Waianae Range schiedea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waianae Range schiedea |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Schiedea
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| Species: |
kealiae
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Schiedea kealiae is a very rare flowering plant. It is often called the Waianae Range schiedea. This plant belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, which includes many types of carnations. It is special because it is endemic to Hawaii. This means it grows naturally only in one specific place: the Waianae Range on the island of Oahu.
Sadly, the Waianae Range schiedea is in danger. Its home is being damaged and destroyed. Because of this, the United States government officially listed it as an endangered species in 1996. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
Contents
What Does the Waianae Range Schiedea Look Like?
The Waianae Range schiedea is a type of subshrub. This means it's a small, bushy plant with woody stems at its base. Its branches can grow up to half a meter long, which is about 20 inches. These branches are smooth and do not have hairs.
The leaves of this plant grow in pairs, directly across from each other on the stem. They are narrow and a dark green color. Each leaf can be up to 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) long and 1.1 centimeters (less than half an inch) wide.
Flowers of the Schiedea kealiae
The flowers of the Waianae Range schiedea grow in a special way. They form a branching cluster called an inflorescence. The flowers themselves are small and green. They have small green sepals, which are like tiny leaves that protect the flower bud. Interestingly, these flowers do not have any colorful petals like many other flowers do.
Where Does This Rare Plant Live?
Today, the Waianae Range schiedea is found in only a few spots. It lives in the Waianae Mountains on the island of Oahu. There are only three known groups, or populations, of these plants left.
Scientists estimate that there are only about 300 to 500 individual plants remaining in total. This small number makes it very vulnerable.
Why Is the Waianae Range Schiedea Endangered?
The main reason the Waianae Range schiedea is in danger is because of its habitat. Its home is being threatened by other plants. These are called introduced species. They are plants that were brought to Hawaii from other parts of the world.
These introduced plants can grow very fast and take over the space where the native Waianae Range schiedea lives. They can also use up the water and nutrients that the native plants need to survive. This makes it very hard for the Waianae Range schiedea to grow and reproduce. Protecting its habitat from these invading plants is very important for its survival.
