OCCASIONAL PAPERS - Hawaii Biological Survey - Bishop Museum

NUMBER 113, 102 pages 22 June 2012 

BISHOP MUSEUM 

OCCASIONAL PAPERS 

RECORDS OF THE 

HAWAII BIOLOGICAL 

SURVEY FOR 2011 

PART II: PLANTS 

NEAL L. EVENHUIS 

AND 

LUCIUS G. ELDREDGE, EDITORS 

BISHOP MUSEUM PRESS 

HONOLULU

Cover photo: Hibiscadelphus woodii Lorence & W.L. Wagner, one of eleven new plant extinctions reported for the 

Hawaiian Islands. See page 91 for more details. Photo: K.R. Wood. 

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Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 2011. Edited by 

Neal L. Evenhuis & Lucius G. Eldredge. Bishop Museum 

Occasional Papers 113: 1–6 (2012) 

New records of Gamochaeta (Asteraceae) in the 

Hawaiian Archipelago 

Mac H. alford 

Herbarium USMS, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 

College Drive #5018, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001, USA; e-mail: mac.alford@usm.edu 

Specimens of Gamochaeta (asteraceae/compositae) in the Herbarium Pacificum (BISH) of 

the Bishop Museum were examined in July 2011, and three previously overlooked species 

and one species commonly subsumed in a broader circumscription were observed. 

additional specimens were observed at Mo, PTBG, and Uc by electronic correspondence 

and photos, and duplicates were inferred at US via an internet database (Wagner et al., 2005 

onwards). 

Gamochaeta is a genus of about 50–80 species that are native primarily to South 

america, but several species are naturalized weeds in North america, Europe, australia, 

New Zealand, and elsewhere (Nesom, 2004b, 2006). once placed in a broadly circumscribed 

Gnaphalium, Gamochaeta is most easily differentiated by having heads arranged in 

spiciform arrays and pappus that is deciduous as a single unit due to the fusion of bristles 

into a basal ring (Nesom, 2006). 

The Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai‘i (Wagner et al., 1999) included one 

species, Gnaphalium purpureum l., that is currently recognized in the genus Gamochaeta. 

This taxonomic change to Gamochaeta was noted by Wagner et al. (1997), and a key was 

provided to all of the taxa formerly placed in Gnaphalium. Wagner et al. (1999) included 

Gnaphalium peregrinum fernald [= Gamochaeta pensylvanica (Willd.) cabrera] in synonymy, 

considering it conspecific with Gnaphalium purpureum, as did many older treatments 

(e.g., Gleason & cronquist, 1991). More recently, the narrower circumscriptions of 

Nesom (2006) have been followed and are followed here, especially because the species are 

delimited by unique combinations of putatively non-linked morphological characters (e.g., 

features of vestiture, leaf shape, phyllary shape and color, and cypselae). Nesom’s (2006) 

treatment was followed by preliminary genetic work, and all six of the tested species have 

unique genetic markers (cameron, 2010; alford & cameron, unpubl. data). 

five species of Gamochaeta are recognized for the Hawaiian archipelago: G. americana, 

G. argyrinea, G. pensylvanica, G. purpurea, and G. simplicicaulis. Two species, G. 

purpurea and G. pensylvanica, have been present for more than 100 years. They occur on 

several islands and in a wide variety of habitats. Gamochaeta argyrinea was first collected 

after World War II but now occurs on three islands. The other two species, G. americana and 

G. simplicicaulis, are known from only one collection each, both collected in the last 30 

years. 

only seven specimens collected after 1991 were observed. continued accession of 

specimens and additional collecting is likely to augment these records. In addition to the 

species reported below, one specimen was observed which could not be identified with certainty 

due to size and immaturity of the inflorescence (MaUI: lihau, 9 Jul 1991, Welton & 

Haus 897 [BISH]).

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BISHOP MUSEUM OCCASIONAL PAPERS: No. 113, 2012 

Asteraceae 

Gamochaeta purpurea (l.) cabrera New circumscription 

Gamochaeta purpurea is found on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, Mokapu Islet (Moloka‘i), 

Moloka‘i, and o‘ahu. Habitats include dry, disturbed forest, dry shrubland, pasture, grasslands, 

and lava flows at elevations of (65–)465–2440 m. The species is presumably native 

to North america but is also known from central and South america and the West Indies 

(Nesom, 2006). Hillebrand (1888: 201) reports this species from near diamond Hill, o‘ahu, 

as early as 1871, but specimens at BISH date only from 1920. although Hillebrand (1888) 

could have been referring to any of the species reported here, his detailed description clearly 

matches G. purpurea. a diagnostic feature of G. purpurea is the presence of glass-like (or 

sand-like or cystolith-like) trichome base remnants on the adaxial surface of the leaves. This 

feature is rather obvious in well-pressed, clean plants, but may be obscured in specimens 

with dirty leaves (i.e., where sand and trichome bases could be confused) or poorly pressed 

leaves where the adaxial surface is neither flat nor easy to examine. Gamochaeta purpurea 

was reported for lehua Islet, Ni‘ihau (Wood & le Grande, 2006), but that collection is here 

circumscribed under G. pensylvanica. The illustration labeled as Gnaphalium purpureum in 

Wagner et al. (1999: Plate 27) actually represents G. pensylvanica. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Ka‘ū, Hilini Pali, 9 May 1966, Degener & Degener 31589 

(BISH, Mo [photo]). Kohala Mountains, trail from Waimea to Upper Hamakua ditch, 3 Sep 1933, 

Fosberg 10198 (BISH). Ka‘ū, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, along Hwy 11, 58 km from Hilo 

towards Kona, 20 Jun 1974, Herat et al. 670 (BISH). Humu‘ula Sheep Station, 13 Jun 1938, Hosaka 

2320 (BISH). Kīlauea crater, May 1932, Meebold s.n. (BISH). Humu‘ula, lava flow at base of Pu‘u 

Huluhulu, 6 aug 1935, Neal & Hartt 674a (BISH). ¼ mile east of Humu‘ula, 7 aug 1935, Neal & 

Hartt 709 (BISH). Kīlauea Volcano, aug 1928, Neal s.n. (BISH). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 

200 m on Hilina Pali road from chain of craters road, 15 aug 1966, Newell 407 and 409 (BISH). 

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 1.5 miles on Hilina Pali Switchback Trail from end of Hilina Pali 

road, 18 aug 1966, Newell 427 (BISH); 22 Jun 1967, Newell 953 (BISH). Hawai‘i Volcanoes 

National Park, 200 m west of rain shelter at end of Hilina Pali road, 22 Jun 1967, Newell 959 and 

962 (BISH). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, near roadside on Mauna loa Strip road, about 3 

miles from intersection with Kona-Hilo highway, 23 Jun 1967, Newell 972 (BISH). Hawai‘i National 

Park, on the floor of Kīlauea crater, not far from steam crack, 18 Jul 1931, von Loben Sels 596 (Uc). 

MAUI: Near Ko‘olau Gap, Haleakalā, 27 Jun 1927, Degener 27272 (BISH). olowalu Valley, 10 May 

1920, Forbes 2298M (BISH). Waihoi [sic, perhaps Waihou] Valley, 28 Sep 1972, Harrison 35 

(BISH). Ko‘olau forest reserve, along rim of Haleakalā crater, 9 Nov 1973, Harrison 518 (BISH). 

Hana, Nu’u, Haleakalā National Park, Kaupo Gap, 27 May 1980, Higashino & Holt 9014 (BISH). 

Hana, Kahikinui, south slope of Haleakalā, north of Manawainui Gulch, 19 Jun 1980, Higashino & 

Holt 9220 (BISH). Wailuku, east slope of Hana‘ula, near pu‘u, north of Pohakea Gulch, 6 Mar 2001, 

Oppenheimer H30108 (BISH). MOKAPU ISLET: occasional along northeast section, coastal dry 

shrubland, 8 Mar 2000, Wood et al. 8323 (PTBG). MOLOKA‘I: Upper Maunahui camp, 7 oct 

1938, Cranwell et al. 2551 (BISH). overlooking Waikolu Valley, 8 apr 1928, Degener 18452 (BISH, 

Mo [photo]). Peninsula east of Wailau Valley, 4 Jul 1933, Fosberg 9647 (BISH). O‘AHU: Near 

Koko Head, along crest of Mauna o ahi ridge, 20 Jun 1937, Egler 37-39 (BISH, US [not seen]). 

Honouliuli, Wai‘anae Mountains near summit of Palikea, 30 Jun 1935, Fosberg & Dunn 10948 

(BISH). Kanehoa subpeak, 12 May 1946, Kondo s.n. (BISH). Mokulē‘ia, 22 Jun 1954, Pearsall s.n. 

(BISH). Honolulu, apr 1909, Rock 927 (BISH). 

Gamochaeta americana (Mill.) Weddell New naturalized record 

Gamochaeta americana is known from a single collection from Maui along a streambed 

at 1340 m. The species can be recognized by having subclasping to decurrent lower to 

mid-cauline leaves, a glabrous to glabrate adaxial leaf surface, and shiny, brownish,

HBS Records for 2011 — Part II: Plants 3 

glabrous involucres (Nesom, 2004a). Gamochaeta americana is probably native to 

Mexico to South america and the West Indies (Nesom, 2004a). 

Material examined. MAUI: Kīpahulu Valley, Haleakalā National Park, along Koukouai [sic, 

Kaukauai] streambed, 10 Jul 1983, Medeiros 462 (BISH). 

Gamochaeta argyrinea G.l.Nesom New naturalized record 

Gamochaeta argyrinea is found on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, and o‘ahu. Habitats 

include grassy slopes, dry ridges, and dry Sophora chrysophylla woodland over ash at 

760–2410 m. Gamochaeta argyrinea is perhaps native to the eastern United States and was 

first collected in the Hawai‘ian archipelago, based on these specimens, in 1948. This 

species can be recognized by its small involucres (3.0–3.5 mm high) and persistent basal 

rosette of leaves that are yellowish-green and sparsely pubescent adaxially. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Pu‘u la‘au, near hunter’s cabin, 18 Jan 1975, Herbst 5186 

(BISH). Hāmākua, Ka‘ohe, western slope of Mauna Kea, north of ahumoa, Pu‘u ‘Ula‘ula, Pu‘u 

Manao, 21 Jan 1981, Warshauer & McEldowney 3142 (BISH). MAUI: Hana, Kahikinui, south slope 

of Haleakalā, trail 0.5 km south of Skyline drive, 19 Jun 1980, Warshauer & McEldowney 2669 

(BISH). rim of Ukumehame, 25 aug 1991, Wood & Periman 1174 (Mo [photo], PTBG [not seen]). 

O‘AHU: Wai‘anae Mountains, east facing knoll on Kamaileuna [?] ridge, 16 apr 1972, Gagne 623 

(BISH). Wai‘anae range, South Kaaikukai Gulch, 26 Mar 1948, Wilbur 536 (BISH). 

Gamochaeta pensylvanica (Willd.) cabrera New naturalized record 

[syn. Gnaphalium peregrinum fernald] 

Gamochaeta pensylvanica is found on the islands of Hawai‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Kaua‘i, 

lāna‘i, lehua Islet (Ni‘ihau), Maui, Mokapu Islet (Moloka‘i), Moloka‘i, Molokini Islet 

(Maui), and o‘ahu. Habitats include gardens, pasture, roadsides, along railroad tracks, and 

dry scrub at sea level to 1190(–1710) m. Gamochaeta pensylvanica is possibly native to 

South america but is found as a weed in many parts of the world (Nesom, 2004b). It was 

first collected in the Hawaiian archipelago, based on these specimens, in 1895. 

Gamochaeta pensylvanica can be distinguished from the other species by its leaves, 

which are softly pubescent on both surfaces and are usually obovate to spathulate. Harold 

St. John recognized the presence of this species in the Hawaiian archipelago in 1983 and 

annotated a number of specimens as Gnaphalium pensylvanicum (some with H.St.J. and 

others with no name but identical handwriting), but his identification/circumscription was 

not adopted by Wagner et al. (1999). The illustration in Wagner et al. (1999: Plate 27) 

actually represents G. pensylvanica, although it is labeled G. purpurea. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i National Park, ccc camp, 2 Nov 1942, Fagerlund & 

Mitchell 73 (BISH). South Kohala district, east of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway between Mauna 

lani drive and Puako turn-off, 4 feb 1991, Funk s.n. (BISH). Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a, base of cliffs below 

Pu‘u Huluhulu, 2 May 1975, Herbst 5295 (BISH). By visitor center and main ruins of Pu‘uhonua o 

Hōnaunau National Historical Park, 8 apr 1984, Higashino et al. 10326 (BISH). Pu‘u Papapa paddock, 

Waiki‘i, South Kohala, 24 May 1938, Hosaka 2080 (BISH). North Kohala, below Kohala 

ranch house, 11 Jun 1929, Hosaka 2301 (BISH). Kaluamakani, slopes of Mauna Kea, 1 Jul 1909, 

Rock 3133 (BISH). Paauhau 3, Parker ranch, 6 Jul 1909, Rock 4619 (BISH). Holokaiea Gulch, 9 Jul 

1909, Rock 4621 (BISH). South Kona, Kealakekua, Tr 60(35), western slopes of Mauna loa, 3-4 km 

south of Kipuka Mamani and Waiio Kipuka, 4 aug 1978, Warshauer & McEldowney 2052 (BISH). 

KAHO‘OLAWE: Grassland on way to Moa‘ula, 21 Nov 1978, Char 78.015 (BISH). along the coast 

from Maka‘alae to Honoko‘a Bay, 21 apr 1980, Clarke & Corn 366 (BISH). Northwestern part of 

island above Maka‘alae Point, 21 apr 1980, Cuddihy & Char 326 (BISH). lua ‘o Kealialalo, 22 apr 

1980, Cuddihy & Char 353 (BISH) and 355 (BISH, 2). KAUA‘I: Nā Pali coast, along trail between

4 


Kalalau and Hanakoa Valleys, 9 apr 1980, Corn ESP 177 (BISH). Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden, 

limahuli Valley, 12 Mar 1984, Flynn 791 (BISH). limahuli Garden, 0.4 mi from end of Hwy 56, 21 

dec 1983, Wagner et al. 5157 (BISH). LĀNA‘I: lāna‘i city, 21 aug 1963, Degener & Degener 

28408 (BISH). Kiei Islet on north slope, 6 apr 2006, Starr 060406-15 (BISH). LEHUA ISLET: 

Weathered cinder cone, common herb, 10 Jan 1992, Flynn et al. 4852 (BISH [not seen], PTBG). 

MAUI: ‘Ulupalakua, 13 apr 1937, Hosaka 1797 (BISH). lāhainā district, olowalu, 21 Jan 2002, 

Oppenheimer et al. H10211 (BISH). MOKAPU ISLET: North side of islet in open, sunny areas, 

locally common, 3 apr 2009, Oppenheimer & Penniman H40918 (PTBG). MOLOKA‘I: Kualapu‘u, 

22 feb 1948, Fosberg 29561 (BISH). Mauna loa, Pu‘u Nana, 16 apr 1937, Hosaka 1847 (BISH). 

MOLOKINI ISLET: 14 feb 1982, Hobdy 1239 (BISH). Molokini, center of the islet, 5 apr 2006, 

Starr 060405-09 (BISH). O‘AHU: Honolulu, University of Hawai‘i campus, 21 Mar 1927, Degener 

18446 (BISH, US [not seen]). Puuiki, locally common along railroad tracks, 24 Mar 1937, Degener 

& Topping 11119 (Uc, US [not seen]). Honolulu, Kaimukī, Wilhelmina rise, and Waialae ave, 24 

Mar 1937, Egler 37-55 (BISH). round Top on Tantalus road, 7 apr 1937, Egler 37-241 (BISH). 

Honouliuli, Wai‘anae Mountains, Pohakea Pass, 12 May 1933, Fosberg 9475 (BISH). Mokapu 

Peninsula, Pyramid rock, Hesia flats, Heleloa, 25 Mar 1933, Fosberg 10562 (BISH). Kailua, 

Mokulua, north islet, 16 feb 1936, Fosberg 12939 (BISH). at the base of Punchbowl, 25 Mar 1895, 

Heller 2002 (Uc, US [not seen]). along Punahou Street, 7 apr 1975, Herbst & Ishikawa 5269 

(BISH). Koko crater, Maunalua, 28 feb 1930, St. John 10406 (BISH). Honolulu, University of 

Hawai‘i, Mānoa campus, 4 Jan 1976, Swarbrick H-17 (BISH). Honolulu, Kaimukī, Mar 1925, 

Topping 3071 (Uc, US [not seen]). Unclear locality: (Mau‘i or Hawai‘i) Hosaka s.n. (BISH). 9 Mar 

1945, Van Zwaluenburg s.n. (BISH). [Scribble] annotated as “c.N. forbes’s handwriting, before 

1920” (BISH 75342). 

Gamochaeta simplicicaulis (Willd. ex Spreng.) cabrera New naturalized record 

Gamochaeta simplicicaulis is known from a single collection from Moloka‘i. It was collected 

on a weedy, windswept slope at 300 m. Gamochaeta simplicicaulis is native to 

South america, but it has naturalized in the eastern United States, australia, New Zealand, 

and Java (Nesom, 2004b, 2006) Based on this collection, it was first collected in the 

Hawai‘ian archipelago in 1987. Gamochaeta simplicicaulis can be distinguished from the 

other species by its large size and basal leaves; it is typically 50-85 cm tall and the basal 

and proximal leaves are withered at anthesis. 

Material examined. MOLOKA‘I: Manuahi ridge west and above Pelekunu Valley on windward 

side, 2 aug 1987, Wagner & Lorence 5754 (BISH, US [not seen]). 

Key to the Species of Gamochaeta in the Hawaiian Archipelago 

1. leaves weakly bicolored, both surfaces pubescent and grayish-green, the abaxial surface only 

weakly or moderately more pubescent and grayer, obovate to spathulate; proximal bracts of the inflorescence 

axis extending beyond the heads, also typically obovate to spathulate; cypselae smooth with 

scattered papillate hairs (visible at 40×) ….. G. pensylvanica 

1. leaves strongly bicolored, the adaxial surface conspicuously greener than the abaxial surface, adaxial 

surface grayish-green, green, or yellowish-green, sparsely arachnose to glabrous, abaxial surface 

gray or white, pannose; proximal bracts of the inflorescence axis extending beyond the heads or not, 

linear-lanceolate to oblanceolate-obovate (infrequently spathulate); cypselae with alveolate (honey - 

combed) surface, also with scattered papillate hairs (visible at 40×) 

2. Plants (30–)50–85 cm tall; clusters of small leaves present in the lower leaf axils; inner 

phyllaries linear or narrowly oblong; apices of inner phyllaries acute-acuminate …. G. 

simplicicaulis


2. Plants 10–50 cm tall; clusters of small leaves absent in the leaf axils; inner phyllaries 

narrowly elliptic to oblong; apices of inner phyllaries acute, obtuse, or rounded, often 

apiculate 

3. Basal leaves (rosette) usually persistent and healthy at anthesis; involucres 

3.0–3.5 mm high …. G. argyrinea 

3. Basal leaves often withered at anthesis, rosette sometimes not obvious; 

involucres 4.0–4.5 mm tall 

4. lower and midcauline leaves subclasping or decurrent; adaxial 

surface of the leaves usually glabrous to glabrate, lacking bumpy 

remnants of trichome bases …. G. americana 

4. leaves not subclasping or decurrent; adaxial surface of the leaves 

grayish-green, with remnants of trichome bases that resemble cystoliths, 

small pieces of sand, or glassy bumps …. G. purpurea 

Acknowledgments 

Many thanks to Guy l. Nesom for ongoing discussions about the taxonomy of Gamo chaeta, 

for first suggesting G. americana and G. simplicicaulis based on specimen photos, for 

retrieving information from the Uc herbarium, and for providing feedback on a draft of this 

paper. Thanks also to the staff at BISH, especially amanda Napua Harbottle and clyde 

Imada, who showed warm hospitality and made my quickly arranged visit useful, to John 

Pruski for providing photos and comments about the specimens in the Missouri Botanical 

Garden (Mo) herbarium, to Tim flynn for providing photos of specimens at PTBG, to Peter 

fraissinet (BH) and Nancy Kahn (US)for providing help with the literature, and to carl E. 

lewis (fTG) and the fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, without whom the serendipitous 

visit to the Bishop Museum would not have been possible. 

Literature Cited 

Cameron, K. 2010. dNa evidence for the recognition of several species of cudweeds 

(Gamochaeta, asteraceae) in the eastern United States. Undergraduate Honors 

Thesis, University of Southern Mississippi. 25 pp. 

Gleason, H.A. & Cronquist, A. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United 

States and adjacent Canada. 2nd ed. New York Botanical Garden Press, New York. 

910 pp. 

Hillebrand, W. 1888. Flora of the Hawaiian Islands: a description of their phanerogams 

and vascular cryptogams. Williams & Norgate, london. 673 pp. 

Nesom, G.L. 2004a. New species of Gamochaeta (asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) from the 

eastern United States and comments on similar species. Sida 21(2): 717–741. 

———. 2004b. New distribution records for Gamochaeta (asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) in 

the United States. Sida 21(2): 1175-1185. 

———. 2006. Gamochaeta. Pp. 431-438 IN: flora of North america Editorial 

committee. Flora of North America. Vol. 19: Magnoliophyta: asteridae, part 6: 

asteraceae, part 1. oxford University Press, New York. 

Wagner, W.L., Herbst, D.R. & Sohmer, S.H. 1999. Manual of the flowering plants of 

Hawai‘i. revised edition. 2 vols. University of Hawai‘i Press & Bishop Museum 

Press, Honolulu. 1919 pp. 

———., Herbst, D.R. & Lorence, D.H. 2005 onwards. flora of the Hawaiian Islands 

website. http://botany.si.edu/pacificislandbiodiversity/hawaiianflora/index.htm [ac - 

cessed 15 November 2011]

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———., Shannon, R. & Herbst, D.R. 1997. contributions to the flora of Hawai‘i. VI. 

Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 48: 51–65. 

Wood, K.R. & LeGrande, M. 2006. an annotated checklist and new island records of 

flowering plants from lehua Islet, Ni‘ihau, Hawai‘i. Bishop Museum Occasional 

Papers 87: 19–29.




New plant records from O‘ahu for 2009 1 

alEx laU 2 & daNIEllE froHlIcH 2 

O‘ahu Early Detection, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817-2704; 

emails: alex.lau@bishopmuseum.org; danielle.frohlich@bishopmuseum.org 

o‘ahu Early detection here documents 31 new naturalized records, 6 new state records, 

and 12 new island records. In addition to our own collections, we report on records of naturalization 

noted by other agencies during 2009. a total of 34 plant families are discussed. 

The majority of these records are the result of surveys of public roadside areas and therefore 

often document naturalization of ornamental plants escaping cultivation. Several others 

however are collections made by natural resource management agencies doing surveys 

well away from general cultivation, and represent escapes from plant introductions for the 

purposes of forestry as well as escaped ornamentals. a few accidental introductions are 

also noted. 

Information regarding the formerly known distribution of flowering plants is based on 

the Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai‘i (Wagner et al. 1999) and information subsequently 

published in the Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey. Voucher specimens are 

deposited at Bishop Museum’s Herbarium Pacificum (BISH), Honolulu, Hawai‘i. 

Apocynaceae 

Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) a. dc. New naturalized record 

Carissa macrocarpa, a commonly cultivated plant in Hawai‘i first collected in the early 

1990s, is a multiple-stemmed shrub from 3–18 ft tall with y-shaped thorns, leaf petioles 

0.25–0.38 cm long; blades broadly to narrowly ovate or subcircular, 2.54–7.00 cm by 

1.65–5.08 cm, thick, shiny, and glabrous. Inflorescence is one to few-flowered; flowers 

are jasmine-scented, sepals triangular, corolla white, with pinwheel-shaped limb. fruit is 

ellipsoid and red (Staples & Herbst 2005). one individual of this species was found in a 

Leucaena-dominated coastal habitat, having possibly spread from a nearby neighborhood. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Marine corps Base Hawai‘i. dry coastal zone habitat. 4 ft tall 

sprawling sapling in dense Leucaena overstory; no flowers or fruits seen - one individual. This species 

is common in cultivation and produces viable seed, 5 aug 2009, OED 2009080502. 

Stemmadenia litoralis (Kunth) l. allorge New naturalized record 

also known as lechoso, this species is native from Mexico to colombia and is occasional 

to common in cultivation in Hawai‘i. first collected in Hawai‘i in 1940, introduced as 

an ornamental shade and street tree, it is a small tree to 20 ft tall with usually glabrous, 

elliptic, 2.0–10.5" by 0.8–4.5" leaves; 1–10-flowered inflorescences; fragrant white flowers 

to about 3" with a yellow throat. The fruit is a paired, curved-ellipsoid, thick walled, 

orange to yellow capsule containing seeds which are embedded in a pulpy red aril. It is 

usually propagated by seed (Staples & Herbst 2005). This species is not well documented 

as naturalized anywhere else in the world but here was noted naturalizing in roadside 

1. contribution No. 2012-010 to the Hawaii Biological Survey. 

2. research associate, department of Natural Sciences, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 

96817-2704, USa. 

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mesic secondary forest in the Tantalus area of o‘ahu, where individuals of all size classes 

were scattered in a somewhat localized area, growing in shady understory as well as 

more exposed roadside locations, spreading by apparently bird dispersed seed. It is 

unclear whether it had originally been planted in the area or if it had spread from cultivated 

trees in home gardens downslope from the naturalization site. Parker & Parsons 

(this volume) report this species as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Tantalus (UTM 2359020, 622051). Tree about 8 ft tall with milky 

white sap, no flowers; fruit orange, dehiscent, seeds covered in red aril. one mature, many smaller 

individuals of varying sizes in the understory, 8 Jan 2009, OED 2009010802. 

Araliaceae 

Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch New naturalized record 

rice-paper plant is native to Taiwan and possibly china, though it is widely cultivated 

throughout asia both for its white stem pith to produce such things as artificial flowers 

and for its ornamental value. first collected in Hawai‘i in 1927, this species is a clumpforming 

shrub with upright stems to 20 ft tall arising from rhizomes. The large, 5–11 

lobed, petiolate, soft leaves are dull green above and whitish hairy below, the central lobe 

and midvein Y-forked at the apex. The brownish hairy inflorescences are 3–4 branched 

with small umbels of 4- or 5-parted flowers (Staples & Herbst 2005). Tetrapanax papyri - 

fer was observed occasionally in the Tantalus area of o‘ahu near trailheads, roadside locations, 

home gardens with mixed ornamentals and naturalized secondary forest species, 

and as very small individuals sprouting out of gravel driveways. Parker & Parsons (this 

volume) report this species as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Tantalus on round Top drive (UTM 2358758, 622883). Wet lowland 

residential area, 0.4 m tall sapling, producing suckers at base. No flowers or fruit. Several 

saplings growing out of gravel driveway, as well as across the street along roadside. occasional in 

neighborhood, 9 Jan 2009, OED 2009010901. 

Arecaceae 

Licuala spinosa Wurmb New naturalized record 

This species, native to Indonesia, is a clump-forming fan palm to 10 feet tall with fronds 

more or less circular in outline. It looks similar to the more common Licuala grandis but 

differs in having its fronds divided nearly to the base. This species was first collected in 

Hawai‘i from foster Botanical Garden in 1949. It was noted here very sparingly naturalized 

sprouting from a hedged row of adventive and naturalized Tabebuia heterophylla 

saplings, as well as other naturalized species and garden escapes near foster Botanical 

Garden (Henderson 2009; Hodel 2009). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Vineyard Blvd, across from foster Garden. Growing in mixed 

Tabebuia hedge in lowland urban setting. Juvenile about 2 ft tall, no flowers or fruit, 8 aug 2008, 

OED 2008080801. 

Asclepiadaceae 

Cryptostegia grandiflora roxb. ex r. Br. New naturalized record 

This species is endemic to the dry southwestern portion of Madagascar and was first collected 

in Hawai‘i in 1930. a related species more common in cultivation in Hawai‘i, 

Cryptostegia madagascariensis, had long been misidentified in Hawai‘i as C. grandiflora. 

True C. grandiflora differs in having smaller, more numerous lenticels, larger corollas 

from 2.0–2.5" long, distinctive 2 lobed corona filaments, and larger fruit from 4.00–6.25"


long (Staples & Herbst 2005). This species is rarely cultivated on o‘ahu. It is considered 

one of australia’s worst weeds and invades native ecosystems, riparian areas and pastures, 

forming impenetrable thickets and smothering vegetation. It was noted as well distributed 

and established in dry lowland kiawe forest and shrubland in Kalaeloa, o‘ahu. Its seeds 

are easily wind and water-dispersed in riparian areas. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kalaeloa (UTM 0596880, 2355735), dry coastal mixed alien 

shrubland. Vine, sprawling over Leucaena up to 12 ft tall. corollas whitish pink inside, striated medium 

lavender outside, corona filaments bilobed. No scent. Seen naturalized widely in area, 16 Jun 

2009, OED 2009061601. 

Asteraceae 

Centratherum punctatum cass. 

subsp. punctatum New island record 

This garden escape has been collected on most of the main islands, including Kaua‘i, 

Moloka‘i, lāna‘i, Maui, Hawai‘i, and now o‘ahu. It was found growing between cracks 

in a sidewalk in a well-populated urban setting. due to its ornamental nature, this species 

likely is more commonly naturalized and tolerated where it spreads. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Wai‘alae Iki, lowland residential area. one individual growing 

out of crack in sidewalk. Semi-woody herb about 0.5 m tall with bright purple flowers. Many fruiting 

heads seen, with small, dark brown achenes, 19 Mar 2009, OED 2009031901. 

Delairea odorata lem. New island record 

Delairea odorata is a popular ornamental vine native to South america which has escaped 

cultivation in many parts of the world, including california, New Zealand, australia, and 

Hawai‘i. In the Hawaiian Islands, it was previously collected on Maui, lāna‘i, and Hawai‘i. 

