Oahu clermontia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oahu clermontia |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Clermontia
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| Species: |
oblongifolia
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| Subspecies | |
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C. o. ssp. brevipes |
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Clermontia oblongifolia is a special flowering plant. Its common name is Oahu clermontia. It belongs to the bellflower family, which includes many beautiful flowers. In Hawaii, people call this plant ʻoha wai. This plant grows only on three of the Hawaiian Islands. One type of this plant is quite common, but two other types are very rare and in danger.
Contents
Discovering the Oahu Clermontia
The Oahu clermontia is a unique plant. It is one of several Hawaiian lobelioids. These are plants that are native only to Hawaii. They are part of the Clermontia group.
Its Island Homes
The Oahu clermontia lives only in Hawaii. This means it is endemic to these islands. There are three main types, called subspecies. Each one lives on a different island.
Oahu's Common Type
The most common type is called subspecies oblongifolia. You can find it only on Oʻahu. It grows in the beautiful rainforests there.
Maui's Rare Type
Another type is subspecies mauiensis. This one is very rare. It lives only on Maui. Sadly, there is only one plant left in the wet mountain forests. This type used to grow on Lānaʻi, but it has now disappeared from there. This subspecies is protected by the United States government as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
Molokai's Rare Type
The third type is subspecies brevipes. This one is also very rare. It grows only on Molokaʻi. There are fewer than 30 of these plants left. This subspecies is also protected by the United States government as an endangered species.
Why These Plants Need Our Help
Many plants in Hawaii are facing challenges. The rare types of Oahu clermontia are in danger. This is why they are listed as endangered species. Protecting these special plants helps keep Hawaii's unique nature alive.
