Smoothfruit chewstick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smoothfruit chewstick |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gouania
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| Species: |
meyenii
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Gouania meyenii, also called the smoothfruit chewstick, is a very rare flowering plant. It is a special plant because it grows only in Hawaii. You can find it on the islands of Oahu and Kauai.
Scientists believe there are only about 38 to 63 of these plants left in the wild. Because it is so rare, the United States government has listed it as an endangered species. This means it is in danger of disappearing forever if we don't protect it.
Contents
What is Gouania meyenii?
This plant is a type of shrub. Its stems can grow straight up or spread out along the ground. They can reach from about half a meter to over two meters long.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the smoothfruit chewstick are oval-shaped. They can be up to 7.5 centimeters long and 4.5 centimeters wide. These leaves grow on short stems called petioles.
The plant's flowers grow in clusters called a cyme. Each flower has tiny white petals and slightly larger white sepals. These sepals are no more than 3 millimeters long.
Fruit and Seeds
After the flowers bloom, small, winged fruit grow. Inside these fruits are shiny brown seeds. These seeds help the plant make new Gouania meyenii plants.
Where Does it Live?
This special shrub likes to grow in dry or moist forests. It also lives in shrubland areas. On Oahu, you can find it in the Waianae Mountains. On Kauai, it grows in Nā Pali Coast State Park.
Plant Neighbors
Gouania meyenii often grows near other native Hawaiian plants. Some of its plant neighbors include:
- Koa (Acacia koa)
- Maile (Alyxia stellata)
- Kookoolau (Bidens torta)
- Lama (Diospyros sandwicensis)
- Aalii (Dodonaea viscosa)
- Naenae (Dubautia plantaginea)
Why is it Endangered?
Many things threaten the smoothfruit chewstick and its home.
Invasive Plants
One big problem is introduced plant species. These are plants that are not native to Hawaii. They grow very fast and can take over the space and resources that Gouania meyenii needs. Some of these harmful plants include:
- Mistflower (Ageratina riparia)
- Silk oak (Grevillea robusta)
- Airplant (Kalanchoe pinnata)
- Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Haole koa (Leucaena leucocephala)
Wild Animals
Wild animals also cause problems. Feral pigs and feral goats roam freely. They eat the plants and damage the habitat where Gouania meyenii lives.
Natural Disasters
Natural events can also harm the plant populations. Things like wildfires, rockslides, and landslides can destroy the areas where these rare plants grow. Protecting this plant means protecting its home from these threats.