It was recently found on o‘ahu spreading down a residential road in the understory of a 

dense lowland secondary forest. Efforts to control this population are underway. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Pālehua, UTM 2365720, 593333. climbing up nearby shrub in 

mixed naturalized Plectranthus verticillatus groundcover. Vine patch 10 × 10 ft. flowers yellow, in 

axillary and terminal cymes. copious seeds, 12 May 2009, OED 2009051206. 

Vernonia elliptica dc. New naturalized record 

Vernonia elliptica, a vining plant native to India, Myanmar, and Thailand, is occasionally 

cultivated in Hawai‘i. although a local newspaper article in the 1970s suggested this plant 

be cultivated along roads and highways as a privacy screen, it is unclear how many plantings 

of this species occurred here as a result (Staples & Herbst 2005). This species can be 

distinguished by its straggling, vining habit, silvery leaves, and axillary clusters of sweetly 

scented discoid flower heads (Peng 2004; Staples & Herbst 2005). It was found spreading 

from its original planting on a side road close to a main highway. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Keolu, UTM 2363599, 631210. climbing over Leucaena in lowland 

residential setting. Vine 10 × 20 ft, numerous small achenes, 6 May 2009, OED 2009050605. 

Bignoniaceae 

Catalpa longissima (Jacq.) dum. cours. New naturalized record 

The species’ ease of cultivation, fast growth, and adaptability make it a popular species in 

many parts of the world, including Hawai‘i (Staples & Herbst 2005). This is the first naturalized 

collection of this species in the state, where it was found sparingly naturalized in 

roadside areas, having spread from abundant street tree plantings in the area. dis -

10 


tinguishing features of Catalpa longissima include elliptic-lanceolate leaves arranged 

opposite each other or in whorls of three and few-flowered inflorescences with bellshaped, 

inch long flowers with yellow and sometimes purple markings in the throat. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kaimukī neighborhood, near 12th and Harding avenue, UTM 

2353760, 624445. dry lowland residential area. Growing under a water heater within a narrow 

fenced area near restaurant. Tree about 6 m tall, flowers white with purple streaks in inner corolla, 

petals ruffled. fruit about 12 in long, tapered at tip. This species is used as a street tree in the neighborhood 

and is occasionally seen naturalized here, 5 Mar 2009, OED 2009030501. 

Mansoa hymenaea (dc.) a.H. Gentry New naturalized record 

Mansoa hymenaea, a plant native to central and South america, is a moderately popular 

species in cultivation in Hawai‘i (first collected in 1938). This plant can be distinguished 

by its strong garlic odor (which gives it the common name “Garlic vine”), compound 

leaves with two leaflets, three-forked tendrils, and lavender to magenta corollas (Staples 

& Herbst 2005). Several seedlings were found naturalized near an abandoned homesite. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: ‘Ewa Beach, UTM 2359503, 599362. In weedy abandoned field 

with Spathodea, Mangifera, Bouganvillea. Seedling about 0.5 m tall. flowers magenta, bell-shaped, 

terminal. No fruits. Several scattered seedlings, one medium-sized individual in area, 19 Jun 2009, 

OED 2009061901. 

Blechnaceae 

Blechnum orientale l. New state record 

This fern, which is native to tropical asia, australia, and some Pacific Islands, was found 

in two separate locations on the island of o‘ahu. This species was previously unknown 

from Hawai‘i, either naturalized or in cultivation. It is unclear how it may have arrived 

here, although some gardening sites have mentioned its cultivation in the Philippines and 

other tropical locales (dave’s Garden 2005; carter 2010). It is documented here as sparingly 

naturalized in mostly open but also partially shaded areas of a lowland mesic windward 

o‘ahu ridge in mixed native and nonnative vegetation. The description of this 

species, taken from the Flora of Taiwan: 

“caudex short, erect, densely covered with linear-lanceolate, dark brown scales. Stipes 

tufted, shorter than laminae, 30–60 cm long, scaly at base when young; fronds pinnate; 

pinnae linear-lanceolate, wide spreading, glabrous; median pinnae 10 to 40 cm long, to 1.8 

cm wide, base of pinnae adnate on lower side, free on upper side; veins free, parallel, simple 

or forking from near costa. Sori costal, linear, reaching from base nearly to apex; indusia 

very narrow”(Peng 2004). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kahalu‘u-‘Āhuimanu dividing ridge. along ridge crest trail about 

50 ft above a dilapidated hogwire fence. The surrounding vegetation: Sphenomeris chinensis, Wik - 

stroemia oahuensis, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, and Psidium cattleianum, 1 Jan 2009, K. Kawelo 

USArmy 104. 

Boraginaceae 

Cordia alliodora (ruiz & Pav.) oken New naturalized record 

Cordia alliodora, a plant native to central america, is valued as a tree crop in many areas 

for its dark, easy-to-work wood (Burns & Honkala 1990). However, on many of the 

Pacific islands where this species was introduced, it has become a serious invasive pest 

(Bakeo & Qarani 2003). as their report from Vanuatu stated:


“The introduction of this central american tree is a classic example of an aid programme 

gone wrong, especially now that there is no lucrative market to sell the 800 hectares of 

stock planted. Cordia alliodora was introduced with the best intentions, but failed to live 

up to expectations for various reasons, probably linked to climatic differences between 

central america and Vanuatu. It is becoming a nuisance as it slowly penetrates natural 

forests. It is a species that is multiplying at a faster rate than it is being harvested. 

communities on a number of islands, particularly, Eromango and Maewo, have made formal 

complaints. Cordia alliodora is widely distributed, meaning that if unchecked it could 

trigger an immense biodiversity problem” (Bakeo & Qarani 2003). 

This collection of Cordia alliodora represents the first record of naturalization for this 

species in the state. It is unclear how the species was introduced to the area. It was locally 

common within a 200 m radius. Individuals of varying sizes were seen, many established 

in deep shade, growing in riparian areas including in the bed of a seasonal stream, 

valley floors and slopes, as well as seedlings and saplings growing among the stones of a 

maintained heiau. It is also reported to be naturalized in Waimea Botanical Garden. 

Cordia alliodora can be distinguished by its oblong or lanceolate to elliptic leaf blades, 

10–20 × 3–8 cm, stellate-pilose or glabrate on both surfaces; loosely-branched inflorescences, 

10–30 cm across; cylindric, densely stellate-tomentose calyx, 4–6 mm long with 

10 prominent ribs; white (drying to brown and persisting) corolla with lobes 5–7 mm 

long; and cylindrical fruit about 5 mm long, enveloped by the persistent corolla and calyx 

tube (Smith 1991). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mākaha Valley, along road to Kāne‘ākī Heiau, UTM 584242, 

2376748. Mesic lowland secondary forest. Tree about 15 ft tall, branch nodes swollen and hollow, 

ant domatia. fruits within a dry, persistent corolla which is both wind dispersed and buoyant. Species 

is very common within about 200 m radius, there may be more further up the valley. Individuals of 

various sizes seen; grows to a height of 50–70 ft. Has been planted as a forestry species in Hawai‘i 

(from Skolman.), 10 feb 2009, OED 2009021001. 

Bromeliaceae 

Werauhia sanguinolenta (cogn. & Marchal) J.r. Grant New state record 

Werauhia sanguinolenta (a name which is sometimes considered to be a synonym of 

Vriesea sanguinolenta cogn. & Marchal) grows from around sea level to 1200 m in its 

native range, which extends from costa rica to Ecuador and the Greater antilles. one 

individual of this epiphytic species, which has never been collected (either naturalized or 

cultivated) in the state, was found growing in a Citharexylum caudatum thicket several 

hundred meters from the nearest home site. In addition, several individuals (2–5 matures, 

and 6–10 immature) were found apparently reproducing and spreading in a yard down the 

road from the naturalization site. The description for this species, from flora Neotropica, 

is as follows: 

“Plant flowering 1–2 m high. leaves about 10 in a dense rosette, suberect, 6–7 dm long, 

green, usually with large irregular spots of deep red especially near the base, obscurely 

punctulate-lepidote; sheaths ovate-elliptic, the same color as the blades but slightly broader; 

blades ligulate, acute or subrounded with a long apiculus, 8–10 cm wide. Scape erect, 

greatly exceeding the leaves, well over 1 cm in diameter at the summit, glabrous; scapebracts 

erect, imbricate, very broadly ovate, acute or the lower ones triangular-laminate, 

glabrous, even, thick, coriaceous. Inflorescence simple or few-branched, to 4 dm long; primary 

bracts suberect, like the upper scape-bracts, covering only the sterile bases of the 

branches; branches suberect, secundly 11–15-flowered, the lateral ones 25 cm long with 1 

or 2 sterile bracts at the base, the terminal one nearly 4 dm long with a sterile base as long

12 


as the fertile part and appearing like a continuation of the scape; rhachis to 10 mm in diameter, 

flexuous, strongly 4-angled, glabrous, dark, its internodes narrowly obconical. floral 

bracts becoming secund with the flowers, broadly elliptic to suborbicular, abruptly acute, 

to 5 cm long, some and usually all more than twice as long as the internodes, glabrous, 

even, rigid, coriaceous, green, drying to light brown, incurved and carinate toward apex; 

flowers spreading and downwardly secund; pedicels very stout, to 12 mm long. Sepals 

very broadly elliptic or ovate, obtuse or broadly acute, 30–45 mm long, rigid, coriaceous, 

even and glabrous outside, striate and punctulate-lepidote within; petals white, slightly 

exceeding the stamens, bearing 2 scales at base”(Smith & downs 1977). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Ka‘alaea Valley, left side. Mesic streamside. Primary vegetation: 

Citharexylum caudatum and Hibiscus tiliaceus. Epiphytic bromeliad growing on Citharexylum caudatum 

about 5 ft from ground level. rosette about 1.5 m across and tall. Blades burgundy red, becoming 

greenish at ligulate base. apex apiculate, the tip curling to form a “spine.” Single individual in 

this area, among a dense Citharexylum caudatum thicket, several hundred m from nearest house. This 

species was also seen reproducing/spreading (2–5 matures, 6–10 immatures) in a yard at the end of 

Kamakoi road, where it may have been originally planted, 17 Jul 2009, OED s.n. (BISH 741558). 

Campanulaceae 

Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) a. dc. New naturalized record 

Platycodon grandiflorus, a native of northeastern asia, has been a popular ornamental 

since its introduction to horticulture in the late 1700s (Staples & Herbst 2005). despite its 

long-time cultivation elsewhere, the first collection of this species from Hawai‘i was in 

1951. distinguishing features for this species include thick, fleshy rhizomes, erect solitary 

flowers on long stalks with greatly inflated purple, blue, pink, or white buds (lending this 

species its common name of “Balloon flower”) and capsule fruit which opens at the apex 

by 5 valves (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mānoa, UTM 2357198, 622786. Growing with Vinca out of rock 

wall near drainage pipe. Herb about 25 cm tall. flowers campanulate, open, bright purple, fruit a 

beaked capsule, 31 oct 2008, OED 2008103101. 

Capparaceae 

Capparis mollicella Standl. New naturalized record 

Capparis mollicella, an attractive tree native to Mexico and central america (Zamora et 

al. 2000), is known to have been planted at two sites on o‘ahu- at Schofield Barracks, 

between buildings 672 and 673 (Staples & Ching 1179, 15 apr 1999, BISH) and at the 

foot of diamond Head, near Kapi‘olani Park (Neal 1239, 7 aug 1947, BISH). This collection 

was from a sparingly naturalized population of around 18 individuals of various 

size classes found outside the fence bordering Wheeler air force Base. Capparis mollicella 

is a tree species that reaches 5–8 m high. Branches are glabrous; leaves are simple, 

alternate, and glabrous, usually rounded-ovate, (6–) 12–30 by (2.5–) 5.5–27.5 cm, leaf 

apices are acute to apiculate, bases are cordate, truncate or obtuse, and petioles vary in 

size from 1 to 25 cm long. Terminal inflorescences are corymbose, with 12 to 20 flowers. 

flowers are pink to purple, large, on pedicels from 7.0–10.5 cm long, stamens numerous. 

fruits are a pendulous berry, from 4 to 12 cm long (Zamora et al. 2000). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kunia rd, UTM 2357198, 622786. Growing in weedy hillside 

along outside of Wheeler afB fence. Tree about 18 ft tall. flowers with thick white petals, lavender 

in center, citrusy scent. fruits seemingly immature, smell like body odor. Several individuals (about 

19) of varying size classes in localized area, 1 oct 2009, OED 2009100101.

HBS Records for 2009–2010 — Part II: Plants 13 

Chrysobalanaceae 

Chrysobalanus icaco l. New naturalized record 

Chrysobalanus icaco, or coco-plum, is native to coastal areas of southern florida and the 

Bahamas throughout the caribbean, as well as Mexico, central america, and northern 

South america (francis 2011). It has become a serious invader in the Seychelles, where 

it was planted for erosion control (Meyer 2000). It is reported to form dense thickets that 

prevent native plant regeneration (Smith 1991). It is unclear how popular this plant is in 

cultivation in Hawai‘i, but its further use in horticulture should be discouraged. dis - 

tinguishing characters for this species include alternate leaves, inflorescences in a panicle 

with 5-parted flowers, with a basal style. The fruit is a fleshy drupe with a hard pit. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: lower lā‘ie falls Trail, on eroded slope mauka of Casuarina 

forestry planting. dry lowland eroded red dirt slope, nonnative secondary forest. Shrub about a meter 

tall. fruits round, green, maturing from white to bluish pink. Sparingly naturalized in area, spreading 

downslope in wash areas from presumed erosion control plantings. about 50 individuals of various 

sizes in area, 15 dec 2009, OED 2009121501. 

Convolvulaceae 

Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.) Bojer New island record 

This expansive vining climber, with its distinctive densely pubescent leaves, is occasional 

in cultivation in Hawai‘i. It has been previously collected as naturalized on both Kaua‘i and 

Maui. on o‘ahu, it was found along a roadside in the understory of a mixed nonnative forest 

in a residential area. This species is often seen growing along roadsides where its planting 

status is unclear, so the extent of its naturalized range on o‘ahu is also unclear. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Keolu, UTM 2363799, 630103. lowland mixed forest. Vine 

seedling about 0.25 m tall, no flowers or fruit, 6 May 2009, OED 2009050603. 

Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa 

(Mart. ex choisy) d.f. austin New naturalized record 

This shrubby member of the Morning glory family, popular in cultivation worldwide for its 

large, showy flowers and ease of cultivation (Staples & Herbst 2005), has become a problem 

species in many places it has been introduced. In India it has become a pest of littoral 

areas, ponds, and other aquatic sites (chaudhurp et al. 1994). Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa 

is adaptable to a variety of soil types and is resistant to neglect and drought (Staples and 

Herbst 2005). all plant parts have been observed to be poisonous to livestock (de Balogh et 

al. 1999; Staples & Herbst 2005). distinguishing features of this subspecies include its 

shrubby habit, hollow, erect stems, and deep pink to rose purple, funnel-shaped corollas 

(Herbst et al. 2004). It was found naturalizing in several locations in a dry lowland residential 

area on o‘ahu and collected growing out of a crack in a sidewalk. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kaimukī, UTM 2353659, 623809. dry lowland residential area. 

Growing out of crack in driveway- repeatedly cut back to base. Shrub about a meter tall, sparingly 

branched, corollas lavender, darker towards the center. Species is occasional in the neighborhood, 

presumably both cultivated and naturalized, 6 Mar 2009, OED 2009030601. 

Crassulaceae 

Crassula multicava lem. New island record 

Crassula multicava, an attractive plant used as a groundcover, grows better in Hawai‘i at 

higher elevations. It was first collected as cultivated in Hawai‘i in 1940 and was first

14 


found naturalizing in Waimea canyon State Park on Kaua‘i in 1994. on o‘ahu, it was 

found spreading down a road in the understory of an upcountry residential area. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Pālehua road, 2400 ft. Primary groundcover in Eucalyptus forest. 

low-growing herb, about 10–20 cm, immature flowers with pink buds. fruits not yet present. 

Potential escaped yard plant across the road from cabin, 16 Mar 2009, J. Beachy US Army 134. 

Kalanchoe beharensis drake New naturalized record 

Kalanchoe beharensis, which is grown as a specimen plant for its unusual, felt-like 

wooly-hairy foliage and long-lasting flowers (Staples & Herbst 2005) does not appear to 

have been collected as naturalized anywhere else in the world (randall 2007). 

Nonetheless, this species is easily propagated by cuttings, and fallen leaves root easily 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). It is very likely this collection of a naturalized individual came 

from discarded yard clippings tossed onto a dry hillside. Several individuals of varying 

size classes were seen. distinguishing characteristics of this species include wooly leaves, 

knobby trunk, and triangular, strongly concave leaves. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Pālolo Valley, near intersection of Ka‘au St and Mokuna Pl. 

lowland mesic/dry residential setting. 1.5 m shrub, no flowers or fruit on specimen. Several individuals 

growing on dry, rocky slope, 3 oct 2008, D. Frohlich and A. Lau OED 2008100301. 

Cupressaceae 

Callitris endlicheri (Parl.) f.M. Bailey New naturalized record 

Callitris endlicheri, or Black cypress, a gymnosperm that grows widely in shallow soils 

on rocky sites in its native range of southeastern australia (Mccarthy 1998), has begun to 

spread in central o‘ahu. Though it was planted on Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island for 

forestry, there are no records of o‘ahu plantings of this species between 1910 and 1960 

(Skolmen 1980). Callitris endlicheri has been collected from large monotypic patches in 

the Schofield Barracks West range; one collection came from the south ridge of 

Mohiākea Gulch and the other from near a firebreak in the vicinity of the gulch (collected 

in January 2012 and not accessioned.) distinguishing features for this tree include 

strongly keeled leaves and female cones with a small dorsal point near the apex 

(Mccarthy 1998). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Schofield Barracks West range, South ridge of Mohiākea. 

Mixed alien koa forest. Evergreen tree about 10 m tall. actively spreading in the area, forming dense 

patches and excluding other species. New naturalized record, 28 Jan 2009, J. Rohrer US Army 107. 

Fabaceae 

Albizia niopoides (Benth.) Burkart New naturalized record 

Albizia niopoides is a rarely planted, introduced species in Hawai‘i, known only from two 

locations on o‘ahu. It was first collected in 1999 from Schofield Barracks, although the 

tree height at the time was estimated to be 80 ft, so the date of introduction would have 

been much earlier. It is also known from Makiki Heights, perhaps originally planted and 

now spreading, forming a dense thicket under the largest tree where saplings grow in 

dense shade. Smaller trees were also located in the area. It may grow to a large size (30 

m), often with very light grey bark. It is further characterized by bipinnately compound 

leaves with 6 or more pairs of pinnae. The leaflets are closely spaced, 7–9 mm long by 1 

(up to 2) mm wide. The leaf rachis is channeled, with a nectary at the distal end. Stipules 

are 6–7 mm long, setiform, and deciduous. Young twigs are greenish or yellowish with 

sparse lenticels (flores 2002).


Material examined. O‘AHU: Makiki Heights on left side of road heading up to dofaW baseyard. 

lowland mesic secondary forest, growing with forestry species. 12–14 m tall tree. Hundreds of 

saplings growing in dense shade, forming a dense thicket, 25 aug 2009, OED 2000082501. 

Albizia saponaria (lour.) Blume ex Miq. New island record 

Albizia saponaria is a rarely cultivated tree, first collected in Hawai‘i in 1915, grown primarily 

on large estates in Honolulu. It was also planted in the Waimānalo forest reserve 

on o‘ahu (Skolmen 1980). It has been collected as naturalized on Kaua‘i in one location, 

where about 100 plants were found spread over several acres (lorence & Wagner 1995). 

on o‘ahu, a population covering a 30 × 50 m area was found in Schofield Barracks. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Schofield Barracks East range at Pineapple Gate, north side of 

gate. Tree about 5–7 m tall. Whitish truck about 15 cm dia. root suckers forming as a result of weed 

whacker damage. about 50 × 30 m infestation, 26 May 2009, J. Beachy & K. Kawelo US Army 157. 

Erythrina crista-galli l. New naturalized record 

a native of South america, Erythrina crista-galli has been widely planted throughout the 

tropics and subtropics worldwide, often as a shade or street tree. It was introduced to 

Hawai‘i by 1913, and is now a commonly planted tree on o‘ahu. It can be distinguished 

from other Erythrina species in Hawai‘i by its glabrous leaves with usually spiny petioles, 

its terminal, drooping inflorescences that appear with the leaves, and dark red corollas 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). It is commonly cultivated and is becoming widely naturalized in 

riparian areas in New South Wales (Harden 1991). It was found very sparingly naturalized 

in a dry lowland gulch in Wai‘alae Iki. Because this tree is so common in cultivation, it 

should be monitored for signs of further spread, particularly into natural areas. in this 

Parker & Parsons (this volume) report this species as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Wai‘alae Iki, UTM 628569, 2353925, 2.5 m tall sapling growing 

in a dry stream bed just before a concrete drainage ditch. Seen this species in several roadside growing 

situations where planting status unclear. 19 Mar 2009, OED 2009031903. 

Glycine microphylla Tindale New state record 

This species is native to australia, where it is has been given the appropriate common 

name Small-leaf glycine. It can be distinguished from other species of Glycine in Hawai‘i, 

as well as many other vining members of the fabaceae family in Hawai‘i, by the following 

characters: “a scrambling habit; stems stoloniferous, ± glabrous or hairy with weak 

white or light brown hairs; leaves weakly pinnately 3-foliate, leaflets of upper leaves narrow-lanceolate 

to lanceolate, 1.5–5.0 cm long, 1–6 mm wide; leaflets of lower leaves ± 

obovate to ± elliptic, 0.4–5.0 cm long, mostly 2–9 mm wide; hairy with short, white, 

appressed hairs; stipels present on terminal petiolule; racemes 5–13-flowered, 2.0–2.5 

times as long as leaves; calyx glabrous or sparsely hairy, 3 lower sepals shorter than the 

tube; standard 4.5–8.0 mm long, usually pinkish to purple; pod straight, ± linear, 1.5–2.7 

cm long, 2.5–3.5 mm wide, without purple flecks, sparsely strigose; seeds 3–6" (Harden 

1992). Plants in the field were particularly small statured, climbing no higher than a half 

meter, and usually forming mats along the ground in partially shaded areas. However, floras 

do not describe the variability in height or stem length. 

Small-leaf glycine does not appear to have been purposefully or even accidentally 

introduced anywhere outside its native range prior to the collection referred to here. It was 

found sparingly naturalized, forming a small patch at the revegetated site at castle 

Junction near Kailua, o‘ahu. The most likely means of introduction seems to be acciden-

16 


tal, where seeds of this species got into shipments of hydromulch (sourced from australia) 

used for revegetating the slope. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: castle Junction along Kalaniana‘ole Hwy, on east side of revegetated 

hill. Mesic lowland roadside. open, revegetated area. Prostrate vine with trifoliate leaves. This 

possibly arrived as hydromulch contaminant when area was recently landscaped/revegetated. Seed 

mix came from australia, 7 Nov 2008, B. Azama s.n (BISH 736233). 

Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) Schindl. New island record 

This species from china, a low growing (up to 18") herb, was first collected on the Big 

Island in a Parker ranch pasture in 1923. It escaped notice, or at least collection, until 

being found again on Maui in 2000 (oppenheimer 2003). It is documented here as sparingly 

naturalized in a roadside lawn area on Schofield Barracks, o‘ahu. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Schofield Barracks, herb about 6 in tall. flower standard pink, 

striated, keel white with pink tip. Pods about 2 mm long, with one seed, 25 aug 2009, OED 

2009082501. 

Piscidia piscipula (l.) Sarg. New naturalized record 

This tree is native to parts of central america and the caribbean, where its bark has traditionally 

been used to stun fish, earning it the common name fish-poison tree. It was first 

collected in Hawai‘i in 1918, in Honolulu, where it is occasional to rare in cultivation. a 

total of 83 have been planted in the Waimānalo forest reserve (Skolmen 1980). It can be 

distinguished from other papilionoid trees in Hawai‘i by its 7–9 odd-pinnately-compound 

leaflets, with lavender-white to reddish tinged, 0.5" long corollas combined with pale 

green, 0.75–3.50" long pods that have 4 large, lengthwise papery wings (Staples & Herbst 

2005). This species was found sparingly naturalized in dry lowland scrub near the base of 

Koko crater, probably spreading from nearby plantings. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: along road on side of Koko crater, UTM 635685, 2353749. dry 

lowland scrub dominated by Prosopis. Tree about 3 m tall. Keel pinkish, banner mostly white with 

green stripe running vertically down middle. Several individuals of various sizes seen, 9 apr 2009, 

OED 2009060904. 

Senna siamea (lam.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby New naturalized record 

also known as Kassod tree, this species from areas of Southeast asia has been introduced 

throughout the tropics worldwide for use as a reforestation tree, windbreak, shade tree for 

coffee, and as an ornamental. It has commonly become naturalized in areas where it has been 

introduced (Staples & Herbst 2005). It has been in Hawai‘i since the 1870s, and has been 

planted both for forestry and as a street tree. In total, 1,461 were planted in forest reserves 

throughout the state (Skolmen 1980). Senna siamea can be distinguished from other species 

of Senna in Hawai‘i by the following characters: tree growing to 60 ft with leaves to 1 ft long 

which lack petiolar glands; leaves symmetrical at base; inflorescences to about 1 ft long, 

racemose to pyramidal; and flattened fruits 8–12" long, with leathery valves. It fruits heavily 

in Hawai‘i, and fruits persist a long time on the tree (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Senna siamea was seen sparingly naturalized on Wheeler air force Base, growing in 

small gulches of mixed nonnative secondary forest and scrub. It was a common street tree 

in the surrounding area, but not the immediate vicinity. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Wheeler afB, near corner of Wright ave and airdrome rd. 6 m 

tall tree, flowering profusely. commonly planted in Schofield/Wheeler roadside areas and sparingly 

naturalized on base, 4 Sep 2009, OED 2009090403.


Senna spectabilis (dc.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby New naturalized record 

Senna spectabilis is a tropical american shrub or tree to 50 ft tall, which is rarely planted 

in Hawai‘i. It can be distinguished from other Senna in Hawai‘i by the combination of the 

following characters: leaves without petiolar glands, flowers irregularly symmetrical 

where 1 petal is folded in over the stamens, 7 stamens per flower, and more or less cylindrical 

fruits (Staples & Herbst 2005). It is documented here as sparingly naturalized, 

spreading from planting sites into mesic gulches and roadside residential areas at 

Schofield Barracks. 

Material examined: O‘AHU: Schofield Barracks, UTM 597310, 2377278. Seedlings of various 

sizes in Falcataria understory, sapling about 15 ft tall, no flowers seen. fruits cylindrical, 18 aug 

2009, OED 2009081801. 

Tamarindus indica l. New island record 

commonly cultivated worldwide, and long cultivated in Hawai‘i, Tamarind has been collected 

as naturalized in Kalaupapa, Moloka‘i, spreading from planted sites. It is documented 

here as sparingly naturalized on o‘ahu, in lualualei, also spreading from plantings. 

It has been noted occasionally spreading in other dry areas of the island as well. 

Material examined: O‘AHU: lualualei watershed, off Hakimo road. UTM 2366948, 588143. 

dry lowland residential/agricultural roadside. 8-ft tall tree with many fruits. This species is rarely to 

occasionally naturalized in the area spreading from cultivated trees which are common here, 17 feb 

2009, OED 2009021701. 

Flacourtiaceae 

Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr. New naturalized record 

The taxonomy of Flacourtia indica, or Governor’s plum, is complex. Many sources des - 

cribe this species as a cultigen since its place of origin is unknown, and it is widely cultivated 

throughout the old World tropics and into Polynesia (Staples & Herbst 2005). This 

species is highly variable, broadly defined, and includes several synonymous names previously 

described as distinct taxa (Staples & Herbst 2005). Flacourtia indica thrives in seasonally 

dry, sunny areas, in all soil types. This species was found on o‘ahu in the understory 

of a Casuarina-dominated lowland secondary forest in sandy soil. The description for this 

species (taken from the flora of china) is as follows: 

“Shrubs or small trees, 2–4 m tall, deciduous; bark gray-yellow, fissured, flaky; old 

branches usually not spiny; young branches with axillary, simple spines; branchlets 

puberulous or subglabrous. Petiole red, short, 3–5 mm, puberulous; leaf blade greenish 

abaxially, deep green adaxially, rose red when young, obovate to oblong-obovate, 2–4 × 

1.5–3 cm, thickly papery, abaxially glabrous or sparsely pubescent, hairs spreading and 

short, adaxially glabrous, midvein raised abaxially, flat adaxially, lateral veins 5–7 pairs, 

reticulate veins conspicuous, base mostly acute to obtuse, margin serrulate above middle, 

apex rounded, sometimes retuse. Inflorescences axillary or terminating short lateral twigs, 

racemose, short; rachis 0.5–2 cm, puberulous. Pedicels 3–5 mm, puberulous, hairs spreading. 

Sepals 5 or 6, ovate, ca. 1.5 mm, outside glabrous or with a few scattered short hairs, 

inside sparsely to densely pubescent, margin white ciliate in dried material, apex obtuse. 

Staminate flowers: stamen filaments 2–2.5 mm, pubescent or less often glabrous. Pistillate 

flowers: ovary globose, placentas 5 or 6; styles 5 or 6, united only at base, radiating, 1–2 

mm, slender. fruit dull to blackish red, globose, 8–10 mm in diam., longitudinally 5- or 

6-angled, styles persistent. Seeds 5 or 6” (Yang & Zmarzty 2007). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Bellows afB, around campsite near golf area, mauka side of 

Tinker road. UTM 2363960, 633402. 15 or more individuals scattered in coastal lowland secondary

18 


forest dominated by casuarina. 2-m tall shrub with reddish-brown lenticillate bark. New leaves pinktinged, 

new stems reddish. older plants with few noticeable spines, younger plants spiny. fruits 

ripening red, 24 Sep 2009, OED 2009092401. 

