Smallflower 'aiea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smallflower ʻaiea |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Nothocestrum
|
| Species: |
breviflorum
|
The Smallflower 'Aiea (scientific name: Nothocestrum breviflorum) is a special type of tree found only on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. This means it is endemic to that island, and you won't find it growing naturally anywhere else in the world! It belongs to the nightshade family, called Solanaceae.
This tree grows in dry and mixed mesic forests on the island. You can find it at different heights, from about 180 to 1,830 meters (about 590 to 6,000 feet) above sea level. The Smallflower 'Aiea can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 10 to 12 meters (about 33 to 39 feet).
Sadly, the Smallflower 'Aiea is an endangered species in the United States. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. The main reason it is endangered is habitat loss. There are fewer than 50 of these trees left in the wild.
Contents
Where the Smallflower 'Aiea Lives
The Smallflower 'Aiea prefers to live in specific types of forests on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. These are called dry forests and mixed mesic forests.
Forest Types
- Dry forests: These areas do not get a lot of rain. The trees and plants here are adapted to survive with less water.
- Mixed mesic forests: These forests get a moderate amount of rain. They are not as dry as the dry forests, but not as wet as rainforests.
Neighboring Plants
In these forests, the Smallflower 'Aiea often grows near other important Hawaiian trees. These include:
- ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
- koa (Acacia koa)
- lama (Diospyros sandwicensis)
Other plants that grow alongside the Smallflower 'Aiea are:
- wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis)
- uhiuhi (Caesalpinia kavaiensis)
What the Smallflower 'Aiea Looks Like
The Smallflower 'Aiea is a medium-sized tree. It can grow up to 10 to 12 meters (about 33 to 39 feet) tall. This is roughly the height of a three-story building. Its scientific name, breviflorum, means "small flower." This gives us a clue about one of its features!
Why the Smallflower 'Aiea is Endangered
The Smallflower 'Aiea is in great danger of becoming extinct. This means it could completely disappear from the world. There are very few of these trees left, with fewer than 50 individual plants known to exist.
Habitat Loss
The biggest threat to the Smallflower 'Aiea is habitat loss. This happens when the places where the tree naturally grows are destroyed or changed.
- Human activities: Land is cleared for building homes, farms, or roads. This removes the forests where the 'Aiea lives.
- Invasive species: Plants and animals brought to Hawaii from other places can outcompete the native plants. They can also change the forest environment.
- Wildfires: Dry forests are more likely to catch fire. These fires can destroy large areas of habitat.
Because of these threats, the Smallflower 'Aiea needs special protection to survive. Efforts are being made to protect its remaining habitat and help new trees grow.
