Plantago princeps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plantago princeps |
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| Plantago princeps var. laxifolia | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Plantago
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| Species: |
princeps
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Plantago princeps is a special and rare flowering plant. It belongs to the plantain family. People in Hawaii sometimes call it ale. This plant only grows in Hawaii. You can find it on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. In Hawaiian, it's also known as kuahiwi laukahi or laukahi kuahiwi. Because it's so rare, the United States government lists it as an endangered species. This means it needs protection to survive.
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Discovering the Hawaiian Plantain
Plantago princeps is a large plant. It can be a perennial herb (a plant that lives for more than two years) or a small shrub. Its leaves are covered in tiny hairs. These leaves can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. They are also about 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide. The leaves grow on special stems called petioles. These petioles have wing-like edges.
Flowers and Plant Parts
The flowers of Plantago princeps grow in a tall spike. This spike is called an inflorescence. It stands up straight on a stem called a scape. The flowers themselves are very tiny. They are only a few millimeters wide.
Different Types of Plantago princeps
Scientists group Plantago princeps into four main types. These types are called varieties. They are:
- var. anomala
- var. laxifolia
- var. longibracteata
- var. princeps
These varieties are slightly different from each other. They also grow in different places.
Where This Plant Lives
This special plant likes to grow in moist and wet forests. You might find it on steep cliffs. It also likes areas near waterfalls.
Where Each Variety Grows
Each variety of Plantago princeps has its own home:
- var. anomala lives on Kauai. There are fewer than 100 of these plants left.
- var. laxifolia is found on Molokai and Maui. On Molokai, its numbers have dropped a lot. On Maui, there are only a few small groups left. This variety used to grow on the island of Hawaii. But it has not been seen there for over 100 years.
- var. longibracteata also lives on Kauai. There are several thousand of these plants. It used to grow on Oahu. But it has now disappeared from that island. This is called extirpation.
- var. princeps is found on Oahu. There are fewer than 100 of these plants. They are spread out in different spots.
Why Plantago princeps Needs Help
Plantago princeps is an endangered species. This means it faces many dangers. These dangers make it hard for the plant to survive.
Main Threats to the Plant
- Wild Animals: Wild pigs and goats are a big problem. These animals are called ungulates. They eat the plants and damage their habitat.
- New Plants: Other plants that are not native to Hawaii are also a threat. These are called introduced species. They grow very fast and take over the space. This leaves less room for Plantago princeps to grow.
Protecting this plant means keeping its home safe. It also means controlling the animals and plants that harm it.