Lamiaceae 

Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. New naturalized record 

Plectranthus neochilus, a plant native to southern africa, is occasionally planted as an 

ornamental, both for its attractiveness and for its purported ability to repel deer, snakes, 

and dogs (owing to its unpleasant odor). This description of the species comes from the 

Flora of New South Wales: 

“Unpleasantly aromatic, decumbent to erect, perennial herb 12–50 cm high; branches succulent, 

finely and minutely hairy, or sparsely to densely covered with short and long hairs 

and scattered orange-red sessile glands. leaves with lamina succulent, viscid, obovate to 

elliptic-ovate, 2–5 cm long, 1.5–3.5 cm wide; apex obtuse to rounded; base cuneate to 

attenuate; margins obscurely crenate with 4–6 pairs of teeth; both surfaces sparsely to 

densely hairy with shortly appressed hairs, especially on veins below, with orange sessile 

glands below; petiole 0.5–1.5 cm long. calyx c. 3 mm long, to 6 mm long in fruit. corolla 

12–20 mm long, mauve-purple, rarely whitish, the upper lip paler and bluish, slightly 

hairy; tube slightly decurved; lobes with scattered sessile glands” (Harden 1992). 

This species has spread from planted areas in other regions and is documented here 

as very sparingly naturalized in a lowland residential roadside area of o‘ahu, also spreading 

from planted individuals. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Keolu, on Uluhaku rd. In roadside lawn habitat, growing against 

utility pole. Herb about 40 cm tall, flowers purple, zygomorphic. Malodorous, sometimes used to 

repel dogs, 6 May 2009, OED 2009050602. 

Liliaceae 

Dianella caerulea Sims New naturalized record 

This species of Dianella is cultivated occasionally as an ornamental and is a native of 

australia. The species D. caerula was first collected on o‘ahu from Wahiawā Botanical 

Garden in 1986. This collection documented here is from the understory of a Psidium cattleianum 

and Acacia koa forest in Pālehua. The taxon collected here was identified as D. 

caerulea var. assera r.J.f. Hend. The description for this variety (taken from the Flora of 

Australia) is as follows: 

“Plant tufted, solitary, to 1.8 m tall. Stems elongating, with scales for most (sometimes all) 

of their length, touching or up to 30 cm apart, arching or ascending; extravaginal branching 

rapidly developing. leaf sheaths +/- completely occluded distally. Inflorescence from 

narrowly conical to narrowly cylindrical in outline, continuous or interrupted; cymules 

open or contracted, few-flowered. Perianth pale blue to mid-blue with green streaking 

externally” (Henderson 1987). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Pālehua. In strawberry guava, Acacia koa understory. climbing herb, 

1.0–1.5 m tall. flowers small, purple, zygomorphic. fruits small, green (immature), 0.5 cm diameter. 

leaves with serrate margins, equitant on stems of varying heights, 13 May 2009, J. Beachy US 

Army 152. 

Melastomataceae 

Tibouchina granulosa (desr.) cogn. New naturalized record 

Tibouchina granulosa, a species not frequently cultivated as an ornamental in Hawai‘i and


not previously collected as naturalized in the state, has now been spotted spreading 20–30 

m from a planted tree. The original planting had been uprooted, and then cut into logs, 

which were resprouting. Several saplings and seedlings of various sizes were seen growing 

uphill from the original planting. This species can be distinguished from other commonly 

seen Tibouchina species by its 4-winged branchlets, leathery, elliptic to ovatelanceolate 

leaves, evenly purple flowers, wooly filaments, and floral bracts and calyx 

lobes with broad, smooth marginal bands (Staples & Herbst 2005) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mānoa Valley, mauka of currently managed portions of lyon 

arboretum. UTM 623840, 2359941. 1 m tall sapling, no fruits or flowers seen. Sapling was found 

about 50 m from an uprooted, resprouting tree that had apparently been cut into pieces, which were 

also sprouting. Seedlings of this species less than 20 cm tall were found on a ridge nearby, about 

20–30 m from original tree. 2 Sep 2008, OED 2008090201; Mānoa Valley, mauka of currently managed 

portions of lyon arboretum. UTM 623840, 2359941. lowland mesic secondary forest, 20 cm 

tall seedlings. This species widely believed not to reproduce by seedlings in Hawai‘i. four other naturalized 

saplings and small trees noted in the area, about 40 m from the original planted area, 5 Nov 

2008, OED 2008110501. 

Meliaceae 

Azadirachta indica a. Juss. New naturalized record 

Azadirachta indica, or Neem, has been promoted as an ornamental and as a source for 

Neem oil for Hawaiian gardens for several years (Staples & Herbst 2005). Neem is an 

evergreen tree from 30 to 50 feet tall that has odd-pinnately compound leaves with 9–18 

narrowly ovate, curved, toothed leaflets. fruits are a yellow drupe with thin flesh. This 

species is easily propagated by cuttings or by seed (Staples & Herbst 2005) and was found 

sparingly naturalized over a large area in Mā‘ili, on the leeward coast of o‘ahu. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mā‘ili, off Kulaaupuni St. UTM 2369684, 585396. dry lowland 

residential roadside area. 8 ft tall sapling, no flowers or fruit present. Spreading from apparently 

planted individuals in area. This species is occasionally noted naturalizing in roadside areas and large 

gardens, 13 feb 2009, OED 2009021302. 

Moraceae 

Artocarpus heterophyllus lam. New naturalized record 

Artocarpus heterophyllus, or Jackfruit, is occasional in cultivation in Hawai‘i, where it 

produces very large (12–40 in long) fruits with large, 1.25 in long seeds. characteristics 

that distinguish it from other Artocarpus species grown in Hawai‘i include simple adult 

leaves and cauliflorous inflorescences (Staples & Herbst 2005). It was noted as very sparingly 

naturalized in Mānoa Valley, where four seedlings were noted scattered along a trail 

in dense shade. No mature trees were seen in the vicinity. Parker & Parsons (this volume) 

report this species as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mānoa Valley, Waiakeakua. Wet secondary forest. 1.5 m tall, 

sparingly branched sapling with whit viscous sap, thickened taproot about 30 cm long. No flowers or 

fruit, not a root sucker. four small seedlings noted along trail, no matures seen, 4 Nov 2008, A. Lau 

2008110401. 

Orchidaceae 

Habenaria rodeiensis Barb. rodr. New island record 

Habenaria rodeiensis, an orchid previously only known from West and East Maui (Wag - 

ner et al. 1999; oppenheimer 2006), was collected on o‘ahu along the Mānana Trail,

20 


located in the Ko‘olau Mountain range. This geophytic orchid does not appear to be common 

in general cultivation, and it is unclear how it was introduced to Hawai‘i. cultivation 

of this species in Hawai‘i is unadvisable. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mānana Trail, just on north side of trail UTM 611039, 2370601. 

Trailside, growing with Psidium, Eucalyptus, and Psydrax odorata. Herbaceous, erect ground orchid, 

24 dec 2009, K. Kawelo & J. Rohrer US Army 102. 

Podocarpaceae 

Podocarpus elatus r. Br. ex Endl. New naturalized record 

This species is commonly planted in Hawai‘i, usually as an ornamental tree, which can 

grow to a very large size (up to 125 ft). It is native to australia and is widely cultivated 

throughout the rest of the tropics and subtropics (Staples & Herbst 2005). This species can 

be distinguished from other Podocarpus in Hawai‘i by its leaf apices usually having a 

small, spine-tipped mucro, leaf margins usually not revolute, and pollen cones less than 2 

mm wide (de laubenfels 1985). Material in BISH is variable in these characters, and 

species documented here may easily be confused. This species is documented here as naturalized 

in usually open areas of windward lowland ridges of o‘ahu, occasionally forming 

dense stands. This species has a fleshy receptacle associated with the seed, an adaptation 

to dispersal by birds (Staples et al. 2000). It is likely naturalized in other areas as well, 

and further work could be done to document the extent of the naturalized range of this 

species on o‘ahu. It occurs on a ridge that is nearby a population of Podocarpus macrophyllus 

in ‘Āhuimanu (see below). 

Material examined: O‘AHU: ridge north of Ioleka‘a. along and off trail, females with many 

seedlings in several groups, with Ardisia, guava, Rhodomyrtus, Schefflera, silver oak, and hala. 

female plant, tallest c. 18 ft tall, naturalized, 9 feb 2000, B. Waters s.n. (BISH 662413, 662414); 

Kahalu‘u and ‘Āhuimanu ridge. Trees to 40 ft tall, many keiki under mother plant. also growing in 

uluhe and pala‘ā, 23 apr 2008, K. Metzler 20080423Podocar. 

Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.) Sweet New naturalized record 

also known as Kusa-maki, this species is probably native to from southern Japan, though 

also known from Southern china to Taiwan where it is possibly an escape from cultivation 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). It is at least occasional in cultivation in Hawai‘i where it us 

grown as a street tree, specimen, or hedge plant. It can be distinguished from other 

Podocarpus in Hawai‘i by its linear leaves with usually revolute margins, the apices variable 

but usually lacking a sharp mucro, the leaves more than 6 mm wide, and less than 10 

times as long as wide, and pollen cones usually greater than 2.5 mm in width (de 

laubenfels 1985). It is documented here naturalized along a trail in the ‘Āhuimanu area, 

nearby a ridge where there is a population of Podocarpus elatus. 

Material examined: O‘AHU: ‘Āhuimanu valley. along trailside, in uluhe. Tree, 4–5 m. UTM 

620226, 2370343, 27 Jan 2007, K. Kawelo US Army 37. 

Polygonaceae 

Triplaris weigeltiana (rchb.) Kuntze New naturalized record 

This species is from central and South america, where it (and other species in the genus) 

are known by the common name Hormigo, probably in reference to the trees ability to harbor 

stinging and biting ants in its hollow stems (“hormiga” means “ant” in Spanish). They


are rarely cultivated as ornamental street and shade trees, or in botanical gardens. The 

species was first collected in Hawai‘i in 1945 and is rare in cultivation, at least on o‘ahu. 

It is distinguished from other Polygonaceae in Hawai‘i primarily by its habit as a large 

tree, and also by peeling bark forming patchy, multicolored trunks, and its fruits enclosed 

in a papery perianth, with 3 white to scarlet, winglike, extended lobes (Staples & Herbst 

2005). This species is dioecious and may be planted in pairs to encourage the ornamental, 

wind dispersed fruits to be formed. It is listed as moderately invasive in Tahiti (Meyer 

2000). It is here documented as naturalized in Hawai‘i, on o‘ahu spreading locally from 

a planting of a male and a female tree in Makiki, makai of the dofaW o‘ahu branch 

baseyard. Naturalized plants were scattered sparingly across several acres, the saplings 

occasionally growing in dense shade. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Makiki valley, past first two gates on road to dofaW baseyard 

(UTM 2357461, 621473) Wet/mesic lowland secondary roadside forest. 3 m tall sparingly branched 

sapling with peeling grey/tan bark. Growing in shaded understory, 12 Jan 2009, OED 2209011203. 

Polypodiaceae 

Pyrrosia piloselloides (l.) M.G. Price New state record 

Native from northeastern India east to Hainan, china, and throughout Malesia, this 

species has not been previously documented in Hawai‘i, although it is reported to be 

grown in a botanical garden in Waimea, o‘ahu. In its native range it grows epiphytically 

and is common to very common where found, in primary and secondary forest, from sea 

level to 1000 m. It is one of the most common epiphytes in the lowlands of Malesia, and 

is capable of smothering entire trees, sometimes causing tree death (Hovencamp et al. 

1998). It was found in an upper residential area of Mānoa Valley, growing to the tops of 

several species of trees, occasional to common within an area of about 2 to 3 acres, with 

some small outlier plants, apparently spreading both vegetatively and by spores. This 

species may best be distinguished from other ferns in Hawai‘i by its rhizomatous, colony 

forming habit, dimorphic fronds where the sterile fronds are entire, succulent, and 1–7 × 

1–2 cm, at the collection site noted as circular in shape; fertile fronds linear, 4–16 × 

0.3–1.5 cm. It also has spreading, peltate scales on the rhizome. The sori are apical or 

extending to the base of the frond submarginally (de Wilde et al. 1998). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mānoa Valley, at the end of Woodlawn Terrace Place. UTM 

624810, 2357826; lowland mesic cultivated setting. Epiphytic succulent fern, entirely covering 

trunk and branches of large tree and surrounding vegetation. origin is SE asia. according to dr. 

Smith, this species is “very likely to further escape and spread in Hawai‘i”, 17 oct 2008, OED 

2008101703. 

Pteridaceae 

Adiantum ‘Edwinii’ New island record 

Adiantum ‘Edwinii’ is probably a cultivar of A. raddianum, or possibly a hybrid or cultivar 

of A. concinnum. It was first collected on Maui in 1981, and known from lāna‘i, and 

now from o‘ahu, where it was found on a slope of Palikea Gulch. This plant can be distinguished 

from other Adiantum seen in Hawai‘i by its U-shaped sori, fronds up to 100 cm 

long and 60 cm wide, and the pinnules closest to the rachis overlapping the rachis on the 

side toward the frond tip (Palmer 2003). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Palikea Gulch, 1000 ft. on a lower slope in closed canopy. 

Smaller than one meter, but veins end in small marginal sinuses, 7 Jan 2009, J. Gustine US Army 105.

22 


Rutaceae 

Triphasia trifolia (Burm. f.) P. Wilson New naturalized record 

Probably native to the Malay Peninsula, and also known as limeberry, this species has been 

introduced in many tropical areas as an ornamental hedge plant, potted plant, or bonsai 

species. It was first collected in Hawai‘i in 1926, although it does not seem to be widely used 

at least on o‘ahu. It can be distinguished from other nonnative rutaceae in Hawai‘i by its 

shrubby habit, trifoliate leaves with paired axillary spines, and fleshy, dull red, single seeded 

fruits containing sweet, edible, mucilaginous sap (Staples & Herbst 2005). limeberry has 

escaped cultivation and become naturalized in many areas where it has been introduced, 

occasionally forming thickets in understory, especially on limestone soils in coastal areas of 

Pacific islands. It was collected as naturalized on o‘ahu in that habitat, locally and sparingly 

naturalized in the understory of Prosopis pallida near the coast. It is likely to continue 

spreading and may become more abundant without intervention. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kāne‘ohe McBH, next to Zombie’s beach. dry coastal zone habitat. 

4 ft tall shrub, leaves glossy green above, pale below. fruit green ripening red, skin thin, containing 

clear, mucilaginous citrus smelling pulp. Single seed very sticky. about 21 plants of various 

sizes (from about 2–8 ft tall) seen in dense shade of Prosopis pallida understory, 5 aug 2009, OED 

2009080501. 

Scrophulariaceae 

Veronica serpyllifolia l. New island record 

This nonnative herbaceous species has been collected previously on Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, 

lāna‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i islands, but this is its first report for o‘ahu. although it may 

be tolerated where it grows, it does not appear to be intentionally cultivated in Hawai‘i. It 

was found spreading in mesic forest in the northern Wai‘anae range. This genus is filed 

under Scrophulariaceae at BISH, although many specialists now include the genus in 

Plantaginaceae. 

Material examined: O‘AHU: Kapuna Gulch, Pahole Natural area reserve, along Mokulē‘ia 

trail, 31 Mar 2009, M. Elmore US Army 139. 

Sterculiaceae 

Sterculia apetala (Jacq.) H. Karst. New island record 

a large specimen tree growing to 30 m, this species was first collected in Hawai‘i in 1915. 

a particularly large tree planted at Queen’s Hospital may have been planted by dr. W. 

Hillebrand around 1851 (Staples & Herbst 2005). Previously documented as naturalized, 

spreading from a planted specimen on Maui, this rarely planted tree was found spreading 

locally near Queen’s Hospital, where scattered saplings were found growing in dense 

shade. a medium-sized but mature tree of questionable planting status also occurs on the 

hospital grounds. This species’ further spread from this location has probably been limited 

by intensive landscape maintenance; however, long distance dispersal may be aided by 

its fruits with large seeds overhanging busy roadways. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Near Beretania and Punchbowl streets (UTM 618693, 2356737). 

lowland urban landscaped area. 0.5 m tall sapling. Several naturalized saplings in the area, 4 feb 

2009, OED 2009020401. 

Tiliaceae 

Grewia micrantha Bojer New state record 

This species from tropical africa does not appear to have been introduced into general


cultivation very widely, if at all. In its native range it grows in an ecotype characterized 

in part by an extended dry season as well as dominance by species of Brachystegia 

(fabaceae), or in mixed shrubland. a description from Flora Zambesiaca reads: 

“Shrub or small tree up to 8 m. tall; young branchlets ferruginously tomentose, becoming 

grey or brownish with paler lenticels. leaf-lamina 2.5–9 × 1.2–4.8 cm., ovate-oblong or 

elliptic, apex rounded or acute, margins serrate, rounded or asymmetrically cordate at the 

base, sparsely stellate-pubescent above or glabrous, finely reticulate-rugose…closely 

appressed-whitish-tomentose between the nerves below… petiole up to 7 mm long, ferruginously 

pubescent; stipules c. 5 mm. long.... Inflorescences all axillary…pedicels normally 

3 per peduncle… coarsely brown-hairy…Sepals up to 0.8 cm. long, linear-oblong, 

coarsely stellately hairy outside, yellow and glabrous within. Petals yellow, about half the 

length of the sepals, oblong to obovate, often 2-dentate at the apex, basal claw either with 

circumvillous nectary within, or often absent and replaced by a small tuft of hairs at the 

cuneate petal base...style c. 5 mm. long, glabrous; stigma with about 4 broad lobes. fruit 

yellowish, deeply 2-lobed or 1-lobed by abortion, each lobe c. 7 mm. in diam., pubescent” 

(royal Botanic Gardens- Kew 2011). 

No prior collections of this species have been made in the state. It is possible this species 

was intentionally introduced near the collection site as an ornamental. It was seen here 

scattered in a dry lowland area dominated by Prosopis pallida and nonnative grasses, scattered 

locally with an abundance of approximately 10 or 12 plants of multiple size classes. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: along road to Koko crater trail (UTM 635687, 2353745). dry 

lowland area dominated by Prosopis. Tree about 2.5 m tall. No flowers. fruits small, fuzzy, green, 

drying to brown, 9 apr 2009, OED 2009040903; along road to Koko crater trail (UTM 635687, 

2353745) dry lowland area, near baseball diamond. Sprawling shrub about 5 m dia, 3 m tall. flowers 

bright yellow with lobed stigmas. New growth reddish. Several individuals of various sizes in area, 

30 Jun 2009, OED 2009063001. 

Verbenaceae 

Vitex trifolia l. New island record 

This species is very commonly planted in Hawai‘i as a hedge plant, wind break, and ornamental. 

It has been documented as naturalized in Kalaupapa, Moloka‘i, spreading into dry 

rocky areas. It was found sparingly naturalized in Kalaeloa, o‘ahu in dry, mixed alien 

scrubland along a road. Because of the adaptability of this species to dry lowland areas 

with poor soils (Staples & Herbst 2005) it likely persists at sites of former cultivation, 

making planting status of populations near roadsides in natural areas unclear. Because of 

this its naturalized status on o‘ahu may well be much more extensive than the population 

documented here. 

Material examined: O‘AHU: Kalaeloa. Mixed alien scrubland, growing against a telephone 

pole. Shrub about 1 m, cut back, 18 Jun 2009, OED 2009061802. 

Vitaceae 

Cissus repens lam. New state record 

This species, which is native to asia and australia, has been collected from two locations 

in the Hawaiian Islands; at the “Makiki forestry Nursery” in 1978, and in Mākaha Valley, 

along the road to Kāne‘aki Heiau. Both locales are on o‘ahu. It is uncertain why this 

species was brought to Hawai‘i, since there is no clear evidence of it being used in horticulture 

(chimera 2010). In any case, the use of this species in cultivation should be discouraged, 

as it is a shade-tolerant, bird-dispersed, smothering vine. The description of this 

species, taken from the Flora of China, is as follows:

24 


“Vines, herbaceous. Branchlets terete, with longitudinal ridges, usually glaucous, 

glabrous; tendrils bifurcate. leaves simple; stipules brownish, oblong, 5–6 × 2–3 mm, 

membranous, glabrous; petiole 2.5–7 cm, glabrous; leaf blade cordate-oval, 5–13 × 4–9 

cm, glabrous, basal veins 3–5, lateral veins 3 or 4 pairs, veinlets inconspicuous, base cordate, 

margin with 9–12 sharp teeth on each side, apex acute or acuminate. Inflorescence 

umbelliform, terminal or leaf-opposed; peduncle 1–3 cm, glabrous. Pedicel 2–4 mm, nearly 

glabrous. Buds oval, ca. 4 mm, apex obtuse. calyx entire or undulate. Petals triangularovate, 

ca. 3 mm, glabrous. anthers ovoid-elliptic. lower part of ovary adnate to disk; style 

conical; stigma slightly expanded. Berry 0.8–1.2 cm × 4–8 mm, 1-seeded. Seed surface 

smooth, with sparse ribs.”(ren & Jun 2007) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mākaha Valley, along road to Kāne‘aki Heiau, UTM 584134, 

2376668, 600 ft. Mesic lowland secondary forest. Vine with long stems to several meters, fruits 

ripening black, soft, fleshy. 2 individuals noted in the area. long-time land manager unaware of its 

origin, 10 feb 2009, OED 2009021002. 

Zygophyllaceae 

Guaiacum officinale l. New naturalized record 

lignum-vitae is native to tropical america and the caribbean, where it typically grows in 

dry habitats. It has been introduced as an ornamental throughout the tropics, and is occasional 

in cultivation in Hawai‘i where it was first collected in 1909. It can be distinguished 

by the following description: Tree to 25 ft tall, leaves 2–5 in long with 4 (–6) broadly obovate 

to orbicular leaflets, which are rounded at the apex; petals blue purple to nearly white, 

the upper surface hairy; fruits showy, obcordate, the lobes yellowish, splitting at maturity; 

seeds are brownish, enclosed in a showy reddish aril (Staples & Herbst 2005). despite being 

planted in so many other places, it has apparently not been clearly documented as naturalized 

elsewhere. Though not thoroughly established, it is documented here as very sparingly 

naturalized along a roadside in dry open grassland in Kalaeloa, presumably having spread 

from a planted individual though none were seen in the immediate area. It has also been 

noted in West loch, similarly growing along a roadside in dry kiawe forest. 

Material examined: O‘AHU: Kalaeloa, UTM 595313, 2358058. dry lowland weedy shrubland. 

Sapling about 3 ft tall, corolla lobes persistent as young fruits develop, 12 Jun 2009, OED 

2009061201. 


We thank clyde Imada for help with plant identification, support, and document editing. 

also, many thanks to the staff and volunteers at BISH, especially amanda Harbottle and 

Barbara Kennedy. Thanks to everyone at oISc and US army oahu Natural resource 

Program for field collections and support. Thanks to Marine corps Base Hawaii for access 

to their lands and survey support. Thanks to Becky azama and derek arakaki with 

Hawaii department of agriculture for their work in the field and cooperation and support. 

also, thanks to Jeff Preble, Joel lau, and Kenji Suzuki for their report of Crysobalanus 

icaco in lā‘ie, and to Tony rodd for identifying Callitris endlicheri. 


Bakeo, R. & Qarani, F. 2003. country report on the forestry invasive species situation 

in Vanuatu, pp. 130–136. In: McKenzie, P., Brown, P.c., Sun J.-h. & Wu J., eds., The 

Unwelcome Guests: Proceedings of the Asia-Pacific Forest Invasive Species 

Conference. Kunming, Yunnan Province, china.


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Depart ment of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook 654, 877 pp. 

Carter, K. 2010. list of ornamental plants found in the Philippines. http://www.gardenguides.com/89456-list-ornamental-plants-found-philippines.html. 

Chaudhurp, H., T. Ramaprabhu, T. & Ramachandran, V. 1994. Ipomoea carnea Jacq. 

a new aquatic weed problem in India. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 32: 

37–38. 

Chimera, C. 2010. HPWra: Cissus repens. http://www.hear.org/pier/wra/pacific/cissus_repens_htmlwra.htm 

Dave’s Garden. 2005. Blechnum orientale. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/95825/ 

de Balogh, K.K., Dimande, A.P., van der Lugt, J.J., Molyneaux, R.J., Naudé, T.W& 

Welman, W.G. 1999. a lysosomal storage disease induced by Ipomoea car nea in 

goats in Mozambique. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investi gation 11: 266–273. 

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251–278. 

Hovencamp, P.H., Bosman, M.T.M., Hennipman, E., Nooteboom, H.P., Rödl- 

Linder, G. & Roos, M. 1998. Polypodiaceae, pp. 1–234. In: Flora Malesiana. 

Series II. fern and fern allies. Volume 3. rijksherbarium/Hortus botanicus, leiden. 

Flores, E.M. 2002. Albizia niopoides (Spruce ex. Benth.) Burkart, pp. 277–279. In: 

Vozzo, J.a. (ed.), Tropical tree seed manual. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agric - 

ulture Handbook 721, 899 pp. 

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ice. San Juan Pr International Institute of Tropical forestry, Jardín Botánico Sur. 

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versity Press, Kensington, NSW, australia. 574 pp. 

———. editor. 1992. Flora of New South Wales. Vol. 3. royal Botanic Gardens, Ken - 

sing ton, NSW, australia. 717 pp. 

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Jersey. 199 pp. 

Henderson, R.J.F. 1987. Dianella. Flora of Australia 45: 194–225. 

Herbst, D.R., Staples, G.W. & Imada, C.T. 2004. New Hawaiian plant records for 

2002–2003. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 58: 12–36. 

Hill, K.D. 1998. Callitris. Flora of Australia 48: 576–588. 

Lorence, D. & Wagner, W.L. 1995. contributions to the flora of Hawai‘i. III. Bishop 

Museum Occasional Papers 41: 19–58. 

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(SPrEP Member countries) , pp. 85–114. In: G. Sherley, (ed.), Invasive species in 

the Pacific: A technical review and draft regional strategy. South Pacific regional 

Environment Programme, apia. 190 pp. 

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———. 2006. New Hawai‘i plant records for 2004. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 

88: 10–15. 

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Press. 336 pp. 

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flora_id=100

26 


Randall, R. 2007. Global compendium of Weeds database. http://www.hear.org/gcw/. 

Ren, H. & Jun, W. 2007. Cissus linnaeus, pp. 184–188. In: Wu Z.-y., raven, P.H. & 

Hong d.-y. (eds.), Flora of China. Vol. 12 (Hippocastanaceae through Theaceae). 

Science Press, Beijing, and Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. louis. 

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Skolmen, R.G. 1980. Plantings on the forest reserves of Hawaii 1910–1960. Honolulu, 

Institute of Pacific Islands forestry, U.S. forest Service. 481 pp. 

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o graph 14(2):. 663–1492. 

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Museum Press. xxiv + 908 pp. 

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cultivated plants in Hawai’i. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 65: 1–35. 


Hawai‘i. revised edition. 2 vols. University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum 

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Costa Rica). Vol. II. Istituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, INBio. 374 pp.




New plant records for the Hawaiian Islands 2010–2011 1 

daNIEllE froHlIcH 2 & alEx laU 2 

O‘ahu Early Detection, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817-2704; 

emails: oed@bishopmuseum.org; alex.lau@bishopmuseum.org 

o‘ahu Early detection here documents 26 new naturalized records, 8 new state records, 

31 new island records, 1 range extension, and 2 corrections found by us and other individuals 

and agencies. In addition, several species showing signs of naturalization are mentioned. 

a total of 42 plant families are discussed. 

Information regarding the formerly known distribution of flowering plants is based on 

the Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai‘i (Wagner et al. 1999) and information subsequently 

published in the Records of the Hawai‘i Biological Survey. Voucher specimens are 


Acanthaceae 

Megaskepasma erythroclamys lindau New island record 

This species, which was previously found naturalizing on o‘ahu, can be distinguished by 

its 1–2" long showy burgundy bracts and white, tubular, 2-lipped corollas with 2 fertile 

stamens (Staples & Herbst 2005). Parker & Parsons (this volume) report this species as 

naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Hā‘ena, in neighborhood makai of highway, near Tunnels Beach, 

UTM 442390, 2457621. coastal residential setting; sparingly-branched shrub to 6 ft tall, growing out 

of a hedge. Inflorescence bracts magenta. Species is planted as an ornamental and sparingly naturalized 

in the area, 9 Mar 2010, OED 2010030904. 

Aizoaceae 

Sesuvium verrucosum raf. New state record 

Sesuvium verrucosum is native to North and South america, and prefers coastal habitats 

as well as reservoir margins and ephemeral desert ponds (ferren 2003). This species was 

first collected on Maui, in Kīhei. It had been misidentified as S. portulacastrum. The 

species was then collected in a dry limestone coastal flat just above the intertidal zone at 

Maunalua Bay, o‘ahu. This species has also been reported from o‘ahu (but so far not collected) 

from Kalaeloa to Pearl Harbor. It was then collected from Moloka‘i, in a residential 

coastal area. It is variable in its native range, and it is unclear whether or not it is 

hybridizing with the native S. portulacastrum where these species co-occur in Hawai‘i. 

description of this species from Flora of North America: 

“Plants perennial, papillate with crystalline globules abundant, glabrous. Stems prostrate, 

to 1 m, forming mats to 2 m diam., branched from base, finely verrucose; not rooting at 

nodes. leaves: blade linear to widely spatulate, to 4 cm, base tapered or flared and clasping. 

Inflorescences: flowers solitary; pedicel absent or to 2 mm. flowers: calyx lobes rose 

or orange adaxially, ovate-lanceolate, 2–10 mm, margins scarious, apex hooded or 

beaked, papillate abaxially; stamens 30; filaments connate in proximal 1/2, reddish; pistil 

5-carpellate; ovary 5-loculed; styles 5. capsules ovoid-globose, 4–5 mm. Seeds 20–40, 

dark brown to black, 0.8–1 mm, shiny, smooth” (ferren 2003). 

