali Sandmat Endangered?
The Nā Pali sandmat faces many dangers. These threats make it hard for the plant to survive.
Threats from Animals and Plants
One big problem is feral goats. These goats are wild and eat the plants. Another major threat comes from invasive plant species. These are plants that are not native to Hawaii. They grow quickly and take over the space and resources that the Nā Pali sandmat needs. Some examples of these harmful plants are Santa Barbara daisy, airplant, and lantana.
Natural Disasters
Natural events can also harm the plant. For example, Hurricane Iniki hit Hawaii in 1992. This powerful storm destroyed many Nā Pali sandmat plants.
See also
In Spanish: Euphorbia eleanoriae para niños
