Portulaca molokiniensis facts for kids

Portulaca molokiniensis, also called 'ihi', is a special plant found only in Hawaii. It's a type of succulent plant, which means it has thick, fleshy parts that store water, like a cactus. This plant is very rare and is listed as an endangered species by the government. This means it's in danger of disappearing forever.

The ihi plant has small, bright yellow flowers. When it grows from a seed, it might develop a thick, swollen stem base called a caudex. This plant is quite easy to grow from cuttings or seeds.

Where the Ihi Plant Lives

The ihi plant is a rare species of Portulaca. It grows in only a few places in Hawaii. You can find it on Molokini Island, which is near Maui. It also lives on Puʻukoaʻe Islet and in Kamōhio Bay on Kahoʻolawe island.

Its Special Habitat

This plant likes to grow in tough places. It lives in volcanic tuff, which is a type of rock made from volcanic ash. It also grows in detritus, which is like rocky debris, at the bottom of sea cliffs. You can also spot it on steep, rocky slopes. These areas are usually between 30 and 375 feet (about 9 to 114 meters) above sea level.

Discovery and History

The ihi plant is native only to the Hawaiian islands. It prefers dry, rocky areas. It grows in loose volcanic scree, which is a pile of broken rocks, on steep slopes. You can also find it in sand near the ocean. These locations are on the dry, sunny sides of Molokini, Pu'ukoa'e, and Kaho'olawe.

Surviving Dry Conditions

Many people think of Hawaii as a very wet and green place. However, the areas where ihi grows are on the "leeward" side of the islands. This means they are protected from the wind and rain, creating a "rainshadow" effect. So, these spots are extremely dry.

How We Learned About Ihi

The ihi plant was first collected by a person named Charles Noyes Forbes in February 1913 on Molokini. At that time, people thought it was a different plant called Portulaca lutea. That plant is found in many Pacific islands.

It was collected again in the 1920s, still identified as Portulaca lutea. Then, for many years, no one documented it. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, more collections were made. Scientists noticed that this plant was unique. In 1987, a Hawaiian forester named Bob Hobdy officially described it as a brand new species.