1. contribution No. 2012-011 to the Hawaii Biological Survey. 


96817-2704, USa. 

27

28 


It is unclear whether this species was intentionally or accidentally introduced, although it 

does not appear to be widely cultivated. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Shoreline of Maunalua Bay. dry rocky (limestone) setting near 

the intertidal zone. low groundcover. Stems creeping along ground with stems upright to about 20 

cm off the ground. No rooting at nodes seen. leaves glaucous, flowers magenta above, stamens 

many, pistils usually five. only 2 plants seen in immediate area, but has been seen by collectors elsewhere 

on o‘ahu, 16 apr 2009, OED 2009041601. MOLOKA‘I: Pu‘uhala, Kanoa Pond. 21.069°, - 

156.964°. Mat-forming herb, no rooting at nodes. corollas pink. New island record, 13 Jun 2011, A. 

Dibben-Young s.n. 748342. MAUI: East Maui, Kīhei (Waiohuli), makai side of South Kīhei rd, 200 

m N of Mcdonalds. roadside, crawling on Bassia hyssopifolia, plant not abundant, 22 aug 1999, F. 

Starr & K. Martz 990822-2. 

Araliaceae 

Schefflera arboricola (Hayata) Merr. New island record 

This species has previously been collected as naturalized on Maui and o‘ahu (where it has 

subsequently been seen naturalizing widely throughout a forest bordering a botanical garden.) 

on Kaua‘i, it was seen naturalizing along the roadside and into pastures in a residential 

neighborhood. Elsewhere in this issue, Parker & Parsons report this species as naturalized 

on Hawai‘i island. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kapahi. 21°56'16.4"N, 159°31'07.1"W. large shrub of 7 m, up 

to 20 cm basal dia. fruiting profusely, fruit orange turning dark red when ripe. Naturalizing in pastures 

and hedgerows along road, 11 oct 2008, C.Trauernicht & T. Portner 582. 

Schefflera heptaphylla (l.) frodin Correction and new naturalized 

record 

This species is very rarely grown on o‘ahu, perhaps only occurring in botanical gardens. It 

was first collected in 1992 at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden by derral Herbst who at that 

time noted it “escapes all over the garden and is becoming weedy.” This species is capable 

of establishing in dense shade as well as open areas. The currently-known distribution is in 

or near the garden, so it may be a good candidate for garden staff to control where found. 

additionally, a specimen collected as “showing signs of naturalization” at lyon arboretum 

in 2005 and identified as Schefflera taiwaniana by daehler & Baker (2006) more closely fits 

the species concept of S. heptaphylla. consequently, Schefflera taiwaniana should not currently 

be considered a naturalized or adventive species in the state. description of this 

species from Flora of China (xiang & lowry 2007): 

“Trees, to 15 m tall, andromonoecious. Petiole (5–)10–30 cm; petiolules 1.5–5 cm; leaf - 

lets 6–9(–11), elliptic to oblong-elliptic or obovate-elliptic, 7–18 × 3–5 cm, papery to 

leathery, densely stellate pubescent when young, glabrescent except on midvein and in 

axils of veins, secondary veins 7–10 pairs, tertiary veins inconspicuous, base attenuate or 

cuneate to obtuse or rounded, margin entire, often serrate or pinnately lobed on young 

plants, apex abruptly acute to acuminate. Inflorescence a terminal panicle of umbels, 

densely stellate tomentose, glabrescent; primary axis to 35 cm; secondary axes 25(–35) 

cm, with a terminal umbel of bisexual flowers and several to many lateral umbels of 

bisexual or more often male flowers, usually also with 1 to several bisexual flowers borne 

just below apical umbel; pedicels 4–5 mm. calyx pubescent at first, entire or 5- or 6toothed. 

ovary 5–9(or 10)-carpellate; styles united into a thick column less than 1.5 mm. 

fruit globose, ca. 5 mm in diam., inconspicuously angled when dry; styles persistent, to 

ca. 1.5 mm.”


Material examined. O‘AHU: Kāne‘ohe, Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, 21.53°N, 157.48°W. This 

species escapes all over the garden and is becoming weedy. Malaysian Section. Tree: 40' tall with 10" 

diameter d.b.h. Trees just flowering; petals greenish white. 27 dec 1992. D. Herbst 9604; lyon 

arboretum. Naturalized sapling 1.5 m tall growing in thicket at edge of main road leading to the waterfall, 

24 May 2005, C. Daehler 1202; Kāne‘ohe, near Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. 21.387575°N, 

157.811049°W, 240 ft. This species is established over at least several acres, with 10–20 matures and 

100+ saplings over 1 m tall. UTM 623251, 2365509. Tree about 12 m tall w/straight bole growing at a 

slight angle. Younger infl somewhat contained within leaves at end of branch. lflt margins undulate. 

leaves of saplings pinnately lobed and variable, with purple midvein and fewer stellate hairs on the axils. 

lowland mesic to wet secondary forest, growing with Hibicus tiliaceus, Schefflera actinophylla, 27 oct 

2011 OED 2011102701 

Schefflera insularum (Seem.) Harms New naturalized record 

This Schefflera species, which is native to the Philippines (Seemann 1865: 80) and is 

extremely rare in cultivation in Hawai‘i and elsewhere, was seen naturalizing in scattered 

localities within Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāne‘ohe. description of this species 

(translated from latin): “leaflets 5–7, elliptical pointed teeth; tufted tomentum caducous; 

petals linear, free; stamens 7; 7-locular ovary.” (Seemann 1865). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kāne‘ohe, adjacent to main road at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical 

Garden. 21.3885962°N, 157.809835°W, 240 ft. Sparingly naturalized in this location. Species is scattered 

elsewhere in the garden as well. UTM 623376, 2365623. Scrambling shrubby habit, up to 8 ft 

tall. leaves glossy green. Infl on short side branches. lowland mesic to wet secondary forest, growing 

among Bridelia insulana, Clerodendrum chinense, 10 oct 2011, OED 2011101001. 

Arecaceae 

Coccothrinax barbadensis 

(lodd. ex Mart.) Becc. New naturalized record 

Silver thatch palm is native to the caribbean and was first collected in Hawai‘i in 1961, 

though it was likely grown here before that time. It is a solitary-trunked fan palm ranging 

from 16–50 ft in height, distinguished by the woven, burlap-like fibers surrounding the 

upper trunk, petioles which are biconvex in cross section, triangular hastulas surrounded 

by a yellow halo, and fronds which are glossy green above and silvery below (Staples & 

Herbst 2005). This species is occasional to common in cultivation in Hawai‘i. on o‘ahu, 

it was noted occasionally naturalized and well-distributed in a dry lowland residential 

area. on Kaua‘i, a sparingly naturalized population was found in a less densely-populated 

dryland area, growing in the shaded understory of Leucaena leucocephala. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kailua, lanikai (UTM 633696, 2365199). Growing in mock 

orange hedge, palm about 3 m tall. 2 individuals naturalized next to fence in yard, species is occasionally 

seen spreading in neighborhood. d. Hodel says Id likely, but this species also has a propensity 

to hybridize, 4 Jun 2009, OED 2009040602. KAUA‘I: Niumalu off Hulemalu rd UTM 462212, 

2427083. lowland dry to mesic secondary forest, growing with Leucaena lecocephala. Palm about 

3.5 m tall. fruits mostly unhealthy, old, dry. Sparingly naturalized population; smaller plants growing 

in understory of Leucaena. See BISH #583884, 22 apr 2010, OED 2010042201. 


Cynanchum gerardii (Harv.) liede New naturalized record 

Cynanchum gerardii, a plant native to Ethiopia, South africa, Madagascar, the comores, 

Saudi arabia, and Yemen, and only known to be cultivated on o‘ahu at Koko crater

30 


Botanical Garden, was found in two separate locations. The first sighting was by a member 

of the oISc field crew, who found a small patch climbing up the side of Koko crater above 

the botanical garden’s Erythrina grove. The second location for this species was along the 

Koko Head Trail, a popular hiking trail that follows the rim of the expired volcano. The population 

covered approximately 15 square ft, smothering a Leucaena leucocephala patch (J. 

atwood 2011, pers. comm.). The description of this species from Flora of Somalia: 

“climber, 0.5–3 m high; stems semisucculent, finely striate, obscurely glaucous, glabrescent, 

basally corky, with thin, yellowish bark. leaves scale-like, often not exactly opposite, 

0.8–1.2 × 0.5–0.8 mm, acute. Inflorescences 4–7-flowered; peduncle 0–2.5 mm long; 

pedicels 2–4.5 mm long. flowers sweetly scented; corolla-lobes c. 3 × 1–1.5 mm, 

deflexed, ovate, acuminate, green to greenish white. corona white, cup-shaped, c. 1.5 mm 

long, slightly exceeding the gynostegium, tube more than 3/4 of corona length, staminal 

parts triangular, apically erect to inflexed, with straight margins, connate to the filament. 

Gynostegium sessile, 1.5 × 1.2 mm; anther wings 0.4 mm long; connective appendages 

0.4 × 0.5 mm, ovate to triangular, narrower than the anthers, strongly inflexed; stigmatic 

head white, 0.8 × 0.2, flat to depressed-conical. follicles 1(–2) per flower, 8–12 cm long, 

with shortly beaked tip. Seeds 5–6 × 2–3 mm, pear-shaped, densely pubescent, not 

winged, with tuft of c. 2 cm long hairs.” (liede-Schumann 2006) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Koko crater Botanical Garden, UTM 636719, 2354330. New naturalized 

record. climbing up side of crater above Erythrina grove in mixed alien vegetation. also found 

growing thickly in a 5 meter × 5 m area along the Koko Head trail in a Leucaena leucocephala/ 

Hylocereus undatus thicket. Sprawling leafless vine. flowers minute, fruits a dehiscent pod, 4 apr 

2011, OISC 2011040401. 

Asteraceae 

Chromolaena odorata (l.) r.M. King & H. rob. New state record 

Chromolaena odorata, a sprawling shrub native to central and South america, was recently 

found by o‘ahu army Natural resource Program field crew members on an annual road 

survey of army training grounds in Kahuku. This species was not previously known to be 

in the state, but has proven itself to be a serious weed in many parts of the world, including 

australia, South africa, India, Philippines, Micronesia, Palau, and Guam (Mcfadyen & 

Skarratt 1996). It received a score of 28 on the Hawai‘i-Pacific Weed risk assessment 

(Hawaii Pacific Weed risk assessment 2011), which suggests that it has a high potential to 

be invasive in Hawai‘i. While C. odorata thrives in open, sunny areas, it also can grow in 

shade, and at Kahuku has been observed growing beneath Casuarina sp. stands (oaNrP 

Staff december 2011). This species’ ability to tolerate drought and fire, reproduce rapidly 

and prolifically both from seed and vegetatively, and to produce compounds toxic to grazing 

animals as well as humans, makes it a species of utmost priority for removal from the 

area (Hawaii Pacific Weed risk assessment 2011). Unfortunately, the infestation area is 

heavily used for military training during the week and for motocross on the weekends, 

which makes the likelihood of this species spreading to other parts of the island quite high. 

The currently-known occupied range covers over 3,390,000 square meters, and 1500 plants 

in total (immature and mature) have been counted so far. Several organizations on the island 

are involved in the control of this species, including the o‘ahu Invasive Species committee, 

the Hawai‘i department of agriculture, o‘ahu Early detection, Marine corps Base Hawai‘i, 

department of fish and Wildlife, the fish and Wildlife Service, and the Hawai‘i 

Motorsports association (oaNrP Staff december 2011). 

description of Chromolaena odorata from Flora of North America:


“Perennials or subshrubs, mostly 80–250 cm. Stems erect or sprawling to subscandent, 

hispidulous to coarsely short-pilose. Petioles 5–20 mm. leaf blades (3-nerved) narrowly 

lanceolate to deltate-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 3–10 × 1–4 cm, margins coarsely dentate 

to subentire. Heads usually 5–50+ in (terminal or lateral) corymbiform arrays. 

Involucres cylindric, (7–)8–10 mm. Phyllaries in 4–6(–8) series, apices of the inner 

appressed, rounded to truncate (sometimes slightly white-petaloid or expanded). corollas 

purplish to light blue to nearly white or slightly pinkish.” (Nesom 2006) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kahuku Training area off Bravo rd, near opana radar tracking 

station. found on an oaNrP road survey. further surveys revealed a mostly scattered, occasional 

population over many acres, with one particularly dense infestation in a nearby small gulch. Species 

appears to be growing with and occasionally outcompeting Psidium. Sprawling, climbing vine to 2.5 

m high in S. terebinthifolius thicket. flowers white to pale lavender. achenes brown-grey, 3–4 ridged 

with pappus of equal length. dry to mesic lowland flattened ridge top, secondary forest growing 

among Schinus terebinthifolius, 11 Jan 2011, H. Pali USARMY 199. 

Bignoniaceae 

Podranea ricasoliana (Tanfani) Sprague New island record 

This attractive vining species which has previously been described as naturalized on 

Maui, was found on Kaua‘i spreading into a roadside secondary forest. Parker & Parsons 

(this volume) report this species as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōloa distr, Kalāheo. Weedy wet secondary forest. collected 

along upper end of Pu‘uwai rd. liana; flowers large, delicate with whitish pink corolla. Growing 

thickly throughout tree canopies. Naturalized, 15 oct 2007, C. Trauernicht & M. Clark 206. 

Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers New naturalized record 

Pyrostegia venusta, or orange trumpet vine, a colorful, often expansive vine native to 

Brazil and Paraguay and frequently cultivated worldwide (Staples & Herbst 2005), was 

found naturalizing along a streamside in Kaua‘i, thickly covering nearby trees and ground 

over a 100 × 50 ft area. on o‘ahu, it was seen smothering a grove of trees on a military 

base, away from landscaped areas. although fruit is seldom produced, this species is occasionally 

found growing well beyond planted sites. The description of this species from A 

Tropical Garden Flora is as follows: 

“Vine. leaflets usually two, ovate, 1.5–2.5 inches long, base rounded, apex acute; tendril 

sometimes present, 3-forked. Inflorescence a more or less dense terminal panicle. flower 

calyx cup-shaped, margin densely ciliate; corolla red-orange with narrow, valvate, conspicuously 

whitish-margined lobes, stamens projecting. fruit linear, strongly compressed, 

8–12 inches long.” (Staples & Herbst 2005) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Schofield Barracks off Beaver road, across from range control. 

1000 ft. Growing amongst Schinus terebinthifolius, Urochloa maxima. Woody vine; very long, rambling, 

up to 40 ft into trees. large orange tubular flowers, 26 Jan 2010, US Army 179. KAUA‘I: 

along Kaumauli‘i Highway, over Wahiawā Stream, UTM 443526, 2424257. lowland roadside area. 

large vine blanketing canopy of nearby treesor sprawling along ground over an area of maybe 100 

× 50 ft. flowering heavily, corollas bright orange. No fruits seen. Perhaps originally planted in the 

area, this species has now spread significantly beyond its planting site in at least this area of the 

island. It is believed to fruit only rarely in Hawai‘i, but occasionally is found growing well beyond 

planting sites, 18 feb 2010, OED 2010021801. 

Tabebuia pallida (lindl.) Miers New naturalized record 

Tabebuia pallida can be found in dry and wet forests in its native range of central and 

South america and the caribbean. It has shown to be invasive in the Seychelles, where it

32 


establishes in disturbed sites, forming dense thickets that shade out more desirable native 

plants (Weber 2003). Individuals of this species were found spreading from cultivation on 

both o‘ahu and Kaua‘i. This plant has been treated as a synonym of T. heterophylla (dc.) 

Britton (Missouri Botanical Garden 2011), with which it is said to differ primarily by 

number of leaflets. Populations of the species on Kaua‘i were seen with a range of leaflets 

spanning the variability of both species. The taxonomic boundaries of these species need 

further study; the Bishop Museum currently recognizes both species as distinct. The de - 

scription of this species from Weber (2003): 

“a tree of 5–35 m height with a grayish deeply fissured bark. leaves are 8–15 cm long 

and palmately compound with 3–5 spreading leaflets. Petioles are 5–25 cm long. The 

leaflets are broadly elliptic, 5–22 cm long and 2-11 cm wide. Inflorescences are terminal 

panicles and consist of many pink rose or white flowers with corollas of 5–7 cm length. 

fruits are cylindrical and dehiscent capsules of 10–20 cm length and c. 15 mm width, containing 

numerous winged seeds.” 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Hālawa Valley, mauka portion of H3 access road. lowland mesic 

roadside. Growing on rock/concrete embankment with mixed alien species. Sapling 2 m tall, branches 

upright; leaves glossy to flat green, leaves all simple, aside from one very shallowly-lobed leaf. 

flower bud yellowish green. There were several individuals of this species of various size classes 

growing on the same embankment. There were no simple-leaved parent trees in the immediate area, 

though this species is efficiently wind-dispersed, 29 Sep 2009, OED 2009092902. KAUA‘I: Po‘ipū, 

lukika Pl. Growing in hibiscus hedge. Tree about 2.5 m tall, almost all leaves simple, flowers pink. 

New island record- occasionally naturalized in neighborhood, 14 May 2010, OED 2010051401. 

Caryophyllaceae 

Petrorhagia velutina (Guss.) P.W. Ball 

& Heywood New island record 

This slender herbaceous plant, previously collected from Maui and Hawai‘i (Wagner et al. 

1999), was found on o‘ahu in a mowed field in Schofield Barracks. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Schofield Barracks West range; area x, dragon x landing zone. 

Herbaceous plant growing in a large mowed field. from 10 to 25 cm tall, often single inflorescence 

(but occasionally branched.) Pink, distinctive 2-lobed petals; fruits a papery husk. Perhaps reached 

o‘ahu from military vehicles, 15 apr 2010, US Army 184. 

Celastraceae 

Catha edulis (Vahl) Endl. New naturalized record 

Catha edulis, or Khat, as it is known in East african countries where it is consumed as a 

stimulant, is not known to be cultivated in Hawai‘i outside of botanical gardens. on 

o‘ahu, it was found very sparingly naturalized, spreading to a dry plateau overlooking 

Waimea Botanical Garden. The description for this species from Flora of China: 

“Evergreen shrubs, 1–5 m tall; young branches with white, fine lenticels. Petiole 3–8 mm; 

leaf blade elliptic or narrowly elliptic, 4–7 × 2–4 cm, leathery, base narrowly attenuate, 

slightly decurrent, margin obtusely serrate, apex obtusely shortly acuminate. cymes single, 

small, 1.5–2 × as wide; peduncle 5–10 mm, 2–4-branched, branches short, less than 

3 mm; pedicel 1–3 mm, up to 5 mm in fruit. flowers 3–5 mm in diam.; sepals 5, triangular-ovate, 

ca. 1 mm; petals 5, white, narrowly ovate or narrowly oblong. Stamens 5, filamentous, 

shorter than corolla. ovary free, surrounded by disk; stigma 3-lobed. capsule 

orange-red, cylindric, ca. 8 × 3–4 mm, dehiscing from above, loculicidally in 3 valves, 

usually only 1 seed maturing per valve. Seeds black-brown, narrowly ovoid, 3–4 mm, 

with membranous basal wing.” (Ma & funston 2008)


Material examined. O‘AHU: Elehāhā drainage, upper Waimea, 700 ft. Small tree ca. 2 m tall. 

roadside vegetation, 9 dec 2003, K. Kawelo s.n. (BISH #704780). 

Clethraceae 

Clethra lanata M. Martens & Galeotti New naturalized record 

Clethra lanata, or Nance macho, as it is sometimes called in its native range of central 

america, is only known to be grown in botanical gardens in Hawai‘i. It was seen very 

sparingly naturalized, spreading outside the boundaries of the National Tropical Botanical 

Garden on Kaua‘i. description of this species from Flora of Panama: 

“Trees or sometimes shrubby, 2–30 m tall, sometimes buttressed at base; young branches, 

petioles, and bases of peduncles densely rusty-brown lanate. leaves grouped toward 

the tips of branchlets with smaller young leaves at the apices; blades of mature leaves obovate, 

elliptic-obovate or oblong-obovate, 7–18 cm long, 3–9 cm wide, chartaceous to subcoriaceous, 

obtuse or acute at apex, narrowed at the base, the margin entire to slightly denticulate 

due to the emergence of the veins from the leaf blade, the midrib prominent 

below, scattered stellate or simple pubescence above, denser in vein furrows, below somewhat 

paler with two! types of pubescence, one short, stellate, and forming a layer covering 

entire lower surface, the other long, simple or stellate, and confined to the veins and 

veinlets, either layer may be absent on some individuals; petioles stout, up to 2 cm long. 

Inflorescences many flowered, 4–10 simple or branched fasiculate racemes, 8–26 cm 

long, the upper part of peduncle and pedicels pale, densely tomentose, the pedicels 2.5–7 

mm long. flowers white, very sweetly aromatic; sepals 5, ovate, 3-5 mm long, puberulent-tomentose 

within, tomentose without; petals 5, obovate, short-fimbricate, slightly 

longer than the sepals, pilose within, glabrous without; stamens 5, filaments subulate, 

glabrous, the anthers sagittate; ovary transversely-elliptic, densely pilose, the style 

1.5–2.5 mm long, the stigma 3-lobed, lobes spreading. capsule transversely-elliptic, 

pilose to tomentose, to 6 mm in diam; seeds 3, compressed.” (robertson 1967) 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Upper limahuli Valley. Meterosideros/Dicranopteris disturbed 

ridgetop with large Andropogon and Clidemia patches. collected just off the ridge from the Wainiha 

Pali to the top of limahuli falls, future site of fenceline. Tree just N of the ridge about 10 ft down 

steep waterfall side. With Syzygium sandwicensis, Psychotria mariniana, Ilex anomala, Bobea, 

Alyxia. Small tree, sterile, w/one old empty peduncle up high. Tree about 12 ft tall. leaf abaxially w/ 

brown pubescence and raised veins, dark green adaxially w/ impressed veins. Petioles pubescent, 6 

Jan 2009, N. Tangalin & E. Griffin-Noyes 1876. 

Commelinaceae 

Tradescantia spathacea Sw. New island record 

Tradescantia spathacea, or oyster plant, a sturdy plant commonly seen grown as a groundcover, 

was first collected as naturalized on o‘ahu. on Kaua‘i, several populations were seen 

growing out of a fallen log and scattered in the understory of a Casuarina grove. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kalāheo, on Papalina rd near Pālama St. lowland dry/mesic roadside 

area, growing on fallen log. Herb with purple undersides to leaves. No planted individuals in area. 

Scattered populations along road in dense Casuarina stand, 19 feb 2010, OED 2010021906. 

Costaceae 

Costus scaber ruiz & Pav. New naturalized record 

This species, native to Mexico, the West Indies, central america, and tropical South 

america (Staples & Herbst 2005), was found on Kaua‘i in a pasture off Kahuna rd in 

Kapa‘a. Costus scaber can be distinguished by a line of short hairs along the midrib of the

34 


upper surface of the leaves, ovoid to cylindrical inflorescences 1.4–4.0" long that are terminal 

on leafy stems. Inflorescences have red-orange bracts with shredded, fibrous margins. 

calyxes are up to 0.25" long, and the red-orange inch-long stamens are about as long or 

longer than the yellow labellum (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kapa‘a Homesteads, off Kahuna rd. UTM 462427, 2444371. In 

pasture near fence with Sphagneticola trilobata, Macroptilium atropurpureum, 31 Mar 2010, OED 

2010033102. 

Crassulaceae 

Bryophyllum laxiflorum (Baker) Govaerts New naturalized record 

This succulent decumbent herb, which has only two specimens in the Herbarium 

Pacificum and is not known to be a popular ornamental in Hawai‘i, was found spreading 

locally down a dry, rocky slope within a 40 × 8 ft area. It was colonizing small patches of 

soil between rocks, a niche also being occupied by native Peperomia species. 

distinguishing features of this species include decumbent stems with pale green leaves 

more or less evenly spaced on the stem; circular or ovate to oblong leaf blades with blunt 

teeth along the margin, leaf bases truncate with very small to large upturned auricles. The 

inflorescence is a small, loose corymb, flowers are few, pendent; calyx tube 1.2–1.3 cm, 

lobes 6.0–6.5 × 4.5 mm. anther and styles project from the corolla tube; filaments are 

fused for 6.0–9.5 mm ( European Garden flora Editorial committee 1995) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Ko‘olau Mountains on Mau‘umae Trail, lower portion. UTM 

626174, 2355842. dry lowland ridge, growing among rocky dry cliffs and along trail in small rock 

cracks. low-growing succulent herb with erect stems. Stems, leaves, and inflorescence with pink 

cast. leaves otherwise glaucous green with scalloped margins, the lower portion/lobes of larger 

leaves upturned. flowers pendulous, corolla lobes reddish. locally abundant naturalized herb growing 

among native Peperomia spp. in the same niche habitat, 2 Nov 2010, OED 2010110201. 

Cupressaceae 

Callitris columellaris f. Muell. New island record 

Some 407 individuals of this species were planted in forest reserves on o‘ahu between 

1910 and 1960 (Skolmen 1980), which may help to explain its spread. This gymnosperm, 

previously found naturalizing on Maui, was collected on o‘ahu in a couple of lowland 

roadside areas in Schofield Barracks. Many individuals of varying size were seen. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Schofield Barracks East range in area along Higgins rd. In vegetation 

off-road around buildings and in forested areas. Guava and Eucalyptus-dominated forest. 

Individuals of varying size (3–7 m) in area. cones round, split open when dry, 2–3 cm across. New 

island record, 26 May 2009, J. Beachy & K. Kawelo US Army 158; Schofield Barracks East range 

along centerline road. Mesic lowland roadside area. Tree about 5 m tall. Male and female cones 

present; seed cones open in star shape. lots of plants in the general area of various sizes; seedlings 

and immatures present and common. Naturalizing, 7 Jan 2010, US Army 176. 

Cupressus lusitanica Mill. New naturalized record 

Cupressus lusitanica, a tree native from Mexico to central america, has been planted 

widely in Hawai‘i, both as a forestry species (939 individuals were planted on o‘ahu 

alone[Skolmen 1980]) and as an ornamental, particularly by early Portuguese settlers 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). distinguishing features of this species include sharply pointed 

leaves all the same shape and size, ovoid seed cones that are glaucous when young that 

open at maturity, and reddish-brown seeds (Staples & Herbst 2005).


Material examined. O‘AHU: Kuaokalā road. Young fruits glaucous, seeds reddish-brown, 

thin. New naturalized record, 19 Jan 2009, K. Kawelo US Army 115; Schofield Barracks East range, 

at fill disposal site off centerline rd, 920 ft. disturbed dry/mesic lowland area. Growing with mixed 

alien vegetation. approximately 4 m tall tree with branches low to ground, bushy habit. Male “cones” 

yellow, at tips of branches. female cones on lower branches, young ones glaucous. Not many small 

trees seen, but many trees on area, and do not look planted, 7 Jan 2010, US Army 177. 

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia lactea Haw. New naturalized record 

although this species is not known to flower in cultivation, it has been reported as naturalized 

from the caribbean and florida. Naturalization events must therefore occur vegetatively 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). on o‘ahu, Euphorbia lactea was collected spreading in 

dry roadside alien scrub vegetation. Individuals of varying size classes were seen. The 

population on Kaua‘i was spreading by vegetative means along a streamside cliff. 

Euphorbia lactea is a candelabra-shaped succulent shrub 10–25 ft tall, with dense stems, 

3- or 4-angled dark green with mottled white branches, paired spines to 0.2" long, grayish, 

straight. The leaves are quickly deciduous, leaf blades are ovate, spatulate to rounded, 

and 0.25–0.50" long. flowers are unknown (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Koko crater, near road to Hanauma Bay. UTM 635595, 2353210. 

Mixed alien scrub, several individuals of varying sizes in area. Spiny shrub about 2 m tall. No fruits 

or flowers. 30 Jun 2009, OED 2009063002; KAUA‘I: Hanapēpē, along Hanapēpē Stream, growing 

on cliff sides. dry lowland rocky cliffs. cactus-like Euphorbia with shrubby habit, to about 2 m tall. 

Stems green on edges/outside half, with white coloration near middle. No flowers or fruit present. 

Spreading by vegetative means along cliff sides, 22 Jun 2010, OED 2010062201. 

Euphorbia leucocephala lotsy New naturalized record 

Euphorbia leucocephala, or Puno-puno, an attractive shrub commonly seen grown as a 

hedge or specimen plants in Hawai‘i gardens, was found on Kaua‘i growing out of a 

Eugenia uniflora hedge in a lowland residential area. It was also seen in non-cultivated 

situations in other parts of the same neighborhood. description of this species from A 

Tropical Garden Flora is as follows: 

“Evergreen shrub 4–8 feet tall, crown rounded; branches green tinged reddish. leaves 

whorled, 4 to 12 per node; petioles 0.25 to 1.25 inches long; blades more or less elliptic, 

1 to 2.5 inch long by 0.25 to 1 inch wide, dull to dark green, underside paler, apex with 

tiny mucro. Inflorescence in showy panicles; blades oblanceolate to spatula-shaped. 0.5 

to 0.75 inches by 0.15 to 0.2 inches, white with green veins. cyathea inconspicuous, 

whitish, glands pale green. fruit not seen.” (Staples & Herbst 2005) 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: līhu‘e. Small individual poking out of dense Eugenia uniflora 

hedge. No mature individuals seen in local vicinity. Shrub about 2.5 ft tall, 2 apr 2010, OED 

2010040201. 

