Makou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Makou |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Peucedanum
|
| Species: |
P. sandwicense
|
| Binomial name | |
| Peucedanum sandwicense Hillebr.
|
|
Peucedanum sandwicense is a special and rare flowering plant. It is often called makou. This plant belongs to the carrot family. It is found only in Hawaii, which means it is endemic there. You can find it on the islands of Maui, Molokai, Kauai, and Oahu. Sadly, the makou plant is in danger because of new plants and animals brought to Hawaii. The United States government lists it as a threatened species.
About the Makou Plant
The makou plant is a type of perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It can grow up to one meter (about 3 feet) tall, or even taller.
What Does It Look Like?
The makou plant has a thick, woody base called a caudex. This base has a ring of fleshy roots. Its leaves are very detailed and divided into many small parts. These leaves grow on long, strong stems called petioles.
When it blooms, the makou plant produces many tiny white flowers. These flowers grow in a cluster shaped like an umbrella. This type of flower cluster is called an umbel. The plant also has a smell that is similar to parsley.
Where Does It Grow?
The makou plant is the only type of Peucedanum found in the Hawaiian Islands. It likes to grow in specific places. You can find it in canyons near the coast. It also grows on cliffs that look out over the ocean.
There are only a few groups of these plants left.
- On Oahu, there are two small groups in the Waianae Range.
- On Molokai, there are three groups.
- On Kauai, there are ten groups.
- There is one group on Keopuka Rock, which is a small island near Maui.
Why Is It Rare?
The makou plant is very rare. Scientists believe there are fewer than 10,000 plants left. There might even be fewer than 5,000.
Many things threaten this special plant.
- Non-native plants: Plants that are not from Hawaii, like lantana (Lantana camara), can grow too much. They take up space and resources that the makou needs.
- Animals: Wild feral goats can eat the makou plants.
- Human activities: People hiking and maintaining trails can accidentally harm the plants.
- Natural events: Things like fires, landslides, and rockslides can also destroy their habitat.
