Waianae Range pritchardia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waianae Range pritchardia |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Pritchardia |
| Species: |
P. kaalae
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| Binomial name | |
| Pritchardia kaalae |
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The Pritchardia kaalae, also known as the Waianae Range pritchardia or loulu palm, is a special type of palm tree. It grows only in the western part of the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. This unique palm is very rare and is considered an endangered species by the United States government.
Meet the Waianae Range Loulu Palm
The loulu palm is a slow-growing tree. It can reach a height of about 7.6 meters (25 feet). Its trunk can be around 0.3 meters (1 foot) wide. This palm is known for its beautiful, fan-shaped leaves.
Where Does It Live?
This palm tree is found only in the dry forests of the Waiʻanae Range on Oʻahu. It usually grows near springs or other water sources. You can find it at elevations up to about 760 meters (2,500 feet) above sea level. Being "endemic" means it naturally lives only in this specific area and nowhere else in the world.
Why Is It So Rare?
The Pritchardia kaalae is critically endangered. This means it faces a very high risk of disappearing forever. In 1998, there were fewer than 130 of these palms left in the wild. This low number makes it one of the rarest palm trees on Earth. Efforts are being made to protect these special trees and help their numbers grow.
See Also
In Spanish: Pritchardia kaalae para niños