Homalanthus populneus (Geiseler) Pax New naturalized record 

Homalanthus populneus, a species known in Hawai‘i from one specimen taken from 

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, was found spreading near an untended side road close to 

the garden. The description of this species taken from H-J Esser’s “revision of 

Omalanthus (Euphorbiaceae) in Malesia” (now Homalanthus nom. cons.): 

“Tree up to 10 meters tall, dbh 18 cm, with slender, terete, crooked to straight trunk, 

numerous spreading, flexible branches, and a flattish but spreading crown; without but-

36 


tresses. Glabrous. Bark pale brown to grey, non-fissured but lenticelled and mottled with 

pale patches, with greyish lenticels, yellow on the inside, very thin, soft.... Stipules 0.8 to 

2 cm long. leaves: petiole 1 to 15 cm long, glandless; lamina orbiculate to ovate to lanceolate, 

3 to 22 by 1.5 to 20 cm, base rounded to slightly emarginate to, rarely, cuneate, not 

or indistinctly (up to 1 mm) peltate, very base often attenuate, apex acuminate, lower surface 

usually whitish with larger veins of different color, rarely not whitish at all, side veins 

in 9 to 15 pairs below the apex, angle of divergence 50 to 60 (up to 80) degrees, partially 

to completely joined towards the margin, tertiary veins percurrent, quaternary veins 

reticulate and usually indistinct, adaxially without any prominent gland, but often with 2 

glandular auricles up to 0.6 mm long, abaxially with 1 to 3 glands on each half of blade, 

0.2 to 0.5 mm in diameter, and close to the margin, basal ones sometimes enlarged, and 

close to or touching the midvein if not absent. Infloresecences 3 to 30 cm long, usually 

bisexual, occasionally wholly staminate, staminate part 6 to 9 mm in diameter. Bracts of 

staminate cymules 0.75 to 1.5 mm long, with a pair of large undivided glands 0.5 to 1.5 

mm long and only slightly (0.2 to 0.3 mm) overtopped by the bract. Staminate flowers 

(1–) 3 per cymule; pedicel 0.6 to 3 mm long; sepals 2, about 0.6 mm long; stamens (6–) 

8 to 10 per flower with filaments about 0.4 mm long and anthers about 0.3 mm long. 

Pistillate flowers 0 to 4 (–21) per thyrse; pedicel 3 to 12 mm long; sepals 2, soon 

caducous; ovary about 2 mm long, bicarpellate, papillate, style about 0.6 to 1.5 mm long, 

stigma 1.5 to 3 (–6) by 0.6 to 0.7 mm, apically undivided to slightly emarginate to shortly 

divided, glandular over its whole length or only the apical or basal 0.5 mm glandless. 

fruits 2 to 4 (–8) per infructescence; bract persistent; pedicel sulcate, not carinate, style 

0.3 to 1 mm long, the stigma 1.5 to 3 by 0.6 mm; regularly opened fruits not uncommon, 

opening primarily loculicidally, pericarp about 0.2 to 0.3 mm thick, remaining columella 

slightly alate.” (Esser 1997) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: on road towards Board of Water Supply building, 

21.3886709221213, -157.810172089729. Shrub/tree with spreading crown. ~7 ft tall, leaning over. 

flowers minute, with basal glands. In mixed alien botanical garden setting. associated vegetation: 

Clerodendrum chinense, Falcataria, Bridelia insularum, 20 oct 2011, OED 2011102001. 

Manihot esculenta crantz New naturalized record 

Manihot esculenta, or Tapioca, is a prominent crop worldwide and a popular source of 

starch for many cultures in Hawai‘i. It was found naturalized in two separate locations on 

Kaua‘i, and along the Hālawa access road on o‘ahu. M. esculenta can be either a shrub 

or an herb 3–10 ft tall, with brittle, knobby stems and swollen, elongate roots. leaf petioles 

are 2–7 in long and can be green or reddish; leaf blades are usually divided, or the 

upper portion can occasionally be entire. leaves have 3–7 lobes which are narrowly elliptic 

to narrowly oblanceolate, 4–8 in × 0.66–1.50 in, undersides are white and margins are 

smooth. Inflorescences are axillary, flowers are green or yellowish, more or less flushed 

red, 0.33–0.50 in long. fruit is 0.50–0.75 in long and often winged. Seeds are oblong and 

mottled tan to brown (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: H3 Hālawa- UTM 2367484, 617550. New naturalized record. 

Semiwoody tree with brittle stems, petioles crimson. No flowers or fruit seen. Patch of 6–10 plants 

growing in thick Guinea grass understory, 15 oct 2009, OED 2009101501. KAUA‘I: UTM 464691, 

2443006. lowland mesic residential setting. Sprawling shrub/thicket about 8-10 feet tall, occasionally 

climbing trees to 20 ft high. large naturalized patch covering about 0.25 acres, forming a monoculture/thicket. 

downslope from a cultivated patch. 10 Mar 2010, OED 2010031001; Hoary Head 

range, E of omoe, 210 m. appears naturalized, but fairly local. along cane road. Shrub ca 2.5 m tall. 

6 apr 1988, W. L. Wagner & C. Imada 6005.


Pedilanthus tithymaloides (l.) Poit. subsp. 

padifolius (l.) dressler New naturalized record 

This easily-cultivated species which is used as an ornamental as well as a medicinal plant in 

many tropical regions of the world (Staples & Herbst 2005), has escaped cultivation on o‘ahu. 

Pedilanthus tithymaloides subsp. padifolius is a distinctive shrub 1–10 ft tall, with succulent 

branches, and inflorescences in flat-topped clusters. The cyathia involucres are slipper-shaped 

and tubular with a basal spur protruding from the back; the subspecies is characterized by its 

obovate or elliptic leaves that are widest above the middle (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kamilo Iki. UTM 634558, 2355049. 200 ft. Growing with 

Leucaena in rocky hillside near residential lawn area. Herb about 0.5 m tall. flowers crimson, slipper-shaped. 

fruits numerous. See also Bishop coll #726000. 3 apr 2009, OED 2009040301; Waipi‘o 

Peninsula, within area controlled by Navy, along coastal road, UTM 605651, 2361445, 15 ft. Small, 

localized, naturalized population with unknown initial introduction history. Somewhat commonly 

cultivated on island but no obvious cultivation near collection site. Succulent shrub to 2 ft. lowland 

coastal non-native vegetation dominated by Prosopis pallida and Cenchrus ciliaris, 9 dec 2010, 

OED 2010120901. 

Fabaceae 

Acacia mangium Willd. New island record 

Acacia mangium, an easy-to-grow forestry species that was widely planted in the Pacific 

and elsewhere as a forestry tree, frequently naturalizes where grown and is known to 

spread from plantings. It tolerates degraded areas and seems to prefer moist to wet sites. 

It has been previously collected as naturalized on o‘ahu, and was found on Kaua‘i growing 

out of a pile of debris in a pasture in lumaha‘i Valley, and also spreading fairly extensively 

from a forestry planting in Wailua. Parker & Parsons (this volume) report this 

species as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: lower lumaha‘i Valley, in pasture near highway, UTM 445357, 

2456701. coastal mesic pasture. Sapling/tree to 8 ft tall, no flowers or fruit present. 2 naturalized 

individuals growing in rockpile in middle of an Ageratum conyzoides-dominated portion of a pasture. 

This species was also noted as naturalized in upper Wailua on loop rd, probably spreading from 

experimental tree planting sites, 11 Mar 2010, OED 2010031101. 

Bauhinia glauca (Benth.) Benth. subsp. 

tenuiflora (c.B. clarke) K. larsen & 

S.S. larsen New naturalized record 

Bauhinia glauca, a species native to Southeast asia and India (chen et al. 2010), but not 

known to be cultivated in Hawai‘i outside botanical gardens, was found on o‘ahu, smothering 

the canopy of Aleurites moluccana. description of the species (with subspecies 

characters in brackets): 

“climbers, with tendrils. Young branches reddish pubescent, later glabrous. Stipules linear, 

ca. 4 mm; petiole sparsely pubescent, [1–2(–3) cm; leaves relatively large, 7–9 cm, 

primary veins 9–11, apex bifid to only 1/5], …tip of lobes rounded. flowers in short dense 

corymbs; bracts linear, ca. 5 mm; bracteoles similar, inserted near middle of pedicel. 

Pedicel slender, 10–20 mm. flower buds ovoid, [hairy]. receptacle striate, tubular, 

[receptacle 25–30 mm (longer than pedicel)], subglabrous. calyx splitting into 2 or 3 

reflexed segments. Petals white, subequal, broadly obovate, 8–12 mm including claw 2–3 

mm. fertile stamens 3; filaments glabrous, ca. as long as petals; anthers red, ellipsoid, ca. 

2 mm. Stami nodes 7, 2 in between stamens, ca. 3 mm, 5 short, subulate, connate at base.

38 


ovary ca. 8 mm, glabrous, shortly stalked; style very short; stigma obliquely peltate. 

legume flat, 18–25 × 3–5 cm, thinly valved, indehiscent. Seeds flat, ovoid, 5–8 mm.” 

(chen et al. 2010b) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, near BWS pumping station 

fence. UTM 623222, 2365401. Sprawling over Aleurites moluccana in mixed alien lowland forest. 

large, extensively sprawling vine with trunk ~7 in dia at base. covering large area, dense blanketing 

growth in parts. flowers white, about 1 in across. Pods dark brown, flat. New naturalized record, 21 

oct 2011, OED 2011102102. 

Calliandra houstoniana (Mill.) Standl. 

var. calothyrsa (Meisn.) Barneby New island record 

Calliandra houstoniana var. calothyrsa, a nitrogen-fixing species native to central 

america and northern South america, is frequently cultivated in asia as a forestry species 

(caB International 2005). It has been collected as naturalized on Maui and lāna‘i, and 

now on Kaua‘i, where a small population was spotted spreading along a roadside and into 

a nearby field. Parker & Parsons (this volume) report this species as naturalized on 

Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kaumuali‘i Hwy near Halfway Bridge UTM 453515, 2428694. 

lowland mesic roadside area. Tree/shrub about 15 ft tall. Probably planted somewhere in the general 

area, but now spreading to at least roadside and open areas, 7 Jun 2010, OED 2010060702. 

Desmodium cajanifolium (Kunth) dc. New island record 

Desmodium cajanifolium, a weedy species previously found naturalized along roadsides 

and in open forests on the Big Island, was seen on Kaua‘i growing in Leucaena-dominated 

secondary vegetation. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōloa, road to Kāhili Mt. Park, 0.4 mi from Hwy 50, at 720'. 

8–10' herb; spindly, sparingly branched; leaves matte green olive green above, below paler, dull, 

raised yellow green veins; standard and keel pale lilac, wings darker pink. Secondary vegetation; 

Panicum maximum, Leucaena, 18 Nov 2004, T. Flynn 7159. 

Peltophorum pterocarpum (dc.) K. Heyne New naturalized record 

Peltophorum pterocarpum, or Yellow poinciana, a native to Southeast asia and northern 

australia, is occasionally planted as a street tree in the Hawaiian Islands. This species is 

easily cultivated from seed, which it produces in abundance. It was found on Kaua‘i scattered 

throughout a residential area. The description for this species from Flora of China 

is as follows: 

“Trees, 4–15 m tall. Young shoots, petioles, and inflorescences ferruginous hairy; old 

branches with yellowish, small lenticels. leaves 30–42 cm; petiole robust; rachis 25–35 

cm; pinnae 7–15 pairs, opposite, 8–12 cm; leaflets (7–)10–21 pairs, crowded together, 

oblong-obovate, 1.2–1.7 cm × 5–7 mm, leathery, abaxially pale green, adaxially deep 

green, base oblique, margin entire, apex rounded, mucronate. Panicles terminal or axillary, 

densely ferruginous puberulent; bracts caducous, 5–8 mm. Pedicels ca. 5 mm, ca. as 

long as flower buds, 5–7 mm from one another. flower buds globose, 5–8 mm in diam. 

Sepals ovate, 5–8 × 4–7 mm, outside ferruginous tomentose. Petals obovate, 1.5–1.7 cm 

× 8–10 mm, densely ferruginous pubescent at middle of both surfaces, long clawed. 

filaments ca. 1.2 cm, hirsute at base; anthers ca. 3 mm, sagittate at base. ovary stalked, 

hairy, 3- or 4-ovuled; style filiform, much longer than ovary, smooth; stigma discoid, 3lobed. 

legume winged, compressed, fusiform, narrowed to both ends, longitudinally 

veined at middle part; wings 4–5 mm wide. Seeds 2–4.” (chen et al. 2010a)


Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kapa‘a, Kaehulua rd, near intersection with Ka‘apuni rd. UTM 

465781, 2441964. lowland residential and secondary vegetation. Tree about 10 ft tall, pods brown. 

Scattered individuals throughout this neighborhood, 10 Mar 2010, OED 2010031003. 

Pueraria montana (lour.) Merr. var. lobata 

(Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep New island record 

Kudzu, a vining species notorious in many tropical and subtropical areas for its ability to 

smother surrounding vegetation, has been previously described as naturalized on o‘ahu, 

Maui, and the Big Island. on Kaua‘i, it was collected in the Hanalei National Wildlife 

refuge, growing along a streambank. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Hanalei NWr, valley along river 10'. liana; leaves dull medium 

green, raised white veins above, greenish gray, pale green rained veins below; calyx lobes pale yellow; 

standard purple, basal pale yellow green spot; wings purple, keel slightly paler, 8 oct 1991, T. 

Flynn 4748. 

Stylosanthes scabra Vogel New island record 

This species, occasionally used as a marginal forage for livestock (Skerman et al. 1988), 

has been found naturalizing on the islands of o‘ahu, Moloka‘i, lāna‘i, Maui, and Ha - 

wai‘i. It was recently collected from a pastured area on Kaua‘i. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōloa district, ala Kalanikaumaka rd. ca 100 m from junction 

with Koloa rd, 21.54°N, 159.28°W , 73 m. locally common. Woody herb to 3 ft; leaves red-green 

above, grey-green below; corolla: keel yellow, standard yellow fading white. ruderal vegetation with 

Desmodium, Panicum, Chamaecrista and Stylosanthes, 26 Mar 2009, T. Flynn 7438. 

Vigna luteola (Jacq.) Benth. New island record 

Vigna luteola, a forage species naturalized throughout the tropics and subtropics and previously 

collected as naturalized on o‘ahu, was found on Kaua‘i growing in a coastal 

species restoration site. It is unclear how this species came to be growing in that location. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōloa district, lāwai Bay, 21°53'22"N, 159°30'12"W, 3 m. Vine 

twining in and around Scaevola; stems pale green, leaves dark glossy green above w/ obvious reticulate 

venation, below glossy, paler w/ obvious venation; peduncle erect, pale green; calyx pale green; 

standard greenish yellow w/in, yellow green w/out. coastal, growing in “Native coastal restoration” 

site fronting allerton Estate. Scaevola, Wedelia, Vigna spp., Stenotaphrum, Ipomoea, 6 oct 2008, T. 

Flynn 7401. 

Iridaceae 

Dietes iridioides (l.) Sweet New naturalized record 

Dietes iridioides, a species used often as an accent plant in landscaping, has been found 

naturalizing on a ridgetop on o‘ahu. The description of this species from A Tropical 

Garden Flora: 

“Plant 1 to 2 feet tall; leaf blades linear to sword-shaped, 10 to 16 inches by 0.25 to 0.6 

inches, veins not obvious. Inflorescence scape bracts not obviously paired, 1 to 1.25 inches 

long, brownish. flowers 1.5 to 2 (–4) inches, white with yellow blotch and beard on 

outer tepal, inner tepal white, tepal claws often orange-dotted; style branches bluish. fruit 

ovoid-cylindrical, 0.8 to 1.2 inches long, rough-walled, furrowed, apex beaked.” (Staples 

& Herbst 2005) 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Wai‘anae Mountains, Manuwai along eastern fenceline of Manuwai 

fence, 2100 ft. Naturalized, forming a patch. Plant was sterile at field collection site- collected and grown

40 


until flowering at residence in Kahalu‘u. clumping herb, leaves less than 0.5 m long. outer tepals white 

with yellow-brown markings, inner tepals purple. Growing with Metro sideros polymorpha, Grevillea 

robusta, Dodonaea viscosa, Clidemia hirta, 15 Jun 2011, J. Beachy US Army 214. 

Juncaceae 

Juncus effusus l. New island record 

Juncus effusus, which has the common name Japanese mat rush, is believed to have been 

brought to Hawai‘i in the early 1900s to be used as a source of matting material (Wagner 

et al. 1999). It is widely naturalized on the islands of o‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Maui, and Ha - 

wai‘i, and now on Kaua‘i, where it was collected in Kōke‘e State Park. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōke‘e State Park, between Pihea trail and Pihea peak. 

Metrosideros-dominated wet forest with Cheirodendron, Vaccinium, Sadleria, and Clermontia. Erect 

herb; stems glossy green, whitish green at base; spikelets whitish. Pith appears to be solid, 21 May 

2008, T. Flynn 7395. 

Lamiaceae 

Ocimum basilicum l. New island record 

Ocimum basilicum, or Sweet basil, is widely cultivated and naturalized in Hawai‘i and 

worldwide. It has been previously collected on Ni‘ihau, o‘ahu, Moloka‘i, lāna‘i, Maui, 

and Hawai‘i. on Kaua‘i, it was found sparingly naturalized on a residential roadside bordering 

pastureland. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Mauka of Kapa‘a town on Hau‘iki rd, UTM 462767, 2442577. 

lowland roadside area. Herb to 1 ft tall. Very sparingly naturalized in roadside area with pastureland 

on one side and residences on the other, 31 Mar 2010, OED 2010033104. 

Myricaceae 

Morella cerifera (l.) Small New island record 

This species has previously been documented as naturalized on Maui. It is documented 

here as established on Hawai‘i Island, where two populations are known in the Hilo area, 

along Mohouli St and along Stainback Hwy near Pana‘ewa Zoo. It was known to exist on 

the island in the literature (Kurten et al. 2008), but apparently not citing an herbarium 

specimen. This species is not listed as planted on Big Island forest reserves in Skolmen 

(1980), although it may have been planted there at some point. The Mohouli Street population 

is an extensive, dense thicket, and significant control work has been performed in 

that area (J. Parker 2011, pers. comm.). This species is also documented here as at least 

adventive on Kaua‘i, where it was seen in a coastal residential area spreading significantly 

throughout one resident’s yard, perhaps only by root suckers. It is unclear whether it 

was originally planted in this location. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Hā‘ena, on Hā‘ena Place. coastal residential setting. 2–3 m tall shrub. 

adventively spreading locally. only male plants noted, though only a few individuals were inspected, 9 

Mar 2010, A. Lau & D. Frohlich 2010030902. HAWAI‘I: Sunrise ridge subdivision on Mohouli St extension 

between Komohana St and Kaumana dr. Growing with Melastoma septemnervium, Melochia, other 

weedy species on thin soil on roadside. distribution of the plant in the area is unknown but it is common 

just above Komohana St for about 1 km on Mohouli St. appears to occupy at least 70 acres, 19 Mar 2003, 

s.n.; Several large trees 7–8 m tall and a few (not many) apparent seedlings along Stainback Hwy between 

Pana‘ewa Zoo and Hawaii Belt Hwy, 26 apr 1985, R.L.Stemmermann 6936.


Myrsinaceae 

Ardisia crenata Sims New island record 

Known in Hawai‘i as Hilo holly, this ornamental plant has escaped cultivation to become an 

occasional to common element of mesic and wet lowland forests, where it commonly grows 

in densely shady understory. It has been documented as naturalized on o‘ahu, Maui, and 

Hawai‘i islands. It is documented here as very sparingly naturalized along a roadside on 

Kaua‘i. It is not unlikely that this species is also established in forested areas of Kaua‘i, 

although surveys of these areas have not been done by the collectors mentioned here. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: lāwa‘i, off Piko rd. 1 m tall columnar shrub. No flowers seen; 

fruits abundant, red. Single naturalized plant coming out of cultivated hedge. Very sparingly naturalized 

in immediate area, 24 feb 2010, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2010022401. 

Myrtaceae 

Pimenta dioica (l.) Merr. New island record 

also known as allspice, this species has previously been collected as naturalized on 

Kaua‘i and Maui. The collection below is from a population on o‘ahu, in Makiki, known 

to the authors to extend above Maunalaha Trail where it occupies more than an acre in 

various densities, occasionally forming dense thickets. Parker & Parsons (this volume) 

report this species as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: E side of Maunalaha Trail, behind Hawai‘i Nature center, 

Makiki, Honolulu. about 200 m. Vegetation: mostly Eucalyptus with other alien species. Small tree 

2.5 m tall. flowers white, no fruit present. Many trees, most in bud, 16 Jul 2002, F. Kraus FK 06. 

Pimenta racemosa (Mill.) J.W. Moore New naturalized record 

also known as Bay rum tree, this native to the caribbean is somewhat rare in cultivation on 

o‘ahu. It can be distinguished the other species of Pimenta naturalized in Hawai‘i by more 

obtuse to subcircular leaves (vs. oblong-elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate in P. dioica), the apex 

usually rounded (vs. obtuse to acute), and by flowers with 5 sepals and 5 petals (vs. 4 sepals 

and 4 petals) (Staples & Herbst 2005). It is naturalized in Moanalua Valley on o‘ahu, probably 

as an escape from cultivation in the area. It is well scattered over many acres. No extensive 

dense stands were seen, but thorough surveys off-trail were not performed. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Moanalua Valley, along trail. lowland mesic, predominantly nonnative 

secondary forest, in valley floor. Probably planted in some areas but now naturalized and occasional 

to common along lower portion of trail. Usually scattered, but occasionally forming small 

dense patches (3 × 3 m), 26 May 2011, A. Lau 2011052601. 

Ochnaceae 

Ochna thomasiana Engl. & Gilg New island record 

This species has previously been documented as naturalized on o‘ahu, lāna‘i, and Maui. 

It is now known to be very sparingly naturalized on Kaua‘i as well, where it was seen 

escaping cultivation in a somewhat dry lowland residential area. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kalāheo, off Pu‘u rd, on ai rd. dry/mesic lowland residential 

roadside area, in an herbicided field. Very sparingly naturalized in the area. cultivated elsewhere on 

island, 19 feb 2010, A. Lau & D. Frohlich 2010021902. 

Orchidaceae 

Dendrobium mirbelianum Gaudich. New state record 

This species is native to the Moluccas, New Guinea, the Bismarck archipelago, northeastern 

australia, and the Solomon Islands, where it grows as an epiphyte in mangroves

42 


and forests more or less near sea level. It is known to have populations with cleistogamous 

flowers, which means that it can produce self-pollinating flowers that remain closed. It is 

reported to be commonly cultivated in some regions and to form natural hybrids (cribb 

1986). although this species had not been collected from cultivation, it is most likely an 

escape from a garden or nursery. It appears established as naturalized, occurring in scattered 

localities along the Schofield-Waikāne trail. Sterile individuals closely resembling 

the vouchered material were also noted in Kahana Valley by the collectors, as low as about 

300 m. This Dendrobium belongs to section Spatulata (cribb 1986), and can be distinguished 

from other members of this section primarily by floral characters, which include: 

flowers greenish yellow to olive brown, veined with purple brown on the lip; callus white, 

marked with purple or violet; petals spathulate, acute to subacute, not twisted; lip 3-lobed, 

side lobes elliptic, mid-lobe recurved, ovate, acute, margins erose and undulate; callus of 

five erose ridges, the central one longest and slightly dilated towards apex at middle of 

mid-lobe (cribb 1986). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Schofield-Waikāne trail, 2000 ft. Epiphyte. Naturalized in area, 

13 May 2009, K. Kawelo s.n. (BISH# 736798); Waikāne trail, near summit ridge, growing near trail 

about 0.15 mi from Pu‘uka‘aumakua. 1800 ft. Native ‘ōhi‘a forest, epiphytic on Metrosideros polymorpha. 

Plant was sterile but was grown till flowering at a residence in Kahalu‘u, 31 dec 2010, J. 

Rohrer US Army 202. 

Dendrobium rhombeum lindl. New state record 

This species is endemic to the Phillipines, and although it is listed as a synonym of D. heterocarpum 

Wall. ex lindl. by some sources, it is believed to be a distinct taxon and a valid 

name by a taxonomic expert of the region (J. cootes 2011, pers. comm.). It was seen forming 

a small, locally naturalized population in ‘ōhi‘a/uluhe forest in the central Ko‘olaus 

of o‘ahu. It is likely an escape from cultivation, though no previous vouchers of this 

species in Hawai‘i have been deposited at BISH. This species flowered when leafless, on 

a very short (1.0–1.5 cm) peduncle. It is differentiated from the related D. heterocarpum 

in labellum characters including overall shape, as well as arrangement of labellum hairs 

(J. cootes 2011, pers. comm.). In our specimen the labellum apex is somewhat acute, and 

hairs are somewhat whitish. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Ko‘olau Mountains, Kīpapa trail. Epiphytic on Psychotria marin - 

iana. a few stems from base, up to 30 cm tall. corolla lobes cream colored, throat yellow with 

maroon markings. collected in wild and grown to maturity at Mānoa residence, 12 oct 2010, J. Lau 

s.n. (BISH# 749851). 

Epidendrum nocturnum Jacq. New state record 

This species is native to florida, the West Indies, and central and South america. one listed 

common name is Night-smelling epidendrum, which refers to its flowers which are fragrant 

at night. E. nocturnum is known to have cleistogamous flowers (Hágsater 2002). 

This ability to self pollinate may aid in its ability to spread outside its native range. This 

species was found very sparingly naturalized in the Wai‘anae Mountain range near Pu‘u 

Kaua, perhaps an escape from cultivation somewhere on island. It can be distinguished 

from other species of Epidendrum by its cespitose habit; relatively short (3 cm) inflorescence 

rachis; long (6 cm), linear-lanceolate, yellowish sepals and petals; and ellipsoid, 3 

cm long capsules. a full description of the species can be found in the Flora of North 

America, which is currently available online (Flora of North America website 2011). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: ‘Ēkahanui, near Pu‘u Kaua, ca 3000 ft elevation. Epiphyte, 1 Nov 

2009, K. Kawelo US Army 172.


Phytolacaceae 

Phytolacca dioica l. New naturalized record 

This species is native to tropical South america, where it has been planted as a shade tree 

and given the common name Bella Sombra. It is capable of storing large quantities of 

water, and therefore is resistant to drought and fire (Staples & Herbst 2005). It is a fastgrowing 

tree which can grow in nutrient-poor soils, thriving in dry, hot conditions (Staples 

& Herbst 2005). It is dioecious, and can be distinguished from other species of Phytolacca 

in Hawai‘i by its tree habit. although usually encountered in Hawai‘i as a smaller tree, it 

may grow up to 18–20 m, and has a thickened trunk which may fan out at the base. The 

leaves are elliptic to ovate, more or less fleshy; the inflorescences are pendant racemes. 

flowers of both male and female plants are greenish white (Staples & Herbst 2005). It was 

seen spreading locally and sparingly naturalized in lualualei, where it was escaping from 

experimental planting sites nearby. Individuals of all size classes were seen. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: lualualei NavMag, 580 ft. dry lowland valley floor, nonnative 

scrubland dominated by Leucaena leucocephala and Cenchrus ciliaris. female and male trees to 20 

ft tall, both collected from a small naturalized population, 8 dec 2010, A. Lau, D. Frohlich & A. 

Hebshi 2010120801. 

Pinaceae 

Pinus elliottii Engelm. New island record 

This species has previously been documented as naturalized on Moloka‘i. It was extensively 

planted in forestry plots in the Pu‘u Ka Pele forest reserve on Kaua‘i and is now 

firmly established as naturalized, spreading from these plantings. a sparingly naturalized 

population is also now known from o‘ahu, on Mau‘umae ridge. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Waimea, Kōke‘e, Mākaha ridge rd, 1.75 mi W of Hwy 550. 12 

m × 25 cm tree; canopy broadly conical; leaves in fascicles of 2; young female cones glaucous green, 

purple scale tips. abundantly naturalized along road and ridge top, 28 apr 2006, D. Lorence & T. 

Flynn 9515; Kōke‘e, along contour road between Kauhao and Kā‘aweiki ridges. 3200 ft. Mesic secondary 

forest. Species was heavily planted in the area and has also thoroughly established naturalized 

populations surrounding and at significant distances from planted sites, 23 Jun 2010, A. Lau & 

D. Frohlich 2010062301. O‘AHU: Mau‘umae trail, at ca 1300 ft growing among uluhe, koa, and ‘iliahi. 

This species is occasional along a section of this trail, 12 Jun 2008, A. Lau 2008061201. 

Pittosporaceae 

Pittosporum pentandrum (Blanco) Merr. New island record 

This species has previously been documented as naturalized on o‘ahu and Hawai‘i is - 

lands, where it escapes from planted sites. It is documented here as spreading on Kaua‘i 

as well, also escaping cultivation to become sparingly naturalized. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Princeville area, near mauka intersection of Kapi‘olani lp and 

Kamāmalu lp. lowland residential setting. 10 ft tall tree. Sparingly naturalized in the area. also 

noted as sparingly naturalized in Wailua residential roadside areas, 11 Mar 2010, D. Frohlich & A. 

Lau 2010031103. 

Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims New island record 

This species has previously been documented as naturalized on lāna‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i 

islands. It is documented here naturalized on o‘ahu as well, where it was spreading from 

planted individuals in Kāne‘ohe. one other BISH specimen indicates spread and naturalization 

as well; a single, apparently naturalized tree in Waimānalo near a trail. The material

44 


from Kāne‘ohe was cultivated and naturalized, and was introduced under the name P. ripicolum, 

which is currently considered a synonym of P. viridiflorum. Interestingly, plants of 

these populations displayed consistently undulate leaf margins, while the vast majority of 

specimens were flat margined. This character may well fit within the current concept of P. 

viridiflorum, which is stated to be a highly variable plant (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Ho‘omaluhia BG, near african section lawn. Growing in unmanaged 

area, among Citharexylum caudatum, Ardisia elliptica, and Medinilla cumingii. Species is 

spreading through other unmanaged areas as well. Tree about 10 ft tall, 7 apr 2011, D. Frohlich & 

A. Lau 2011040701. 

Plumbaginaceae 

Plumbago auriculata lam. New island record 

also known as Blue plumbago, this species has previously been documented as naturalized 

on Maui. It is documented here as sparingly naturalized on both Kaua‘i and o‘ahu 

islands, where it was spreading from cultivation in dry sites. The o‘ahu population was 

on the dry rocky slopes of Punchbowl crater, among Cenchrus ciliaris, Hylocereus undatus, 

and other secondary vegetation. Because of the attractive and vigorous nature of this 

ornamental hedge plant (Staples & Herbst 2005) it is likely this species escapes often in 

lowland residential areas, only to be tolerated and maintained. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Po‘ipū. In mixed alien lowland vegetation. Shrub about 3 ft tall, 

flowers lavender, 17 May 2010, OED 2010051701. O‘AHU: Punchbowl area, on Prospect St. Vining 

shrub to about 1.5 m, flowers lavender. at least locally naturalized on Punchbowl slope, growing 

along road cut area as well as through a Hylocereus thicket above road cut, across road from the probable 

planting site. 21 aug 2008, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2008082101. 

