Pritchardia aylmer-robinsonii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pritchardia aylmer-robinsonii |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pritchardia
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| Species: |
aylmer-robinsonii
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| Synonyms | |
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Pritchardia remota ssp. aylmer-robinsonii (H.St.John) R.W.Read |
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The Pritchardia aylmer-robinsonii is a special type of palm tree. It is found only on the island of Niʻihau in Hawaii, United States. This means it is endemic to that island, which means it naturally lives there and nowhere else in the world.
This unique palm lives in dry forests near the coast. It grows at elevations from about 70 to 270 meters (230 to 886 feet) above sea level.
Meet the Niihau Palm
The Niihau palm can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 7 to 15 meters (23 to 49 feet). Its trunk is also fairly wide, about 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) across.
Its Discovery and Name
A scientist named Harold St. John first discovered this palm species in 1949. The second part of its scientific name, aylmer-robinsonii, honors Aylmer Francis Robinson. He was part of the family that owned the island of Niihau.
Helping It Survive
Sadly, the Pritchardia aylmer-robinsonii is a critically endangered plant. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. To help save it, some of these palms have been planted in the Makauwahi Cave Reserve on Kauaʻi. Scientists believe this palm used to grow on Kauaʻi a long time ago. Replanting them helps to give the species a better chance to survive and thrive.
