Conservation of the Pahole Reserve

Dennstaedtiaceae Microlepia strigosa is an endemic terrestrial fern known commonly as the Lace Fern.  With a 3 to 5 foot spread, its fronds appear delicate and lacy with an arching growth habit.  The ancient Hawaiians took advantage of the beauty of this plant, with its symmetrical rosettes and pale green fronds, to  decorate hulu alters devoted to the goddess Laka. Currently, the ferns are popularly used for lei making, either alone or with other flowers.

 

 

Erythrina sandwicensis, more commonly known as Wiliwili, is an endemic tree species famous for being tough and resilient, growing in harsh environments where few other native plants can survive. As a member of the pea family known as Fabaceae, Wiliwili is the only native member of Erythrina, a genus comprised of nearly 130 species worldwide. They are an at risk species, threatened by competition with non-native species that are free of the diseases and parasites that they are subject to.  In the Hawaiin language, Wiliwili means “repeatedly twisted.”  Source:http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Erythrina_sandwicensis#specialfeaturesandinformation

 

Campanulaceae Cyanea superba

This rare species endemic to the island of O’ahu is one of the glorified Hawaiian lobeliads and is more commonly known as Mt. Kaala cyanea and superb cyanea.  Hawaiin lobeliads represent the large group of plants that have diversified in Hawaii’s disparate habitats and demonstrate the significant island evolution of flowering plants. A major threat to this species includes habitat destruction by the introduction of invasive plants and predation by feral pigs, rats and slugs. Alternative threats include wildfires generated by military activities. The species restricted range makes it extremely vulnerable to even minor local disturbances, and thus the last few individuals were easily destroyed in the wild.

Source: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/44135/0

 

Caryophyllaceae Alsinidendron obovatum
Endemic: Y
IUCN Classification: EN

Alsinidendron obovatum, described by Earl Edward Sherff in 1951, is in the genus Alsinidendron which contains 5 species and belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. This native species is critically endangered chiefly due to the destruction of their moist forest habitat. Alien plant species invasions as well as habitat degradation by feral pigs and fire contribute to their current endangered status.

Source: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/biblio/44058/0

 

The generic name Ochrosia comes from the Greek ochros which means pale yellow, referring to the color of the fruit. Harold St. John, a renowned botany professor at University of Hawaii found that “the Hawaiian Ochrosia species are to found in the lower, drier forests” as they flourish in the low dry suburban areas on Oʻahu. Additionally, the scent of this species resembles a mild plumeria. Hōlei, as referred to commonly in Hawaii, bloom continuously over a long period with each flower lasting a day. Only a single  flower located terminally produces “yellow to dark purple smooth drupes (fruits).” Early Hawaiians used Holei for canoes, dye, food as well as pharmaceutical purposes.

Source: http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Ochrosia_compta

 

More commonly known in Hawaii as Ridged Pteralyxia, this species is endemic to Oahu Island, where it remains scattered sparsely in the Waianae and Koolau Mts.  The species is vulnerable in part due to habitat loss from competition with invasive plant species.

Source:  http://www.hear.org/species/pteralyxia_macrocarpa/

 

This species faces endangerment due to habitat deterioration from alien plant species as well as soil disturbance.

Source: http://www.jstor.org/stable/23064545

 

 Commonly known as the Maui island-aster or Maui hesperomannia, Hesperomannia arbuscula is a species of flowering plant in  found on the Makaha‐Waianae Kai Ridge on O‘ahu; and in Iao Valley, Honokohau, and Waihee on West Maui, all on State land.  This species flourishes on both slopes and ridges in mesic to wet forests.  It’s endangered status can be attributed to a variety of factors including invasion by alien species such as blackberry and strawberry guava, human trampling, and destruction by feral pigs.

Source: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2013/09/Fact-Sheet-Hesperomannia-arbuscula.pdf

 

Commonly known as Ridge rollandia,  Cyanea longiflora is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the bellflower family and is endemic to Oahu where there exists under 300 individuals total.This palm-like shrub reaches nearly 3 meters in height, with its inflorescence producing beautiful magenta flowers.  Habitat deterioration due to feral pigs, feral goats, slugs, rats, exotic plant species, military exercises, erosion and vandalism has led to its current endangered status. 

 

 Cyanea membranacea is an endemic plant species with its habitat ranging from mesic to wet forest typess.  Its mature height is generally 8-15 feet and is planted in partial to full sun exposure.  Its simple green leaves and berry fruit make it attractive to pests such as slugs, ants, aphids and rats.

Source:  http://www.boardofwatersupply.com/cssweb/display.cfm?sid=1317

 

 

Commonly known as valley schiedea, Schiedea membranacea is an at risk species of flowering plant endemic only to the island of Oahu. This plant is a subshrub ranging from 30 centimeters to nearly 2 meters in height. Its moist forest habitat is threatened by invasive species, making it a federally listed endangered species in the United States.  Efforts to save the species include the propagation of new plants derived from tissue culture.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiedea_nuttallii

 

Known by its common name Herbst’s sandman, Chamaesyce herbstii is an endangered species of flowering plant endemic to the island of Oahu where it is quickly disappearing. It is generally 8 meters tall with long and narrow leaf blades as well as sap-containing branches.  Feral pigs have trampled populations of the species, contributing to loss of plant cover and invasive species such as silky oak, corky-stem passionflower and strawberry guava have led to its current endangered status.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_herbstii

 

Phyllostegia kaalaensis is an endemic species of  flowering plant from the mint family found only in Oahu.  This plant species thrives in mesic forests on the slopes of the Wai’anae Range at 374-796 meters high.  Conservation efforts have been implemented to propagate the plant in their native habitats.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllostegia_kaalaensis

 

Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. immaculatus is an endemic shrub species of Moloka’i Island, Hawaii known to be the rarest of all the Hibiscus species.  It is considered to be a shrub or small tree, ranging from 8 meters to 10 meters in height.  Early Hawaiians used the flower buds of this plant as a mild laxative and its fibers for cordage.  Feral goats have led to its habitat deterioration and potential inbreeding due to a limited gene pool has also decreased its fitness.  Management efforts have been undertaken in the area however as The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii continues to work with local hunters to reduce the feral goat population and propagate this endemic and valuable species of Hibiscus.