Poaceae 

Entolasia marginata (r. Br.) Hughes New island record 

This australian species has previously been collected as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island. It 

is now known from o‘ahu as well, where it was found naturalized in mesic, mostly nonnative 

forest in Pālehua. More information including keys and full descriptions can be 

found in the Flora of New South Wales (Harden 1990). The information in this flora is currently 

available online as part of the New South Wales flora online project (The royal 

Botanic Gardens and domain Trust). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Pālehua, Upper gulch off road by HUa 13 & 14. Elepaio territory. 

2000 ft. Weedy forestry plants with remnant native stands, 10 oct 2011, K. Kawelo US Army 233. 

Leptochloa panicea (retz.) ohwi subsp. 

brachiata (Steud.) N. Snow New state record 

This species has a very broad natural distribution. Within the species, there are 3 subspecies 

recognized, and so far all material seen has been identified as L.p. subsp. brachiata. 

This subspecies is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the americas. It is 

regarded as a weed in its native range, as it grows successfully in agricultural areas, warranting 

control work (Harris 2010). It has also naturalized in australia (Snow 2004). It is 

documented here as sparingly naturalized in Waimānalo, at a large nursery, where it was 

growing along margins of maintained areas as well as coming up in potted plants. It is 

likely this plant arrived as an accidental introduction, perhaps as seed in ordered nursery 

stock or materials. It can be distinguished from other species of Leptochloa by its race-


mose panicle branches, erose to ciliate ligules, and hairy sheaths. a full description of the 

species can be found in the Flora of North America (Snow 2003). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Waimānalo, leilani nursery. rural nursery lowland nursery setting. 

40–50 plants total, most growing out of pots. Grass about 1 m tall, 24 aug 2011, J. Ho 20110801. 

Miscanthus floridulus (labill.) Warb. 

ex K. Schum. & lauterb. New state record 

This species is native to temperate and tropical regions, in china, Japan, and some Pacific 

islands. It has become naturalized on Guam (Space & falanruw 2000). In both its native and 

naturalized range it commonly forms thickets, and this species is adapted to and resprouts 

readily from fire (Bassler & aguon 2006). It is documented here as sparingly naturalized, 

where it was seen as only a few well scattered mature individuals in a dry lowland military 

training area. It is possible it arrived here as an accidental introduction through military training 

activities. due to its limited known population size and the likelihood of it expanding its 

range and contributing to fire hazard, it is likely this population will receive control work, in 

an effort to remove it from the island. The genus is closely related to Saccharum, from which 

it can be differentiated by its spikelet pairs being unequally pedicillate (as opposed to sessilepedicillate 

pairs in both Saccharum as well as most other andropogonoid grasses), as well as 

having non-disarticulating inflorescence branches (Wagner & lorence 2002). The plant is a 

large, clump-forming grass, its culms growing from 1.5–4.0 m. The leaves are cauline, blades 

with a prominent midrib, the blade margins scabrous; the inflorescence is oblong elliptic in 

outline, the main axis 25–45 cm; racemes are numerous, 10–30 cm long, and are appressed 

to ascending; the spikelets are awned, with white, spreading callus hairs which are 4–6 mm 

long (chen & renvoize 2006). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Northern Ko‘olau range, Kahuku training area, near Pahi - 

pahi‘ālua gulch. dry to mesic lowland slope. Mixed forestry trees with Osteomeles understory, 2-3 

m tall bunchgrass, about 2.5 m in diameter. Single naturalized individual, but others scattered in the 

area, 14 Mar 2011, A. Lau 2011031401. 

Schizachyrium condensatum (Kunth) Nees New island record 

This commonly misidentified species has previously been documented from Hawai‘i 

Island, where it is an invasive species and fire threat, particularly in Hawai‘i Volcanoes 

National Park (Stone et al. 1992). It is documented here as well-established on Kaua‘i as 

well, where it was seen forming thickets or mixed in with other vegetation in pastures, 

along roadsides and in other open areas, primarily in the Kōloa and līhu‘e districts. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: lāwa‘i, off lauoho rd. Mesic lowland secondary vegetation, 

on slope near property. clump forming grass to about 1.5 m, sending up many upright culms. 

Inflorescences bushy topped. Naturalized. Seen occasional to common in roadsides and pastures in 

the area, 17 feb 2010, A. Lau & D. Frohlich 2010021701. 

Rubiaceae 

Galium aparine l. Correction and new island record 

The specimen cited below had previously been reported as a new island record for 

Moloka‘i, under the name Sherardia arvensis l. (oppenheimer 2008). It was incorrectly 

identified, and has been determined as Galium aparine l. This represents a new island 

record for G. aparine on Moloka‘i. This species has been found to be capable of autogamy, 

which means it is capable of self fertilization (chen & Ehrendorfer 2011). It has

46 


previously been documented from Maui (Starr & Starr 2011). although there are currently 

no specimens at BISH to document the presence of S. arvensis on Moloka‘i, it may 

occur there. Galium can be distinguished from Sherardia by the following characters: 

well-developed calyx, capitate inflorescences (Sherardia), vs. indistinct calyx, lax inflorescences 

(Galium). Galium aparine can be distinguished from other Galium species currently 

documented in Hawai‘i by its longer, wider leaves (10–60 mm long × 3–10 mm 

wide) (chen & Ehrendorfer 2011; Wagner et al. 1999). a full description of the species 

can be found in the flora of china (chen & Ehrendorfer 2011). 

Material examined. MOLOKA‘I: Kawela, Pu‘u Kolekole cabin, naturalized sprawling herbs 

around cabin in wet forest, 1200 m, 4 apr 2007, Oppenheimer, Perlman & Tangalin H30706. 

Rutaceae 

Melicope elleryana (f. Muell.) T.G. Hartley New naturalized record 

also known sometimes as Pink Euodia, this species from australia is occasionally cultivated 

elsewhere. It is rare in cultivation in Hawai‘i. It is documented here as sparingly naturalized 

where two large trees of this bird-dispersed plant were seen at long distances 

from the assumed parent plant, spreading into non-native dominated wet secondary forest, 

as well as ‘ōhi‘a/uluhe forest in windward o‘ahu. This species, with pellucid glands 

noticeable with a hand lens, can be distinguished from other rutaceae in Hawai‘i by the 

following combination of characters: larger tree to 25 m tall, leaves opposite, trifoliate; 

leaflets elliptic, ovate, or obovate, 5.5–20.0 cm long; inflorescences usually ramiflorous, 

the axis to 5 cm long, showy; petals pink (The royal Botanic Gardens and domain Trust 

2011). No evidence of natural hybridization in this species has been found by weed risk 

assessment specialists (Hawaii Pacific Weed risk assessment 2011) so it is unclear 

whether this species represents a hybridization threat to native species of Melicope. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kāne’ohe, near likeke Trail, mauka of H3 fwy. lowland mesic 

to wet secondary forest, growing with Arthrostemma ciliatum, Psidium guajava. about a 12 m tall 

tree, lower branches horizontal. Infructescences ramiflorous, immature fruits green. at least sparingly 

naturalized in the area, 27 oct 2011, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2011102702. 

Murraya paniculata (l.) Jack New island record 

also known in Hawai‘i as Mock orange, this species was seen spreading from planted 

individuals along Pu‘u road in the Kalāheo area of Kaua‘i. It has previously been documented 

as naturalized on o‘ahu and Maui. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kalāheo, on Pu‘u rd. UTM 444804, 2423874. Mesic lowland 

roadside, mixed alien vegetation. Upright shrub to about 8 ft, growing among Schinus terebinthifolius. 

one of many scattered naturalized individuals of this species in the area. also commonly 

planted in the area, 19 feb 2010, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2010021903. 

Sapindaceae 

Filicium decipiens (Wight & arn.) Thwaites New island record 

also known as fern tree, this species has been previously documented as naturalized on 

o‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i islands. It was seen sparingly naturalized in a residential area 

of Kapa‘a, apparently spreading from planted trees in the area. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kapa‘a, in ditch along Kawaihau rd near Bettencourt ln. Mesic 

lowland residential and agricultural area. Sapling about 10 ft tall, one of several in the area, 29 Mar 

2010, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2010032901.


Schizaeaceae 

Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw. Range extension 

Lygodium japonicum is a vining fern species known to be particularly problematic in 

florida, where it infests both intact native ecosystems and disturbed sites (center for 

aquatic and Invasive Plants 2011). It was previously found on o‘ahu in grassy hills above 

He‘eia State Park, and is now known to be growing in Nu‘uanu, Kāne‘ohe, and in Hālawa 

in a native plant restoration site. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Hālawa Valley, in restoration area along access road at 840 ft. 

Vine-like fern in a 2 × 2 ft patch. Native/mixed alien restoration area along the H3 Hwy. June 2011, 

A. Beebe OISC 20110601. 

Simaroubaceae 

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle New state record 

also known as Tree of Heaven and native to asia, this species has become a notorious invasive 

species in many areas of the continental U.S. (as well as elsewhere worldwide) following 

its introduction in 1784 as a medicinal and ornamental tree (Invasive Species Specialist 

Group 2011). a small population was found within a 1 acre residence in Kōke‘e, Kaua‘i. 

Because this species is able to produce very long underground runners, it is unclear just how 

many individuals make up this population. at this point it is uncertain whether any seedlings 

were ever found at the site. a control program was immediately initiated after the population 

was found. The field crew located and controlled 4 mature individuals, and pulled at 

least 57 smaller, sapling-sized plants, which may have all been root suckers. The population 

continues to re-sprout, but the numbers are decreasing with each visit, and it currently seems 

likely the population will be eradicated from the site. This species is recorded as planted in 

some of Hawaii’s state forest reserves (Skolmen 1980), and therefore should be searched for 

as it represents a threat to Hawaii’s agriculture and native ecosystems. It can be distinguished 

from other members of the order Sapindales in Hawai‘i by its pubescent, pinnately-compound 

leaves, the leaflets with at least one glandular tooth at the base, the crushed 

leaves with a moderate to strong odor (described by the collectors as a “burnt peanut” smell 

at time of collection), and fruits being samaras (Peng & Thomas 2008). further information 

about its identification can be found in the Flora of China (Peng & Thomas 2008). Much 

more information about its invasiveness is available online. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōke‘e, along residential side road, about 1 km makai of Kōke‘e 

lodge. rural residential setting among mixed secondary and native mesic forest. Small tree/sapling 

about 6 ft tall, new growth often reddish. leaves smelling musty, like burnt peanut butter, not necessary 

to crush leaves to get strong odor, 25 Jun 2010, A. Lau & D. Frohlich 2010062501. 

Solanaceae 

Solanum melongena l. New naturalized record 

also known as Eggplant, this species is very common in cultivation in Hawai‘i as well as 

other tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Many cultivars of this plant exist, which 

display variation in fruit size, shape, and color. domesticated forms often lack spines 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). a small naturalized population was seen in windward o‘ahu, where 

individuals of this species with occasional spines were seen scattered in a pasture area. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Mālaekahana, in pasture with Solanum torvum. Shrub about 0.5 

m tall. fruits bright orange-yellow, pulp white. flowers lavender. Some spines, but not particularly

48 


spiny. Several individuals scattered in pasture, 5 Nov 2009, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2009110501; 

Ko‘olauloa, Mālaekahana. 40 ft elev. In pasture. 60–100 cm tall, spininess and flowers like S. linneanum; 

fruits golden yellow 4–5 cm diam. leaves with shape and pubescence like S. torvum (common 

nearby), 16 apr 2005, R.W. Hobdy 4201. 

Solanum torvum Sw. New island record 

This weedy, bird-dispersed shrub is established as naturalized in some lowland areas of 

Kaua‘i, particularly in agricultural areas, occasionally forming thickets. It had previously 

been documented from o‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i islands. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Wailua, on Koki rd. lowland disturbed roadside area. 8 ft tall 

shrub, flowers white, fruits green ripening to black. locally naturalized along road and in adjacent 

pastures, 5 apr 2010, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2010040502. 

Sterculiaceae 

Melochia umbellata (Houtt.) Stapf New island record 

Previously documented as naturalized on Hawai‘i, Maui, and o‘ahu islands, this species 

is also naturalized on Kaua‘i, at least in the Kalāheo area and apparently also in Nu‘alolo 

Valley. The population in Kalāheo was not extensive, where several mature trees were 

seen scattered along a short section of road, in mesic secondary forest. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kalāheo, on Pu‘u road, makai of Kukuiolono Park. UTM 

444965, 2423067. Sparingly branched tree to about 20 ft tall, copious immature fruit developing. one 

of about 4 individuals in the area, growing in different size classes, 19 feb 2010, A. Lau & D. 

Frohlich 2010021901; Nu‘alolo ‘Āina Valley, Na Pali coast. Growing near stream bed in area dominated 

by exotic plant species. Small shrubby tree. No flowers or fruit present, 18 Jul 1979, G. Clarke, 

L.W. Cuddihy, L. Yoshida & C. Corn ESP 340. 

Verbenaceae 

Clerodendrum glabrum E. Mey. New naturalized record 

a plant with medicinal uses (Staples & Herbst 2005), this species has been known to grow 

in natural areas in the Kē‘ē area, where it is believed it is persisting from planted trees. a 

small naturalized population was noted along a roadside area in Hā‘ena, consisting of a 

few mature trees and several saplings. This population was growing in dense shade, in wet 

to mesic lowland secondary vegetation. It can be distinguished from other Clerodendrum 

in Hawai‘i by its habit being a small tree or shrub, whorled or opposite leaves, relatively 

short corolla tubes, and corollas being white or yellowish (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Hā‘ena, along highway just west of Hā‘ena beach park. lowland 

wet to mesic secondary forest and roadside vegetation with some nearby residential areas. Tree to 

about 10 ft tall, sparsely branched, fruiting. Though believed to be intentionally introduced to the 

Kē‘ē area, reproducing by seed in this area at significant distance from Kē‘ē, 9 Mar 2010, D. Frohlich 

& A. Lau 2010030903. 

Vitaceae 

Cissus verticillata (l.) Nicolson & c.E. Jarvis New naturalized record 

also known as Princess vine, this species, which is native to tropical america, the 

caribbean, the Galapagos, and africa, was first collected in Hawai‘i in 1973. The label 

data for this first collection suggests it had already naturalized at that time. It has been collected 

several times since then in clearly naturalized situations but was never written up 

in the HBS Records. It is occasional to rare in cultivation here. This species is now thor-


oughly established on o‘ahu in lowland roadsides and secondary forest including the 

Makiki-Tantalus area, Waimānalo, and Waimea. It has also established populations in the 

Kōloa distr of Kaua‘i. The Kaua‘i populations may still be possible to remove, although 

this will require significant work. This invasive, bird-dispersed vine can blanket tree 

canopies and may form masses of long hanging aerial roots. It can be distinguished from 

other Cissus in Hawai‘i by its simple, fleshy, acute-apexed leaves, forked tendrils, and 

more or less flat-topped, yellow-green inflorescence branches. The fruits ripen to black 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Vine growing on Leucaena shrubs near junction of round Top dr 

and Maunalaha rd. also found with Amaranthus, grasses. leaves simple. fruit black, 9 oct 1973, S. 

Ishikawa 310; Hale‘iwa, Waimea audubon center. Garden planting, accession # 86c244. Planting 

removed from collection, but become widely naturalized in the area, oct 2005, D. Orr s.n (BISH# 

726216); Waimānalo, Waikupanaha St along side of road, growing over Haole koa, lowland mesic 

forest, agricultural land. Vine, up to canopy at about 7 m. Inconspicuous white flowers, fruits black 

berries. Many individuals with copious fruit, covering large area along side of road, 10 aug 2006, D. 

Frohlich, A. Lau, K. Starr & F. Starr 0608101. KAUA‘I: Kōloa distr, Kōloa. Weedy roadside scrub 

of mostly Haole koa on Hapa rd. Vine, yellow inflorescence, tendrils. 10 oct 2007, C. Trauernicht 

& M. Clark 192; lāwa‘i, on lauoho rd just west of lāwa‘i cannery. UTM 447537, 2423734. 

Smothering vine up to 40 ft in trees, 23 feb 2010, A. Lau & D. Frohlich 2010022305. 

Tetrastigma pubinerve Merr. & chun New island record 

This species is somewhat rare in cultivation in Hawai‘i. It was previously documented as 

naturalized on Maui, where a particular infestation was noted to occur over about 4 acres 

(oppenheimer & Bartlett 2000). It was noted along a dry to mesic roadside area on 

Kaua‘i, thickly covering the canopy of small trees for a stretch of about 80 yards. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Vine sprawling over 80-yd long area. Growing over Leucaena 

leucocephala. Kapa‘a. UTM 465656, 2442097, 31 Mar 2010, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2010033101. 

Species showing signs of naturalization 

Aizoaceae 

Aptenia cordifolia (l. f.) Schwantes 

Aptenia cordifolia, or “Hearts and flowers” as it is commonly called in the nursery trade, 

is a species frequently used in Hawai‘i as a groundcover, bedding plant, or potted specimen. 

It is easily grown by rooting tip cuttings and is salt and drought-tolerant. It has 

recently begun to spread into natural areas in central and Southern california, overwhelming 

surrounding vegetation (cal-IPc 2011). on Kaua‘i, this species was found persisting 

in a yard waste dumpsite over a lithified dune ecosystem. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: līhu‘e, Māhā‘ulepū, 21°53'78"N, 159°24'342"W 130 ft. creeping 

herb; succulent leaves pale green tinged pink, glaucous below with pinkish midvein; young stems succulent 

reddish; tepals numerous, cream to pale yellow green, more yellow at base; filament s reddish. In 

dump over lithified dunes; Leucaena, Prosopis, Bontia, Sida, 8 oct 2002, T. Flynn & R. Culbertson 7110. 

Apocynaceae 

Allamanda schottii Pohl 

Allamanda schottii, an ornamental species used frequently in landscaping in Hawai‘i, was 

found spreading locally on on a roadside survey of Kaua‘i. The description of this species 

from A tropical garden flora:

50 


“Shrub 5 to 8 feet high; branchlets glabrous; sap slightly milky and later clear. leaves in 

whorls of 3 to 5, petioles 0.1 to 0.25 inches long. blades obovate to narrowly elliptic, 2.6 

to 5.25 inches by 0.65 to 1.4 inches, underside shortly pilose on midvein. flower sepals 

narrowly elliptic, 0.4 to 0.5 inches by 0.1 to 0.15 inches; corolla narrowly funnel-shaped 

to more or less cylindrical, 1.5 to 2 inches long, limb to 2.2 inches, yellow, throat inside 

red-lined, outside streaked lengthwise. fruit formed but often aborted.” (Staples & Herbst 

2005). 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kapahi. 21°5'21"N, 159°19'9"W. collected on roadbank. Growing 

beneath christmasberry, haole koa, and Bougainvillea. Vine spreading across roadbank. Yellow bellshaped 

flower. appears to be naturalizing along bank, 25 oct 2007, C. Trauernicht& M. Clark 222. 

Araliaceae 

Polyscias filicifolia (c. Moore ex E. fourn.) l.H. Bailey 

Polyscias filicifolia, a cultigen (a plant whose origin is primarily due to intentional human 

activity) (Spencer & cross 2007) or series of cultigens that probably originated in Malesia 

or the western Pacific and is believed to have abortive seeds in Hawai‘i, was observed by a 

local ecologist and gardener popping up from seed near a fence in an urban community garden 

plot on o‘ahu. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: ala Wai community Garden, Honolulu. landscaped urban corridor 

along path at stream. 1 m tall and 0.5 m wide shrub- not planted. collector observed plant growing 

over 2 years. flowered and grew after recent rain. Jan 2011, P. Clifford s.n. (BISH# 747744). 

Bromeliaceae 

Werauhia gladioliflora (H. Wendl.) J.r. Grant 

Both a terrestrial and epiphytic bromeliad in its home range from southern Mexico to french 

Guiana, Werauhia gladioliflora [a name sometimes considered to be a synonym of Vriesea 

gladioliflora (H. Wendl.) antoine] is able to grow at elevations extending from sea level up 

to 1300 m. on o‘ahu, it has begun to colonize localized areas around a botanical garden. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: lyon arboretum, Economic Section H33. UTM 623946, 

2359844. In lowland wet/mesic secondary forest. Growing in Dimocarpus longan tree, forming 

dense covering over trunk/branches in more or less dense shade. Epiphyte to about 0.5 m tall; leaves 

purple on underside, green above; fruiting bracts dried brown on live plants; seeds with silky hairs, 

many per capsule. Spreading adventively by seed about 30 ft away from planted individuals, 16 april 

2010, OED 2010041601. 

Moraceae 

Ficus pumila l. 

also known as creeping fig, this species is a very commonly cultivated climbing vine in 

Hawai‘i. It has not previously been documented to spread and become naturalized either by 

seed dispersal or vegetative means in Hawai‘i. Here we document the finding of a 10 × 10 

m patch found off trail in mixed native/nonnative mesic forest on o‘ahu, in Honouliuli, 

where it was seen trailing across the ground as well as climbing trees. It is unclear how this 

plant came to be here, though it is possible it spread here by vegetative means. To our knowledge 

is the only known plant/population seen outside of cultivation. This species’ figs should 

be monitored for the presence of a pollinating wasp and/or viable seeds. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Honouliuli Preserve, ‘Ēkahanui gulch. UTM 593810, 2372094. 

Scrambling, climbing vine established in varying densities over about a 10 × 10 m footprint. Estab - 

lished in the area, at a significant distance from a trail, 25 May 2010, K. Kawelo US Army 188.


Maclura tinctoria (l.) d. don ex Steud. 

This species was seen spreading at least adventively in a lowland dry roadside area on 

o‘ahu, adjacent to both residential and agricultural areas. Its planting statrus is unclear at the 

site, and further surveys could possibly reveal that it is part of a naturalized population. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Waimalu, end of Kilinoe St, adjacent to Waimalu Str. 4 to 5 m tall 

trees with milky sap, both male and female trees present. Thorns variable in size or non-existent. 

adventive or perhaps naturalized in the area. Multiple size classes in immediate area, 3 Sep 2010, D. 

Frohlich & A. Lau 2010090301. 

Pinaceae 

Pinus taeda l. 

This species has previously been documented as naturalized on lāna‘i. It was collected 

on Kaua‘i near where it was planted, where label data suggests it is at least adventive, but 

may very well have become naturalized. further surveys or follow up may reveal a naturalized 

population here. Parker & Parsons (this volume) report this species as naturalized 

on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Nā Pali-Kona forest reserve, Mākaha Valley N of Mākaha 

ridge rd and Kokio-ke‘oke‘o picnic area. Planted on ridgetop, becoming naturalized locally. Mixed 

mesophytic forest with Acacia koa dominant, also Metrosideros, Pelea, Antidesma, Nestegis, and 

Hedyotis, 15 May 1987, D. Lorence, T.Flynn & R.DeLappe 5219. 

Solanaceae 

Solanum mammosum l. 

Three individuals of this species were seen in a parking lot area in lowland windward 

o‘ahu with unclear planting status, though appearing naturalized. This species is rare to 

occasional in cultivation here, usually found in garden collections rather than as part of a 

landscape plan for shopping center parking lots. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Kāne‘ohe, shopping center parking lot near long’s, near Ha‘ikū 

rd and Kamehameha Hwy. lowland semi-landscaped area. Shrub, multistemmed from base, stms 

more or less brittle. Pruned back, but about 4 ft tall. fruit immature. Patch of 3 individuals, apparently 

naturalized, 22 Mar 2010, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2010032201. 

Verbenaceae 

Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke 

This species is occasionally grown in Hawai‘i and was noted in a pasture area on Kaua‘i 

where several individuals appeared naturalized along a fenceline. This species apparently 

forms fruit in Hawai‘i (Staples 2005) and is likely dispersed by birds. It is very likely this 

population represents a sparingly naturalized one, though this status was not clearly stated 

by the collectors. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōloa distr, Kalāheo. collected at pasture edge on Po‘ohiwi rd. 

Small, purple, butterfly shaped flowers. Several individuals appeared to be naturalized along pasture 

fenceline, 15 oct 2007, C. Trauernicht & M. Clark 207. 

Vitaceae 

Vitis vinifera l. 

Specimens of this species have been collected on Hawai‘i island which mention adventive 

status or growing in areas well away from cultivation. a specimen identified as either 

V. vinifera or a hybrid involving that species (as V. vinifera vel. aff.) was also found growing 

along a roadside, well away from cultivated settings, in Kōke‘e, Kaua‘i.

52 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: along Halemanu stream, near Waipo‘o falls trail. Sprawling to 

15 ft over top of Corynocarpus laevigatus in mixed alien roadside vegetation. fruits immature, 25 

Jun 2010, D. Frohlich & A. Lau 2010062503. HAWAI‘I: Kona–Ka‘ū Boundary, adventive at roadside, 

25 Jul 1926, O. Degener 30,255; Kīlauea Iki trail. a grape-like vine growing near the bottom 

east side, Kīlauea Iki. 3 aug 1943, A.L.M. Mitchell 704. 


The authors thank Tim flynn, david lorence, Natalia Tangalin, and clay Trauernicht at 

NTBG for their collection work on Kaua‘i, Keren Gundersen and KISc for the opportunity 

to survey Kaua‘i, Katie cassel of KrcP, and John chapman and Jin-Wah lau for 

assistance in the field (Kaua‘i). Thank you to clyde Imada for help with plant identification, 

support, and document editing. We also thank Jane Beachy, Kapua Kawelo, the 

oaNrP staff, and oISc for their ongoing collections and support; aaron Hebshi for help 

with access to Navy land, and Hanna Morgonska (orchidaceae), donald davis (Ailanthus 

altissima), James ackerman (orchidaceae), Servando carvajal (Maclura tinctoria), roy 

Tokunaga (orchidaceae), Neil Snow (Leptochloa panicea), and donald Mcclelland (Sol - 

anaceae) for help with plant identifications. 



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New plant records from the Big Island for 2009 

JaMES l. ParKEr & BoBBY ParSoNS 

Big Island Invasive Species Committee, 23 E. Kawili St, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720; emails: 

jameslp@hawaii.edu; rparsons@hawaii.edu 

The Big Island Invasive Species committee (BIISc) implemented its Early detection program 

in May of 2008. roadside Surveys were conducted on major, secondary, tertiary, 

and residential roads in the Ka‘ū, South Kona, North Kona, South Kohala, and Puna 

districts. Here, BIISc Early detection documents 17 new naturalized records and 14 new 

island records. 

a total of 20 plant families are discussed. Information regarding the formerly known 

distribution of flowering plants is based on the Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai‘i 

(Wagner et al. 1999), A tropical garden flora (Staples & Herbst 2005) and information subsequently 

published in the Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey. Voucher specimens are 


Acanthaceae 

Megaskepasma erythrochlamys lindau New island record 

first collected as naturalized on o‘ahu in 2008 (frohlich & lau 2010: 3), this popular 

ornamental has been seen successfully naturalizing at several locations throughout the dry 

side of the island. at this location, a large population dominated the understory on both 

sides of the highway with plants spreading over 100 m above the highway. This species 

is also reported naturalizing on Kaua‘i (frohlich & lau this volume). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Kona distr. Hwy 11, mile marker 104, captain cook, 

2150821N, 197526E. Inflorescence a red spike with white flowers, up to 10 ft tall. Spreading on both 

sides of highway under avocado and african tulip, 29 Sep 2008, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED40. 

Sanchezia parvibracteata Sprague & Hutch. New naturalized record 

This popular hedge plant is common throughout the island, especially the wet side, and is 

often seen spreading from cultivation. This specimen was naturalizing in a drainage area off 

the highway under avocado and african tulip trees. Two Sanchezia species are grown in 

Hawai‘i, S. speciosa and S. parvibracteata (Staples & Herbst 2005). Sanchezia parvibracteata 

differs in having a yellow midvein and joined bracts that are shorter than the calyx. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Hilo distr. Hwy 19, mile marker 6, Pauka‘a. red spikes with 

yellow flowers and prominent pale yellow midvein, 10 Nov 2008, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED47. 

Apocynaceae 

Nerium oleander l. New naturalized record 

This plant was found naturalizing between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu on Ka‘alāiki rd in the Ka‘ū 

distr. This 9-ft tall, single specimen was growing on a hillside overgrown with tall Guinea 

grass. This species is popular in highway plantings (Staples & Herbst 2005) but that does 

not explain how this plant arrived as it was around 20 m off of a rural road that would not 

warrant highway plantings. Since identification, this specimen has been removed by an 

unknown entity. This is the only time this species was seen so obviously naturalized. 

55

56 


Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Ka‘ū distr. Ka‘alāiki rd, 2110174N, 228036E. Growing uphill 

20 m off of road. There were no homes or other oleanders in the area; this specimen was 3 m tall with 

pink flowers, 18 aug 2008, J. Parker & R. McGuire BIED23. 

