Wavy cyanea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wavy cyanea |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
undulata
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Cyanea undulata is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family. People often call it the wavy cyanea or leechleaf cyanea. This plant is special because it only grows in one place: the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Sadly, its numbers are quickly shrinking.
Because it's so rare, the United States government lists it as an endangered species. This means it's in danger of disappearing forever. Like other plants in the Cyanea group, Hawaiians call it haha.
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About the Wavy Cyanea
This unique Hawaiian plant is a shrub. It can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching over three meters (about 10 feet) high. Its leaves have cool, wavy edges, which is how it got its common name, "wavy cyanea." When it blooms, its flowers are a bright yellow color.
History of Discovery
Scientists first described the wavy cyanea in 1909. After that, no one saw it for a very long time! It was like the plant had vanished. Then, in 1991, scientists were excited to rediscover it. They found it growing again on Kauai.
Population Changes Over Time
In 1994, there was only one known group of these plants. This group had just 28 individual plants. By 2006, the situation became even more serious. There was only one fully grown plant left, along with a few younger ones. This shows how quickly its numbers have dropped.
Why This Plant Is Endangered
The wavy cyanea has become very rare for a few main reasons. Its home, or habitat, is being damaged. This damage makes it hard for the plant to survive and grow.
Threats to Its Habitat
- Feral pigs: Wild pigs that roam freely can dig up and destroy the plants. They also damage the soil and other plants around them.
- Introduced plant species: Many plants from other parts of the world have been brought to Hawaii. These "exotic" plants grow very fast and take over the space and resources that native plants like the wavy cyanea need.
- Rats and slugs: These small animals can also harm the plants. Rats might chew on them, and slugs can eat their leaves.
All these problems make it very difficult for the wavy cyanea to thrive and increase its population. Protecting its habitat is key to helping this special plant survive.
