Waianae Range phyllostegia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waianae Range phyllostegia |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phyllostegia
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| Species: |
mollis
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The Phyllostegia mollis, also known as the Waianae Range phyllostegia, is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the mint family, called Lamiaceae. This plant is endemic to Hawaiʻi, which means it grows naturally only in Hawaiʻi and nowhere else in the world.
This unique plant lives in certain types of forests in Hawaiʻi. It can be found in mesic (moderately wet) and wet forests. These forests are located at high places, from about 450 to 1,830 meters (about 1,476 to 6,000 feet) above sea level. You can find it on the islands of Maui and Oʻahu. Some scientists think the plants on Oʻahu are a bit different and might be a separate species called Phyllostegia pilosa.
Why Is This Plant Special?
The Waianae Range phyllostegia is very rare. By the year 2003, there were fewer than 40 of these plants left in the wild. This makes it a critically endangered species, meaning it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
What Threatens This Plant?
The main reason this plant is in danger is habitat loss. This means the places where it naturally grows are being destroyed or changed. When its forest home is lost, the plant has nowhere to live and grow, which makes it harder for new plants to survive and for the species to continue.
