Three nerved alsinidendron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Three nerved alsinidendron |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Alsinidendron
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| Species: |
trinerve
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Alsinidendron trinerve, also called the three-nerved alsinidendron, is a very special flowering plant. It is part of the Caryophyllaceae family, which includes plants like carnations. This plant is found only on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaii. It is a subshrub, which means it's a small, woody plant, like a mini-shrub. It usually grows to be about 30 to 80 centimeters (12 to 31 inches) tall.
Where This Unique Plant Lives
The three-nerved alsinidendron makes its home in the mixed mesic and wet forests of Oʻahu. These are types of forests that get a lot of rain. You can find it on the slopes of the Waiʻanae Range mountains. It grows at high elevations, usually between 900 and 1,230 meters (2,950 to 4,035 feet) above sea level.
Plant Neighbors in the Forest
In these forests, the three-nerved alsinidendron grows alongside other native Hawaiian plants. Some of its plant neighbors include pilo (Coprosma species), ʻapeʻape (Gunnera petaloidea), ʻalani (Melicope species), hāpuʻu (Cibotium species), hame (Antidesma platyphyllum), and māmaki (Pipturus albidus). These plants all share the same special forest environment.
Why This Plant Is in Danger
Sadly, the three-nerved alsinidendron is a critically endangered plant. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. The biggest threat to this plant is habitat loss. This happens when the natural places where the plant lives are destroyed or changed. For example, forests might be cleared for buildings or farms, or new plants that are not native to Hawaii might take over its space. Protecting its forest home is very important to help this unique plant survive.
