Schiedea apokremnos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Schiedea apokremnos |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Schiedea
|
| Species: |
apokremnos
|
The Schiedea apokremnos is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. People often call it the Kauai schiedea or Na Pali Coast schiedea. Its Hawaiian name is ma`oli`oli. This plant only grows in Hawaii, especially on the island of Kauai. It is in danger because its home is being damaged. The United States government lists it as an endangered species. This means it needs special protection to survive.
Contents
About the Kauai Schiedea
The Kauai schiedea is a small shrub. It usually grows to be about 20 to 50 centimeters tall. That's like a ruler and a half!
What It Looks Like
Its leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. They are thick and smooth. Each leaf is about 3 to 5 centimeters long. They can be up to 1.2 centimeters wide. The plant's flowers grow in groups. Each flower has green or purple leaf-like parts called bracts. It also has green or purple sepals. These are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. Interestingly, these flowers do not have petals. After the flowers, the plant makes a capsule. This capsule is a type of fruit that holds the seeds.
Where It Lives
This special plant lives in dry areas along the coast. It often grows among other shrubs. You can find it on basalt cliffs. Basalt is a type of dark rock. These cliffs are often steep and rocky.
Why It's in Danger
The Kauai schiedea faces many threats. These threats make it hard for the plant to survive.
Goats and Invasive Plants
One big problem is wild goats. These goats eat the plants. They also damage the land. When the land is damaged, it makes it easier for non-native plants to grow. These non-native plants are called invasive species. They can take over the space and resources that the Kauai schiedea needs.
Fire Threat
Wildfires are another danger to this plant. Fires can destroy its habitat. They can also burn the plants themselves.
How Many Are Left?
In 2003, scientists found only about 201 of these plants. They were in five different groups. Only two of these groups had more than five plants. Since then, a few more small groups have been found. But some groups are thought to have disappeared completely. This shows how rare and fragile this plant is. Protecting its home is very important.