Stemmadenia litoralis (Kunth) l. allorge New naturalized record 

This popular ornamental shade and street tree is rarely seen spreading from cultivation on 

the island. However, this large population was dominated by a 10-m tall heavily fruiting 

tree with around 50 saplings growing underneath the canopy, many of them flowering and 

fruiting. This spread is unlikely to be attributed to root suckers as saplings were spreading 

a short way downhill into a coffee plantation. only in a few other locations in the 

Kona districts was this success observed. Most other trees occurred in well-groomed 

properties, where seedling growth is most likely discouraged. This species is also reported 

naturalizing on o‘ahu (frohlich & lau this volume). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Kona distr. St. John’s rd, Kealakekua, 2159078N, 

194079E. Heavily flowering 10m tall tree near coffee farm, with over 50 seedlings and saplings surrounding, 

many saplings going to fruit. White, fragrant flowers with milky latex; bright orange follicles. 

ants seen visiting flowers and possibly building nests on leaves, 20 aug 2008, J. Parker & R. 

McGuire BIED27. 

Araliaceae 

Schefflera arboricola (Hayata) Merr. New island record 

This plant is popular in cultivation in all areas of the island and large, dense hedges are 

frequently seen flowering and fruiting. This specimen was seen growing epiphytically in 

the crotch of an ‘ōhi‘a tree near Glenwood, representing the first naturalized specimen of 

this species on the Big Island. large, heavily fruiting populations have been observed in 

the Kohala Mountains near Hāwī. This species has previously been recorded as naturalized 

on o‘ahu and Maui (frohlich & lau 2010: 4; Starr et al. 2003: 24), and on Kaua‘i 

(frohlich & lau this volume). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Puna distr. Eden roc subdivision, 2153406N, 280313E. 

flowering specimen rooted halfway up an ‘ōhi‘a tree 5 ft off the ground, roots extending down the 

trunk to ground, possibly strangling ‘ōhi‘a, 1 dec 2008, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED51. 

Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch New naturalized record 

rice-paper plant is widely grown in warm-temperate and tropical montane regions and sparingly 

naturalized elsewhere. This clump-forming, evergreen shrub may reach 20’ in height; 

each erect stem arises from the underground rhizome and possesses a terminal cluster of 

palmately 5–11-lobed, softly textured leaves with dull green upper sides and whitish-hairy 

undersides (Staples & Herbst 2005). Seen here naturalizing in a high elevation site in North 

Kona. Many seedlings were found along roadside apparently spreading from several large, 

flowering and fruiting cultivated plants. This species also successfully naturalizes at sea 

level, as in Ke‘anae, Maui (Starr: Plants of Hawaii photos/correspondence). This species is 

also reported naturalizing on o‘ahu (lau & frohlich this volume). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Kaloko Mauka, 2182287N, 190707E. largeleaved 

tree found naturalized near cultivated specimens, many keiki along roadside, none flowering, 

23 Mar 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED80. 


Calotropis procera (aiton) W.T. aiton New island record 

Small crownflower differs from its more abundant relative C. gigantea in being a smaller 

shrub (up to 8 ft tall), having smaller flowers and larger fruit. It also readily sets fruit, and


with its seeds easily dispersed by their silky parachutes, this species has the potential to 

become a noxious weed in Hawai‘i, as it has elsewhere (Staples & Herbst 2005). Previously 

reported from lehua, Kaua‘i, and lāna‘i (Wood & leGrande 2006: 19; Wood 2006: 15; 

oppenheimer 2008: 23), and reported from East Maui, West Maui, and Kaho‘olawe (Starr 

& Starr this volume), this species readily naturalizes on the dry side of the Big Island and 

its use for landscape plantings should be discouraged. It also has been suggested as a possible 

hydrocarbon source for biofuels (Mabberley 2008). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Kona acres subdivision, 2182317N, 

185805E. flowering specimen around 4 ft tall found growing in vacant lot. flowers with white corolla, 

purple center, 12 aug 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons, J. Franklin BIED97. 

Cryptostegia madagascariensis Bojer ex decne. New island record 

Previously reported from o‘ahu and Moloka‘i (frohlich & lau 2008: 3; Staples et al. 

2006: 6), on the Big Island this plant was first found naturalizing between Pāhala and 

Nā‘ālehu on Highway 11 in the Ka‘ū district. It is cultivated throughout the dry side of 

the island and sparingly naturalized from Ho‘okena Beach to Kawaihae. This species is 

being recommended for control and some control efforts have already taken place in 

Kekaha Kai State Park and around Kailua-Kona. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Ka‘ū distr. Hwy 11, near Whittington’s Beach Park, 2112776N, 

231810E. found overgrown on rusty, abandoned building on the mauka side of the highway. Milky, 

free-flowing latex; pink-purple flower, 5 aug 2008, J. Parker & R. McGuire BIED21. 

Stapelia gigantea N.E. Br. New island record 

Seldom cultivated on the island of Hawai‘i, this plant is well suited to the dry climate of 

the Kona side and has been observed naturalizing a handful of times. The wind-dispersed 

seeds and ease of vegetative spread make S. gigantea a potentially invasive weed (Staples 

& Herbst 2005). The species was previously reported as naturalized on o‘ahu, Moloka‘i, 

West Maui, and East Maui (Wagner et al. 1999: 241; Wysong et al. 2007: 2; oppenheimer 

et al. 1999: 7; oppenheimer 2010: 33). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Sea View Estates, 2171084N, 188894E. 

large population on corner of vacant lot. Stems 6-12in high, large flowers smelling of carrion with 

maggots inside, 16 Jun 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED84. 

Asteraceae 

Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides (Kunth) cabrera New naturalized record 

Mexican flame vine has long been known as Senecio confusus in the horticultural literature, 

even though the name P. chenopodioides has been applied to this species since 1950 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). With its orange to red ray flowers, this attractive vine often 

escapes cultivation and spreads extensively over all vegetation, thriving in full sun and 

dry climates. This specimen was growing in a hedge of Thevetia peruviana. on our surveys 

this plant was seen naturalized more often than cultivated. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Kaloko Mauka, 2180451N 188663E. orangered 

ray flowers with yellow-orange disc flowers 6cm in diameter. climber with semi-woody stems, 4 

feb 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED71. 

Bignoniaceae 

Podranea ricasoliana (Tanfani) Sprague New island record 

Pink trumpet vine has been previously recorded as naturalized on Maui (Starr et al. 2004: 

21). This species is reported as naturalizing on Kaua‘i (frohlich & lau this volume). on 

the Big Island, this species is not common in cultivation but is naturalized throughout 

many parts of the island.

58 


Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hāmākua distr. Mānienie Gulch rd, Pa‘auilo. Pink-flowered 

vine growing in gulch over Eriobotrya japonica, 7 Nov 2008, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED46. 

Boraginaceae 

Cordia lutea lam. New island record 

The yellow-flowered Geiger tree is not well known from the Hawaiian Islands but reportedly 

grows in the living collections at the Koko crater Botanical Garden on o‘ahu and 

the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kaua‘i (c. Imada, pers. comm.). on the Big 

Island, this shrub was found naturalizing in a new subdivision on a hill in lava rock substrate. 

This species has only been observed once in our surveys and was found heavily 

fruiting and naturalizing downslope from a planting. This species is likely to gain in popularity 

with its ever-blooming habit and sandpapery leaves. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Hualālai rd, 2173109N 189218E. Shrub 

with yellow flowers and scabrous leaves. fruit a white, fleshy drupe. Growing on a rocky hillside, 27 

May 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED82. 

Combretaceae 

Conocarpus erectus l. New island record 

Button mangrove is very popular as a street and shade tree on the island, but we rarely see 

it naturalizing in cultivation as male trees are preferred in large plantings because they 

generate less litter than female trees (Staples & Herbst 2005). This specimen was brought 

to our attention by J.B. friday and his son Nathan friday who collected it on a shoreline 

in Keaukaha. The plant was a resprout from a large stump and had no flowers or fruit, but 

it was positively identified by Bishop Museum. This is the first record of this species naturalizing 

on the island. It was previously known from Kaua‘i (lorence & flynn 1997: 10), 

o‘ahu, lāna‘i, and Maui (Wagner et al. 1999: 547). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Hilo distr. 4 mile beach, Keaukaha. located adjacent to 

shoreline. No fruit or flowers. Growing next to Casuarina trees. collection is a resprout, 1.5 m tall, 

from a trunk 8 cm in dia, 5 Jul 2009, N. Friday BIED92. 

Terminalia melanocarpa f. Muell. New naturalized record 

This large flowering tree was found growing with two younger flowering trees adjacent to 

an overgrown macadamia nut orchard. also suitable for coastal gardens exposed to salt 

spray and trade winds (Staples & Herbst 2005), this tree was found thriving at ca 900 ft. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Makalani subdivision off Walua rd, 

2169211N, 190358E. flowering tree on edge of macadamia nut orchard, approximately 20 ft tall. 

large, spreading crown. leaves with entire margins, no smell, no sap, 19 May 2009, J. Parker & R. 

Parsons BIED81. 


Poranopsis paniculata (roxb.) roberty New island record 

Bridal veil creeper is rarely cultivated on the island of Hawai‘i, but several naturalized 

populations have been found. This species has been previously recorded as naturalized 

from Maui (Starr et al. 2004: 21). It has been noted that fruit is not produced in Hawai‘i 

(Staples & Herbst 2005), but further study into this is warranted based primarily on the 

large scale of these localized infestations. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Kona distr. Hwy 11, Kealakekua, 2146988N, 197626E. 

White-flowered vine with heart-shaped leaves with silky, pale-white undersides. large population 

covering approx. 3 acres. could have spread from cultivation at abandoned homesite, 23 Sep 2008, 

J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED36.


Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia tirucalli l. New island record 

Previously documented as naturalized on Kaua‘i (lorence et al. 1995: 35), pencil tree is 

widely cultivated in Hawai‘i and this specimen represents a new island record. This dense 

flowering population is located right off of ali‘i dr just south of Kailua and represents a 

hazard to pedestrians. due to the ease of vegetative spread and poisonous nature of this 

plant, its use as a landscape tree should be discouraged. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. ali‘i dr, 2168362N, 188405E. large, flowering 

population with trunks up to 10 in dia and 15–20 ft tall trees. Milky latex abundant, 17 Jun 

2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons, J. Franklin BIED86. 

Jatropha curcas l. New island record 

Physic nut has a long history of naturalizing in tropical regions and has already been documented 

as naturalized on Maui (Wagner et al. 1999: 623). Its use as a biofuel is being 

heavily promoted by private and government entities. This specimen was located within 

a large naturalized population in scrubland dominated by Leucaena leucocephala. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Queen Ka‘ahumanu Hwy, near mile marker 

121, Kailua, 2173695N 187698E. Many naturalized shrubs up to 13ft tall. Sap sticky, clear-white, 

cloudy. fruits globose, green, 1in diameter, 6 aug 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED94. 

Jatropha multifida l. New naturalized record 

coral plant is sparingly cultivated throughout the island and was observed naturalizing at 

only one location in our surveys. This small population of seedlings was growing in the 

proximity of a larger stump with suckering J. multifida sprouts. The seedlings were sufficiently 

spread out so as to suggest they sprouted from seed rather than suckering from roots. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Kealakehe, 2178897N, 187119E. Natur - 

alized specimen found growing near large stump of possibly cultivated tree with many other keiki. 

No flowering specimens but clearly naturalizing, 6 aug 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED96. 

Jatropha podagrica Hook. New naturalized record 

Gout stalk is a commonly cultivated caudiciform and has been observed spreading from 

cultivation more often than not. This population of mature plants was growing in vacant 

land of poor, degraded rocky substrate across the street from cultivated specimens. This 

species is most often seen laden with fruit and it is recommended that the seeds be collected 

prior to maturation due to its seed viability and effective seed dispersal. a diplochorous 

dispersal system, in which autochory (ballistic discharge of seeds from explosively 

dehiscent capsules) is followed by myrmecochory (transport by ants), is a common 

feature in many euphorbs, particularly among Neotropical species (leal, Wirth et al. 

2007). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona dist. Kona Heights, 2174279N, 187933E. Several 

plants growing in vacant lot in subdivision. collection with fruit and flowers, 27 May 2009, J. Parker 

& R. Parsons BIED83. 

Phyllanthus acidus (l.) Skeels New naturalized record 

This small fruiting tree is often cultivated by filipinos and Southeast asians, who use the 

tart fruit in cooking (Staples & Herbst 2005). This specimen was found on the roadside in 

an area unlikely to be planted. after speaking with the neighbors, it was confirmed that 

this tree spread from a larger planting in a private property across the street. The tree was 

around 15 ft tall and heavily fruiting.

60 


Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Kona distr. Hwy 11 and onouli rd, Kealakekua, 

2159435N, 193467E. compound, alternate leaflets with pale yellow, 6–8 ridged berries growing 

from main stems and trunk. Tree was 20 ft tall, in between road and fence on easement, 22 oct 2008, 

J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED44. 

Fabaceae 

Derris elliptica (Wall.) Benth. New naturalized record 

Poison-vine is infrequently cultivated and sparingly naturalized on the dry side of the 

island (much more frequent in the vicinity of Hilo). Perhaps cultivated for its use in supplying 

the compound rotenone, which acts as insecticide or fish poison, poison-vine tends 

to become naturalized wherever it is planted (Staples & Herbst 2005). This specimen was 

growing in an abandoned property over tall mango and jackfruit trees flowering heavily 

in february and March. No fruit was found though the population was visited numerous 

times. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Kona distr. Hwy 11, mile marker 108, 2155655N, 

196581E. Thick liana with compound leaves and leafless shoots 1–2 m long. climbing over coffee 

and avocado trees. Inflorescence of large purple pea-like flowers. fuzzy golden-brown hairs over 

buds and keel of flowers, 20 oct 2008, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED42. 

Grossulariaceae 

Escallonia rubra (ruiz & Pav.) Pers. 

var. macrantha (Hook. & arn.) reiche New naturalized record 

This species is a 4–10 ft tall shrub with hairy, glandular shoots and inflorescence axes; 

broadly elliptic to obovate leaves 1–3 in long and up to 1.75 in wide, the margins serrate, 

the upper side glossy green, the underside gland-dotted; and racemes or panicles of bright 

rose red flowers 0.63" dia (Staples & Herbst 2005). a good indicator for this species is the 

persistent style. Escallonia is a garden escapee in New Zealand and is known to successfully 

colonize coastal cliffs (c. Buddenhagen, pers. comm.). In Hawai‘i, escallonias thrive only 

at elevations above 2500 ft (Staples & Herbst 2005). references indicate that hummingbirds 

are its primary pollinator. Therefore, seed set in cultivation may be limited unless our native 

and/or introduced birds are visiting and pollinating it (c. chimera, pers. comm.). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Puna distr. road a, Volcano Village, 2152012N, 265559E. 

Sprawling, stiff-serrate leaf shrub covering shrubs and trees up to 20 ft. climbing on top of uluhe fern 

in vacant lot. Pink flower with persistent style, 17 dec 2008, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED64. 

Lythraceae 

Cuphea subuligera Kochne New naturalized record 

This represents the fourth species of Cuphea naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands. This 

species is rare in cultivation and sparingly naturalized in the Volcano area. Its tubular, pale 

purple flowers are borne on terminal racemes and its leaves have a purple midvein extending 

most of the way through the leaf. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Puna district. Jungle King rd, fern forest subdivision, 

2153217N, 279751E. Tubular, pale purple flower borne on terminal racemes. Purple midvein extending 

most of the way through leaf, juvenile leaves have hairs on margins, 10 dec 2008, J. Parker & 

R. Parsons BIED59. 

Papaveraceae 

Hunnemania fumariifolia Sweet New island record 

Previously recorded as naturalized only on Maui (Wagner et al. 1999: 1007), this naturalized 

population was colonizing a disturbed roadside area in the dry southern portion of the 

island near Manukā State Park.


Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Kona distr. Southbound road near Manukā State Park, 

2121915N, 198762E. Growing on both sides of the road near Macadamia nut orchard in rocky substrate, 

19 oct 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED100. 

Rosaceae 

Rosa laevigata Michx. New island record 

cherokee rose is a rampant climber with canes many yards in length, bearing stout, hooked 

prickles and leaves with 3 leaflets and sharp-serrate margins (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Previously recorded as naturalized on lāna‘i (Nagata 1995: 12), this population was one of 

several naturalizing in the Glenwood/Volcano area, climbing over uluhe and ‘ōhi‘a trees. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Puna distr. fern forest subdivision, 2154739N, 275399E. 

Thick vine, armed with recurved spines, bearing fragrant white flowers with bristly hypanthium. 

Spreading ca 20 m off of captain’s dr over uluhe and ‘ōhi‘a trees, 10 dec 2008, J. Parker & R. 


Sapindaceae 

Majidea zanquebarica J. Kirk ex oliv. New naturalized record 

Mgambo, or velvet-seed, is a small, fast-growing tree that is cultivated sparingly on the 

Big Island for its attractive black, velvety seeds. This specimen was naturalizing in the 

Kealakehe area, near Kailua-Kona. Several seedlings and saplings, many flowering, were 

sprouting up near a large, fruiting cultivated tree. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Kealakehe, 2178898N, 187120E. Natur alized 

specimen found growing near large cultivated tree with many other keiki across a fence. This flowering 

specimen was approximately 4 ft tall, 6 aug 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED95. 

Scrophulariaceae 

Otacanthus azureus (linden) ronse New naturalized record 

This attractive goundcover, amazon blue, is popular in the Volcano vicinity, and has 

become naturalized in the Puna district. With its rapid growth, tiny seeds, and ease of vegetative 

propagation, we expect this species to successfully colonize the ample suitable 

habitat in the district. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Puna distr. Eden roc subdivision, 2157595N, 279148E. Bluepurple 

flower, across road from cultivated specimen, 4 dec 2008, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED51. 

Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. New naturalized record 

This well-known invasive tree is sometimes grown for its lightweight timber in the 

Hawaiian Islands. Plantations of Paulownia have been observed on the north shores of 

o‘ahu and Kaua‘i, though it is not known exactly which species was being grown (a. lau, 

pers. comm.). Similar plantings have not been observed on the Big Island, and this specimen 

was the first and only time this tree was observed on our surveys. It has since been 

removed with approval by the landowner. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Kohala distr. Mānā rd, Kamuela, 2215918N, 225864E. 

observed 10 trees naturalizing in open pasture. landowner planted 3 trees years ago. Whitish-purple 

flower with purple dots inside and large fruit with many windborne seeds, 1 dec 2009, J. Parker & 

R. Parsons BIED107. 

Solanaceae 

Streptosolen jamesonii (Benth.) Miers New island record 

Marmalade bush is sparingly cultivated in the Volcano area and was recently found naturalizing 

there. This species has previously been documented as naturalized on Kaua‘i 

(lorence & flynn 1997:12).

62 


Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Puna distr. royal Hawaiian Estates, 2150530N, 269948E. 

Yellow, orange and red flowers. found across road from cultivated specimen, 29 Jan 2009, J. Parker 


Urticaceae 

Boehmeria nivea (l.) Gaudich. New naturalized record 

This species is the source of the stem fiber called ramie, used in clothing and other fabrics. 

ramie was attempted in Hawai‘i as a commercial crop, but it proved to be economically 

unfeasible (Staples & Herbst 2005). a couple of populations in the same area in 

North Kona were found naturalizing between coffee plantations. Though the plant has 

economic uses, these populations did not appear to be part of any formal planting. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. Hōlualoa rd, 2168619N, 190970E. 

Scalloped margins, white undersides. Growing near coffee farm, 20–30 m off road. fruits numerous 

small balls with many brown seeds, 2 Mar 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED78. 

Vitaceae 

Cissus rotundifolia (forssk.) Vahl New island record 

Previously reported as naturalized on Kaua‘i, o‘ahu, and East Maui (lorence & flynn 

1997: 12; Herbst 1998: 4; Starr et al. 2002: 26), this Cissus is ideally suited to the dry, 

sun-drenched leeward sides of our islands (Staples & Herbst 2005). This large population 

was climbing over Leucaena leucocephala in a dry, disturbed vacant lot in Kailua-Kona. 

The bird-dispersed seeds could easily be spread to the ample suitable habitat in the region. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kona distr. He‘enalu dr off ali‘i dr, 2170735N, 

187896E. Succulent vine with serrated margins. Inflorescence an umbel with green, fleshy fruit, 25 

Jun 2009, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED89. 


We thank the Bishop Museum Herbarium Pacificum staff, along with alex lau and 

danielle frohlich for assisting us with plant identification and specimen cataloging. 

Thanks to clyde Imada for his helpful “Native and Naturalized” plants list. a big thanks 

to the indispensable “Plants of Hawai‘i” website hosted by forest and Kim Starr. This survey 

was made possible thanks to financial support from the U.S. forest Service and the 

Hawaii department of land and Natural resources. 


Frohlich, D. & Lau, A. 2008. New plant records from o‘ahu for 2007. Bishop Museum 

Occasional Papers 100: 3–12. 

———. & Lau, A. 2010. New plant records from o‘ahu for 2008. Bishop Museum 


Herbst, D. 1998. New records for Hawaiian Plants. I. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 

56: 2–4. 

Leal, I., Wirth, R. & Tabarelli, M. 2007. Seed dispersal by ants in the semi-arid 

caatinga of North-east Brazil. Annals of Botany 99(5): 885–894. 

Lorence, D.H., Flynn, T.W. & Wagner, W.L. 1995. contributions to the flora of 

Hawai‘i. III. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers. 41: 19–58. 

———. & Flynn, T.W. 1997. New naturalized plant records for Kaua‘i. Bishop Museum 


Mabberley, D.J. 2008. Mabberley’s plant-book. 3rd Edition. cambridge University 

Press, cambridge, UK. 1040 pp.


Nagata, K. 1995. New Hawaiian plant records. IV. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 

42: 10–13. 

Oppenheimer, H. 2008. New Hawaiian plant records for 2007. Bishop Museum Occa - 

sional Papers 100: 22–38 

———. 2010. New Hawaiian plant records from Maui county for 2008. Bishop Museum 


———., Meidell, J.S. & Bartlett, R.T. 1999. New plant records for Maui and Moloka‘i. 


Staples, G.W. & Herbst, D.R. 2005. A tropical garden flora. Bishop Museum Press, 

Honolulu. 908 pp. 

———., Herbst, D.R. & Imada, C.T. 2000. Survey of invasive or potentially invasive 

cultivated plants in Hawai’i. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 65: 1–35. 

———., Herbst, D.R. & Imada, C.T. 2006. New Hawaiian Plant records for 2004. 


Starr, F., Martz, K. & Loope, L.L. 2002. New plant records from the Hawaiian 

archipelago. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 69: 16–27. 

———., Martz, K. & Loope, L.L. 2003. New plant records from the Hawaiian archi - 

pelago. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 74: 23–34. 

———., Martz, K. & Loope, L.L. 2004. New plant records from the Hawaiian archi - 


———. & Starr, K. Plants of Hawaii. HEar. http://www.hear.org/starr/images/ 

?o=plants. last accessed: 5 March 2012. 

Wagner, W. L., Herbst, D. R. & Sohmer, S. H. 1999. Manual of the flowering plants of 

Hawai‘i. revised edition. 2 vols. University of Hawai’i Press and Bishop Museum 

Press, Honolulu. 1919 pp. 

Wood, K.R. 2006. New plant records and rediscoveries within the Hawaiian Islands. 

Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 88: 10-15 

Wood, K.R. & LeGrande, M. 2006. an annotated checklist and new island records of 

flowering plants from lehua Islet, Ni‘ihau, Hawai‘i. Bishop Museum Occasional 

Papers 87: 19-29 

Wysong, M., Hughes G. & Wood, K.R. 2007. New Hawaiian plant records for the Island 

of Moloka‘i. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers. 96: 1-8

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BISHOP MUSEUM OCCASIONAL PAPERS: No. 113, 2012




New Plant Records from the Big Island for 2010–2011 

JaMES l. ParKEr & BoBBY ParSoNS 

Big Island Invasive Species Committee, 23 E. Kawili St, Hilo, Hwai‘i 96720; emails: 

jameslp@hawaii.edu; rparsons@hawaii.edu 

The Big Island Invasive Species committee (BIISc) implemented its Early detection program 

in May of 2008. roadside Surveys were conducted on major, secondary, tertiary, 

and residential roads in the Puna, South Hilo, North Hilo, Hāmākua, and North Kohala 

districts. Here, BIISc Early detection documents 1 new state record, 11 new naturalized 

records, 1 potential naturalization, and 17 new island records. 

Plants from 16 plant families are discussed. Information regarding the formerly 

known distribution of flowering plants is based on the Manual of the flowering plants of 

Hawai‘i (Wagner et al. 1999), A tropical garden flora (Staples & Herbst 2005) and information 

subsequently published in the Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey. Voucher 

specimens are deposited at Bishop Museum’s Herbarium Pacificum (BISH), Honolulu. 

Acanthaceae 

Justicia carnea lindl. New island record 

This popular ornamental from Brazil has previously been collected as naturalized from 

Maui (oppenheimer 2004: 8). This collection was from the Mountain View area at an elevation 

of 1600 ft. Naturalized populations of this plant have also been observed in the 

North Kohala district near Kapa‘au. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Puna distr. Hwy 11, Mountain View, 2162719N, 278357E. 6 ft 

tall shrub found on roadside with large simple leaves with purple undersides and bright pink inflorescence, 

11 oct 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED143. 

Sanchezia speciosa leonard New island record 

This commonly cultivated hedge plant has been seen naturalizing in a few locations 

around the island. It has previously been recorded as naturalized from Kaua‘i (lorence et 

al. 1995: 20). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Hilo distr. laupāhoehoe Point, 2211916N, 265217E. 

Growing on disturbed roadside in large thicket, 24 aug 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED134. 

Apocynaceae 

Beaumontia multiflora Teijsm. & Binn. Potential naturalization 

Easter-lily vine, native to Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, and Bali, is a large climber with 20 ft 

long stems and heavy foliage, which requires a spacious garden and sunny, well-watered 

location; “… in the wild, it produces paired, cucumber shaped pods containing 100–250 

wind-dispersed seeds … but does not set fruit or seed in Hawai‘i” (Staples & Herbst 

2005). No fruit was observed at this location but the Early detection team will continue 

to monitor this population for seed set. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kohala distr. akoni Pule Hwy, 2238538N, 210823E. 

Vine with large leaves and milky latex climbing 30 ft high over avocado, banyan, and mango trees. 

large, white, showy flower with sweet, spicy fragrance, petals fused with pink-white calyx, 9 feb 

2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED110. 

65

66 


Arecaceae 

Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr. New naturalized record 

Sugar palm is a popular ornamental in the Hawaiian Islands and in its home range the 

male spadices are tapped for their sugary syrup which is made into a palm wine upon distillation 

(Mabberley 2008). This species has spread from 100+ year-old plantings in the 

Bond Historic distr into the lower section of Waianaia Gulch, where mature flowering 

and fruiting trees were observed with many saplings. Naturalized specimens of this plant 

have been collected on o‘ahu (daehler & Baker 2006: 5). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kohala distr. Bond Historic distr, Waianaia Gulch, 

2236772N, 207675E. large palm with fronds up to 9 m found in gulch in ‘Iole ahupua‘a. large, 

flowering and fruiting population with black hairs and long spines on trunks, 6 apr 2010, J. Parker 


Pinanga coronata (Blume ex Mart.) Blume New island record 

This palm, native to Java and Sumatra, is popular in cultivation for its distinct inflorescence. 

It was previously collected as naturalized from the area around lyon arboretum on 

o‘ahu (daehler & Baker 2006: 5). a dense fruiting population was observed on a hillside 

in o‘ōkala Gulch. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Hilo distr. o‘ōkala Gulch, 2214514N, 260809E. Tall 

clumping palms naturalizing on hillside of deep gulch. flowers white, fruits white turning black at 

maturity, stems of inflorescence bright red, 31 aug 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED136. 

Bignoniaceae 

Tabebuia heterophylla (dc.) Britton New island record 

Pink trumpet tree is widely cultivated around the island and has previously been recorded 

as naturalized from Maui and o‘ahu (oppenheimer 2003: 8; 2004: 10). at this location, 

there are numerous, mature, naturalized trees spread around Kīlau Gulch. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Hilo distr. Hwy 19, laupāhoehoe, 2211534N 265485E. 

Pink-flowered trees naturalizing in Kīlau Gulch near cultivated specimens. flowers visited by bees, 

23 Sep 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED139. 

Cactaceae 

Pereskia aculeata Mill. New naturalized record 

Barbados gooseberry is a leafy cactus with a vining habit that is native to the caribbean 

and South america. Popular in botanical gardens as a specimen planting of a primitive 

cactus. It is also cultivated for its edible fruit and use as a living fence for cattle in South 

africa. It was declared a noxious weed in South africa in 1979 (Morton, 1987) and is 

capable of invading intact native forest there (I. Paterson, pers. comm.). an apparently 

naturalizing sterile specimen strongly resembling Pereskia aculeata was collected from 

Hālawa Valley on Moloka‘i (T. Lau s.n., 28 Sep 2001, BISH #683117). a fertile specimen 

needs to be collected from that population to confirm its identity. P. aculeata is described 

as a shrub or vine, clambering, 3–10 m. Stems to 3 cm dia, spiny; areoles to 15 mm dia, 

largest on basal portion of stem. leaves lanceolate to ovate or oblong, 4.5–11.0 × 1.5–5.0 

cm. Spines of 2 kinds; primary spines 2 per areole, recurved, clawlike, 4–8mm long; secondary 

spines to 25 per older areole, straight, 10–35 mm long. flowers to 70 in terminal 

or lateral inflorescences, fragrant, 3.0 × 2.5–5.0 cm; pedicels 5–15 mm long; tepals perigynous; 

scales and areoles on prominent to inconspicuous tubercules; perianth whitish to 

light pink. fruits yellow to orange, spheric, not angled, 40 × 15–25 mm, never proliferating. 

Seeds lenticular, 4.5–5.0 mm dia, glossy (Hawkes 2003). This species was recommended 

for control to the BIISc plant crew, and initial control has begun.


Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kohala distr. akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, 2240213N, 

205473E. Two small populations of vining cactus near elementary school. Stipular, paired, recurved 

thorns with fleshy leaves lacking venation. flowers and fruit observed, 2 feb 2010, J. Parker & R. 

Parsons BIED109; 

Elaeocarpaceae 

Elaeocarpus angustifolius Blume New island record 

Blue-marble tree ranges widely from India throughout Southeast asia, Indonesia, and 

Melanesia to tropical australia. The species often grows along riverbanks or in seasonally 

flooded watercourses in the wild (Staples & Herbst 2005). It was previously collected as naturalized 

from the area around lyon arboretum on o‘ahu (daehler & Baker 2006: 7). 


2238675N, 208575E. Extensive population of tall, stately trees with hundreds of seeds and saplings 

throughout gulch on riverbanks and growing directly out of the water, 30 Mar 2010, J. Parker & R. 


Euphorbiaceae 

Breynia disticha J.r. forst. & G. forst. New island record 

This species is very popular in cultivation and has been found naturalizing near old homesites 

in Pololū Valley. It has previously been collected as naturalized from Maui (lorence 

et al. 1995: 35). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kohala distr. Pololū Valley, 2236127N, 214288E. large, 

naturalized population with small green axillary flowers, 27 apr 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons 

BIED119. 

Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. New naturalized record 

This species has a large native range from Tropical and South africa to India, china, SE 

asia, Indonesia, and Malesia. It is described as usually a much-branched semi-scandent 

shrub, rarely a small tree. leaves ovate-oblong to elliptic, produced on short lateral 

branchlets, giving the impression of compound leaves. flowers in clusters on short axillary 

branchlets, small, yellowish, sexes separate on the same plant, flowering before or 

with the new leaves. The flowering shoots and pedicels are covered in short, velvety hairs. 

fruit berry-like, blackish when ripe (Pickering & roe 2009). The plants in Nīnole were 

thorny to the touch, most likely due to the stipules which become hard-spiny when dry 

and brown (li & Gilbert 2008). The flowers emit a distinct smell that has been described 

as mashed potatoes in africa, but likened more to soy sauce by people living near the 

Nīnole population, and may be responsible for the local legend that a Shoyu delivery truck 

crashed on the sharp turn near the population. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Hilo distr. South of Maulua Gulch, Nīnole, 2207931N, 

270676E. large population of thorny sprawling shrubs with small, pink, drooping flowers, 23 Sep 

2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED141; Maulua Gulch, Nīnole. a shrub about 6 ft high, leafy 

branches in 1 plane. It could be an escape from cultivation, No date, A. Kawasaki s.n. (BISH #50402). 

Fabaceae 

Acacia mangium Willd. New island record 

Native to Queensland, australia, the Molucca islands and Papua New Guinea, A. mangium 

has been planted around the island for hardwood and biomass potential. Now spreading in 

‘Uma‘uma, Pepe‘ekeo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian acres, and Hawaiian Beaches 

subdivisions. It has previously been collected as naturalized on o‘ahu (frohlich & lau

68 


2008:6). This species is reported as naturalizing on Kaua‘i (frohlich & lau this volume). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Hilo distr. Uma‘uma, 2201741N 273807E. 

Naturalized trees in eucalyptus grove mauka Hwy 19 and spreading downhill along 

Kama‘e‘e Homesteads rd, 13 Sep 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED137. 

Calliandra houstoniana (Mill.) Standl. 

var. calothyrsa (Meisn.)Barneby New island record 

Planted around the island as forage and firewood, this species has been seen spreading 

from cultivation frequently, and this collection was from grazed pastureland alongside 

Gliricidia sepium. Previously collected as naturalized from lāna‘i and Maui (Imada et al. 

2008: 13; Starr et al. 2010: 64). This species is reported as naturalizing on Kaua‘i 

(frohlich & lau this volume). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hāmākua distr. Pa‘auilo Makai, 2219437N, 249863E. large 

shrubs with bipinnately compound leaves with red, terminal inflorescences, and numerous dry seedpods 

which split open when mature, 14 Jun 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED125. 

Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb. New naturalized record 

Earpod tree is native to central america and Northern South america and is described by 

Wagner as often cultivated and may be adventive (Wagner et al. 1999: 630). Seedlings 

observed on roadside and large trees naturalized in gulch probably spread from the small 

planting in o‘ōkala town near the old cane overpass. The species is described as a largetrunked 

tree


Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merr. New naturalized record 

Flemingia macrophylla is native to tropical and subtropical asia and Indonesia. It is 

described as a perennial, deep-rooting, leafy shrub, up to 3 m high. Growth habit ranges 

from prostrate to erect with numerous stems arising from the base. leaves digitately trifoliolate, 

leaflets elliptic-lanceolate and 5–15 cm long, 2–8 cm wide, silky or hairless, 

papery when old. Inflorescences mostly axillary, in dense racemes, 5–30 cm long, with 

15–40 papilionoid flowers. calyx densely silky, 6–13 mm long with 5 lanceolate lobes; 

greenish standard with distinct red blotches or stripes and purple apex. Pods oblong, 

11–15 mm long, 5–7 mm wide, dark brown and slightly silky, dehiscent, 2-seeded. Seeds 

globular, mottled brown or shiny black, 2–3 mm dia (Verdcourt 1979). found naturalizing 

near agricultural land, it most likely spread from a planting for some agricultural use, 

such as a cover crop for nitrogen-enrichment. It has also been seen naturalizing in a vacant 

lot in Hakalau, and cultivated at a botanical garden in ‘Uma‘uma, but it is unknown how 

frequently this plant is cultivated. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Hilo district. Nīnole, 2207000N, 270347E. 8ft tall herbaceous 

shrub with winged petioles and spikes of pink leguminous flowers. fruit an inflated pod that 

pops open at maturity. found growing on upper edge of gulch, 30 aug 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons 

BIED135. 

Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp. New naturalized record 

Madre de cacao trees, in their native range of Mexico and central america, are planted to 

shelter young coffee and cacao plantations (Staples & Herbst 2005). This species was seen 

rarely in surveys but sometimes in massive plantings of over 100 trees. These naturalized 

plants were most likely spread from an agricultural planting. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hāmākua district. Pa‘auilo, 2219436N 249862E. 15ft tall 

woody shrub seen naturalizing in pasture land. flowering and fruiting when leafless. long panicles 

of pink-lavender flowers and long, fleshy seedpods, 14 Jun 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED125. 

Inga feuilleei dc. New naturalized record 

This commonly cultivated tree has been seen naturalizing successfully on the windward 

side of the island. Ice-cream bean tree, or pacay, is native to Peru and Bolivia and is 

described as having 1×-pinnately compound leaves with 3–4 pairs of leathery, taperingelliptic 

leaflets arranged oppositely along a winged axis (central stem). The white, 

mimosa-type, 1.25–1.50 in long flowers are borne in heads at the apexes of brownishfuzzy 

stalks. The green pods are flattened, 8–24 in long and 2–3 in wide, and 4-angled by 

virtue of their distinctly raised margins (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Hilo distr. Hwy 19, o‘ōkala, 2214290N 261272E. Group 

of small trees, ~20 ft tall, naturalized in pasture with Panicum maximum. White mimosoid flowers 

with 4-angled, thick, green pods. compound dark-green leaves with winged petioles, 24 aug 2010, 

J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED133. 

Senna alata (l.) roxb. New island record 

candle bush is frequently cultivated and readily naturalizes where planted. It is previously 

recorded as naturalized from all of the major Hawaiian Islands exept Ni‘ihau and 

Kaho‘olawe. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Hilo distr. Hakalau, 2201461N, 277313E. large naturalized 

population in vacant lot in residential area. Bright yellow flowers with large, dark-brown 

pods, 28 Sep 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED142.

70 


Magnoliaceae 

Liriodendron tulipifera l. New naturalized record 

Valued for its economically important timber in its native range of eastern North america, 

a large planting of tulip poplar was observed spreading on Tree Planting rd off the 

Stainback Hwy. rare in Hawai‘i, this tree may be encountered at higher elevations on the 

Big Island and Maui (Staples & Herbst 2005). This was the only instance this tree was 

encountered and when assessed it scored a 2 (Evaluate) on the Hawai‘i Weed risk 

assessment, however with its wind-dispersed seeds and persistent seed bank (Hicks 

1998), cultivated specimens of tulip poplar should be watched for signs of naturalization. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Hilo distr. Tree Planting rd off Stainback Hwy, 

2169329N, 266686E. large, naturalizing population, possibly from planting. Most trees 80 ft tall 

with many naturalized saplings, 26 oct 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED144. 

Moraceae 

Artocarpus heterophyllus lam. New naturalized record 

Jackfruit is cultivated in most parts of the island for its abundant edible fruit and it was 

found naturalizing in the fertile valleys of the Bond Historic district in North Kohala. This 

species is reported as naturalizing on o‘ahu (frohlich & lau this volume). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kohala distr. Bond Historic district, Waianaia Gulch, 

2236905N, 207666E. 8-10 large fruiting adults with many saplings throughout gulch with large 

leaves with scabrous undersides and milky latex, 6 apr 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED116. 

Ficus religiosa l. New island record 

Bodhi tree is popular in cultivation around the island and has previously been collected as 

naturalized on o‘ahu (frohlich & lau 2008: 7). due to its specific pollinator fig wasp, 

Blastophaga quadraticeps Mayr, being present in Hawai‘i, it is likely that this tree will 

continue to naturalize across the islands. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hāmākua distr. Hwy 19, mile marker 31, 2214536N, 259750E. 

Growing out of concrete supports on Kupapaulua Bridge. one 2.5ft tall sapling observed, 9 aug 


Myrtaceae 

Eugenia brasiliensis lam. New island record 

Brazilian cherry can be found in cultivation over many parts of the island, especially from 

Hilo to Waimea. It has previously been recorded as naturalized from Maui (Starr et al. 

2011: 29). although not often seen spreading from cultivation, this shrub was seen colonizing 

the side of a gulch in the Bond Historic district in North Kohala. 


2236888N, 207681E. Small population of naturalized shrubs observed on hillside. orange, flaky 

bark, with whorled leaves and white 4-petal flowers with persistent bracts, 22 Mar 2010, J. Parker 


Pimenta dioica (l.) Merr. New island record 

allspice is commonly cultivated around the island and has previously been collected as 

naturalized from Kaua‘i and Maui (lorence et al., 1995; Starr et al. 2003: 28). This tree 

has appeared naturalized numerous times, and was collected here from North Kohala. 

This species is reported as naturalizing on o‘ahu (frohlich & lau this volume). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Kohala distr. Honomaka‘u rd, Hāwī, 2240118N, 

205543E. one large 15ft tall tree seen naturalized and flowering on roadside, 22 Mar 2010, J. Parker 

& R. Parsons BIED117.


Oleaceae 

Jasminum multiflorum (Burm. f.) andrews New naturalized record 

Star jasmine is native to tropical asia and has been prized and cultivated in India and 

southern china for centuries. Its flowers are used for the extraction of jasmine scent and, 

like J. sambac, are dried for scenting tea (Staples & Herbst 2005). It is described as an 

evergreen scrambler or weak climber, pubescent. leaves opposite, simple; petiole to 0.3 

in long; blades broadly ovate, usually 1.4–2.0 in × 1.0–1.4 in, underside without small pits 

in axils of secondary veins and midvein, base truncate to cordate. Inflorescence terminal 

on branch tip sand axils of upper leaves, more or less umbellate or clustered, 9 to many 

flowered. flowers 1.0–1.8 in long, white fragrant or odorless; calyx lobes threadlike, 

0.3–0.5 in long, pubescent; corolla tube 0.5–1.0 in long, lobes usually 7 or 8 (6–9), elliptic. 

fruit rarely produced (Staples & Herbst 2005). one of the more common jasmines in 

cultivation, this collection represents the third species of jasmine to be found naturalized 

in Hawai‘i. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hāmākua distr. Haina, Honoka‘a, 2223213N, 242008E. large 

vining jasmine seen naturalized in invaded area near perimeter of county park. flowers without scent 

and opposite leaves, 18 May 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED124. 

Pinaceae 

Pinus taeda l. New island record 

loblolly pine, native to the eastern and southern United States, has been found naturalizing 

at this high elevation site (7100 ft) on the slopes of Mauna Kea, where it was planted. 

It has previously been collected as naturalized on lāna‘i (oppenheimer 2008: 31) and is 

recorded as potentially naturalizing on Kaua‘i (frohlich & lau this volume). loblolly 

pine is fairly common throughout the island and has been seen possibly naturalizing in 

other higher elevation areas, i.e. Glenwood and Volcano. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: North Hilo distr. Mauna Kea access road, 2181881N, 243646E. 

60–80 ft tall grove of trees with cones strongly attached to stem, spreading from a planting, 18 aug 


Piperaceae 

Piper auritum Kunth New island record 

false ‘awa has previously been collected as naturalized on the islands of Kaua‘i and o‘ahu 

(Staples et al. 2006: 8), and East Maui (Starr & Starr 2011: 29). This shrub is native to tropical 

america and is used as a spice there. In Hawai‘i, it is grown for its use as a spice and 

because it is falsely believed to be true ‘awa, Piper methysticum. This collection was from 

a large, mature population covering about half an acre of land on one side of a gulch near 

Hilo. The shrubs were approximately 10 ft high. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Hilo distr. Wainaku, 2183465N, 280644E. large naturalized 

population on side of gulch. large leaves with licorice scent and uneven leaf bases. White 

inflorescence, 2 feb 2011, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED151. 

Polygonaceae 

Emex australis Steinh. New state record 

Emex australis, or three-corner jack, is native to South africa and was first collected from 

the island of Hawai‘i in 1931 in Makahālau on Parker ranch lands. It is known to occur 

from west Kamuela down to the Saddle road junction, and Saddle road up to 6400 ft elevation. 

We have also seen it naturalized on roadsides up to the scenic overlook on Kohala 

Mountain road. This plant had been misidentified as E. spinosa in collections until 2006, 

when the expert Karen l. Wilson of the National Herbarium of New South Wales (NSW)

72 


reidentified the BISH specimens. Emex spinosa is now known to occur only on o‘ahu, 

Moloka‘i, and East Maui, while E. australis is known only from the Big Island. Emex australis 

can be differentiated from E. spinosa because it is more prostrate (average 56 cm 

vs. 80 cm tall), has fewer seeds per rosette (average 4.7 vs. 8.8), per node (average 2.2 vs. 

6.2), and per plant (average 346 vs. 987) and the achenes are longer (average 8 mm vs. 

5.5 mm) and wider (average 9.5 mm vs. 5.2 mm) than E. spinosa (Weiss and Julien, 

1975). This collection was from the recently constructed bypass road in Kamuela, which 

we inspected after a partner got numerous calls about a weed popping bicycle tires. Both 

species of Emex are on the USda/aPHIS federal Noxious Weed list, and E. australis 

appears to be a more serious threat to agriculture and livestock production than E. spinosa, 

based on experience in other parts of the world (freeman 2005). Both species of 

Emex were targets for successful biocontrol releases between 1950 and 1966, where one 

species of weevil, Perapion antiquum successfully established on Maui and Hawai‘i, but 

failed to establish on Moloka‘i. Two other weevils, P. neofallax and P. violaceum were 

also released but did not establish (P. conant, pers. comm.). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Kohala distr. New bypass road, Kamuela, 2215327N, 

221036E. Sprawling, prostrate herb with spiny 3-spiked fruit and large taproot, 30 Nov 2010, J. Parker 

& R. Parsons BIED148; Makahālau, Parker ranch. Weed, oct 1931, R.A. Goff s.n. (BISH #63678); 6 

mi W of Pōhakuloa Park Stn, along Saddle rd ~6400 ft roadside with Chenopodium. decumbent, prostrate 

herb. Stems red or streaked with red. leaves and petioles green. Tepals green, anther cream. fruit 

green, tips of spines purple. Monoecious, 4 Mar 1979, H. Kennedy & S. Ishikawa 3910. 

Rosaceae 

Cotoneaster pannosus franch. New island record 

Previously documented as naturalized on Kaua‘i and Maui (lorence et al. 1995: 49; 

Herbarium Pacificum Staff 1999: 8), Cotoneaster pannosus grows vigorously at high elevation 

sites. a large naturalized population has been found near ‘Umikoa Village in the 

Hāmākua distr. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hāmākua distr. ‘Umikoa Village rd, 2211318N, 252407E. 

densely clustered shrubs with alternate, silvery leaves, white flowers and orange berries, no thorns. 

Spreading from gulch, 22 Jun 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED127. 

Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) lindl. New island record 

loquat has previously been documented as naturalized on Kaua‘i, o‘ahu, lāna‘i, and 

Maui (lorence et al. 1995: 49; Herbarium Pacificum Staff 1999: 8; oppenheimer 2007: 

31; frohlich & lau 2008: 8) and is a common, weedy shrub across the island. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: South Hilo distr. Hwy 19, Pepe‘ekeo, 2198851N, 279188E. 

Small tree naturalized on roadside. White flowers on hairy brown inflorescence with yellow fruit. 

Green serrate leaves with white hairy undersides, 27 oct 2010, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED146. 

Rubus sieboldii Blume New island record 

Molucca raspberry is native to Japan, southern china, and okinawa and was previously 

known from large infestations on Kaua‘i (Wagner, Herbst et al.1999). Three small naturalized 

populations of this species were found within a half-mile of each other in 

Mountain View near Pszyk rd. This species is on the State of Hawaii Noxious Weed list 

and will be recommended to the BIISc plant crew for control. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Puna distr. Pszyk rd, Mountain View, 2162495N, 278628E. 

large, stiff-leaved, thorny sprawler with white flowers. No fruit observed, naturalized near small 

drainage, 31 Jan 2011, J. Parker & R. Parsons BIED152.



We thank the Bishop Museum Herbarium Pacificum staff, along with alex lau and 

danielle frohlich for assisting us with plant identification and specimen cataloging. 

Thanks to clyde Imada for his helpful “Native and Naturalized” plants list. a big thanks 

to the indispensable “Plants of Hawai‘i” website hosted by forest and Kim Starr. Thank 

you to the New Moon foundation for access to the beautiful and botanically diverse lands 

of the ‘Iole ahupua‘a.This survey was made possible thanks to financial support from the 

U.S. forest Service and the Hawaii department of land and Natural resources. 


Daehler, C.C. & Baker, R.F. 2006. New records of naturalized and naturalizing plants 

around lyon arboretum, Manoa Valley, o‘ahu. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 

87: 3–18. 

Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. 1993+. flora of North america 

North of Mexico. 16+ vols. New York and oxford. 

Freeman, C.C. 2005. Emex Necker ex campderá, pp. 487–488. In: flora of North 

america Editorial committee (eds.), Flora of North America, vol. 5, Magnoliophyta: 

Caryophyllidae, part 2. oxford University Press, New York, xxii + 656 pp. 

Frohlich, D. & Lau, A. 2008. New plant records from o‘ahu for 2007. Bishop Museum 


Hawkes, M.W. 2003. Pereskia Miller, pp. 100–101. In: flora of North america Editorial 

committee (eds.), Flora of North America, vol. 4, Magnoliophyta: Caryophyllidae, 

part 1. oxford University Press, New York. xxiv + 559 pp. 

Herbarium Pacificum Staff. 1999. New Hawaiian plant records for 1998. Bishop 


Hicks, R.R. 1998. Ecology and management of central hardwood forests. John Wiley and 

Sons, New York. 

Howard, R.A. 1988. flora of the lesser antilles: leeward and Windward Islands. Vol. 4 

dicotyledoneae-Part 1 arnold arboretum, Harvard University. 673 pp. 

Imada, C. T., James, S.A. & Kennedy, B.H. 2008. New Hawaiian plant records from 

Herbarium Pacificum for 2007. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 100: 12–16. 

Li, B. & Gilbert, M.G. 2008. Phyllanthus linnaeus, pp. 180–190. In: Wu, Z.Y., P.H. 

raven & d.Y. Hong (eds.). Flora of China, vol. 11 (Oxalidaceae through Acer - 

aceae). Science Press, Beijing, and Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. louis. 553 

pp. 


Hawai‘i. III. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers. 41: 19–58. 

Mabberley, D.J. 2008. Mabberley’s plant-book. 3rd Edition. cambridge University 

Press, cambridge, UK. 1,040 pp. 

Morton, J. 1987. Barbados Gooseberry, pp. 349–351. In: fruits of warm climates. J.f. 

Morton, Miami. 

Oppenheimer, H. 2003. New Plant records from Maui and Hawai‘i counties. Bishop 


———. 2004. New Hawaiian plant records for 2003. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 

79: 8–20. 


96: 17–34.

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100: 22–38. 

Pickering, H. & Roe, E. 2009. Wild flowers of the Victoria Falls area. Helen Pickering, 

london. 128 pp. 

Staples, G.W. & Herbst, D.R. 2005. A tropical garden flora. Bishop Museum Press, 


———., Herbst, D.R. & Imada, C.T. 2006. New Hawaiian plant records for 2004. 


Starr, F., Martz K. & Loope L.L. 2003. New plant records from the Hawaiian archi - 


———. & Starr, K. 2011. New plant records from Midway atoll, Maui, and Ka - 

ho‘olawe. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 110: 23–35. 

———., Starr, K. & Loope L.L. 2010. New plant records from the Hawaiian archi - 


Verdcourt, B. 1979. A manual of New Guinea legumes. Botany Bulletin No. 11, office 

of forests, division of Botany, lae. 645 pp. 



Press, Honolulu. 1,919 p. 

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and E. spinosa) in northwestern Victoria. Journal of the Australian Institute of 

Agricultural Science 41(3): 211–213.




New Plant Records from Hawai‘i Island 

lINda W. PraTT 

U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, P. O. Box 44, Hawai‘i 

National Park,Hawai‘i 96718; email: lpratt@usgs.gov 

KEalI‘I f. BIo 

Hawai‘i Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 

The following plant records from the island of Hawai‘i include 2 new state records, 6 new 

island records, 3 new records of naturalized species previously known to be present on the 

island, and 1 range extension of an orchid recently reported as naturalized. all cited 

voucher specimens are deposited at BISH. 

Asteraceae 

Leucanthemum ×superbum (Bergmans ex J.W. Ingram) New naturalized record 

d.H. Kent 

Leucanthemum ×superbum (Shasta daisy) is a cultivated plant of hybrid origin from two 

European species (Staples & Herbst 2005). although not currently recognized as naturalized 

in the Hawaiian Islands (Wagner et al. 1999), this hybrid plant has apparently persisted 

more than 50 years without cultivation in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park since 

the 1940s, when it was reported as “escaping from gardens into the forest near the Park 

residential area” (fagerlund 1947). The following specimen is the first record of the 

species in a disjunct location and indicates that the Shasta daisy is now becoming naturalized 

on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, crater rim rd between 

entrance and Headquarters, Ka‘ū distr, elevation ca 1200 m, in disturbed area near road through 

developed area, 23 Jul 2001, L.W. Pratt & K. Bio 3259; Hawai‘i National Park residence area, 22 

September 1942, G.O. Fagerlund & A.L. Mitchell 94. 

Cornaeae 

Cornus kousa f. Buerger ex Hance New state record 

an ornamental tree, Cornus kousa (Japanese dogwood, kousa dogwood), was not previously 

known to be present in the Hawaiian Islands, either as a naturalized plant (Wagner et al. 

1999) or a cultivated species (Staples & Herbst 2005). There are no other vouchers of this 

species in the Bishop Museum Herbarium Pacificum. In 2011, Mark Wasser of the Natural 

resources Management division of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park collected a flowering 

specimen of this species from a group of young trees established near the western boundary 

of the Park’s Kahuku Unit, where they had probably originated from a forestry planting in 

an exclosure downslope within sight of the boundary fence. Cornus kousa is native to mountains 

of Japan, Korea, and china (ohwi 1965). The tree is considered a desirable ornamental 

in mainland North america, and it produces a red fruit, edible to humans and attractive 

to birds (Gilman & Watson 1993). The species is apparently naturalized in New York State 

(U.S. department of agriculture 2011a). The following specimen documents the Japanese 

or kousa dogwood as a naturalized species on Hawai‘i Island. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kahuku Unit just above 

75

76 


boundary in northwest corner, Ka‘ū distr, elevation ca 2175 m, four trees spreading into Park from 

planted exclosure below boundary, in Sophora/Myoporum woodland with grass, small tree ca. 3 m 

tall, flower bracts cream tinged with red, 27 Jul 2011, M. Wasser 107. 

Fabaceae 

Crotalaria sagittalis l. New state record 

Crotalaria sagittalis (arrowhead rattlebox) is native to the eastern and central United 

States, where it is found in 31 states (U.S. department of agriculture 2011b). an annual 

or perennial subshrub, this rattlebox is covered with golden hairs and has the following 

characteristics: simple ovate leaves, prominent stipules that are decurrent on the stem and 

arrowhead-shaped above, flowers pale yellow and less than 1.2 cm long, and glabrous, 

inflated fruits, black at maturity and up to 2.5 cm long (Britton & Brown 1970). This 

species was not recognized as part of the Hawaiian flora by Wagner et al. (1990, 1999). 

Crotalaria sagittalis is now documented from a single site in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National 

Park, along a boundary fence adjacent to Kapāpala ranch, where it was found in 1994. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Ka‘ū district, along fenceline 

with Kapāpala ranch near Halfway House in native shrubland with scattered Metrosideros polymorpha 

trees, elevation ca 885 m, 31 May 1994, L.W. Pratt 2779. 

Lathyrus latifolius l. New island record 

The vine Lathyrus latifolius (everlasting sweet pea) was first collected as a naturalized 

component of the Hawaiian flora at olinda on East Maui in 1985 (Wagner et al. 1999). 

Subsequently, the species was collected at an additional site near Kula on Maui (Starr et 

al. 2002). It is now known to occur on Hawai‘i Island within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National 

Park at ‘Āinahou, a former ranch. The vine has persisted in this place since 1984, when a 

collection was made at the same locality (Dina Kageler 1984-48, January 1984, Hawai‘i 

Volcanoes National Park Natural History collection). Both L. latifolius and L. odoratus 

l. are cultivated in cool regions of Hawai‘i, Maui, and Kaua‘i (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, ‘Āinahou ranch house, near 

abandoned nursery south of house, elevation 913 m, one or few vines in grassy area near old plant 

nursery, climbing vine with rose-pink flowers, no pods, 8 apr 2011, L.W. Pratt 3749. 

Lupinus angustifolius l. New naturalized record 

only one Lupinus was previously known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands; this 

was Lupinus hybridus collected once at Volcano on Hawai‘i Island (Wagner et al. 1999). 

Lupinus angustifolius (narrowleaf lupine, blue lupine) is an annual herb native to the 

Mediterranean region that is rarely cultivated at higher elevations in the Hawaiian Islands 

(Staples & Herbst 2005). This lupine is now naturalized in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National 

Park, where it was collected in 2005 growing along a jeep road following a powerline near 

the boundary with Kapāpala ranch. Herbarium Pacificum contains one other specimen 

annotated as “Lupinus probably angustifolius” by S.M. Saufferer in 1996. This was collected 

by E.Y. Hosaka in 1939 on Kapāpala ranch at slightly lower elevation than the site 

of the 2005 naturalized collection. This lupine species appears to have moved into the 

Park from the adjacent ranch where it was present, perhaps introduced as a forage plant, 

more than 70 years ago. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna loa Powerline rd, 

near boundary of Park and Kapāpala ranch, Ka‘ū distr, elevation ca 1370 m, on side of jeep road 

through Acacia koa forest with alien grasses, herb with hairy leaves, ca 1 m tall, flowers blue and 

white, fruit green and yellow, 15 dec 2005, J. Makaike & P. Keliihoomalu s.n.; Ka‘ū, ‘Ōhaikea, 

Kapāpala, elevation [1220 m], a local patch, flowers blue, 18 apr 1939, E.Y. Hosaka 2484.


Sophora tomentosa l. New naturalized record 

Sophora tomentosa (yellow necklacepod, silverbush) is a pantropical strand plant (rau - 

lerson & rinehart 1991), which is widespread in the Pacific (fosberg et al. 1979). The 

shrubby legume is also native to North america, where it is distributed on the shores of 

Texas and florida (U.S. department of agriculture 2011c). This species appears to be naturalized 

on Hawai‘i Island on the coastline between Nīnole and Punalu‘u, Ka‘ū district. 

Sophora tomentosa was recently (2011) collected growing in thick coastal shrubland of 

Scaevola taccada in the same area that otto and Isa degener collected the plant in 1983. 

The site of the 2011 collection is far from any residences or landscaped areas of the 

Punalu‘u Beach Park. The invasive potential of this Sophora is likely low in Hawai‘i; the 

species is not recognized as invasive in the Hawai‘i Weed risk assessment, which rated 

it as -3, a low value (daehler & denslow 2011). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: coastline between Punalu‘u and Nīnole, Ka‘ū distr, near sea 

level, 3 shrubs mixed with thick Scaevola taccada about 10 m from the rocky shore, low shrub 1.5 

m tall with green and brown legumes, 8 May 2011, D. Foote s.n.; Punalu‘u, Ka‘ū, Hawai‘i in black 

lava sand near beach, 9 apr 1983, O. Degener & I. Degener 35,763. 

Stylosanthes viscosa Sw. New island record 

This species, an introduced pasture legume, is known to be naturalized on both o‘ahu and 

West Maui (Herbst et al. 2004), but it has not been previously collected on Hawai‘i Island 

(Imada 2008). recently (2011), this small shrubby legume was observed at one site on the 

side of the crater rim rd in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. another Stylosanthes, S. 

scabra Vogel, was previously documented from the Park (Kennedy et al. 2010). The two 

species may be distinguished by the length and shape of the beak on the fruit, but specimens 

without fruiting material cannot be identified (Herbst et al. 2004). It is likely that 

both Stylosanthes species now known from Hawai‘i Island spread into Hawai‘i Volcanoes 

National Park from adjacent ranchlands. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, crater rim rd between 

Keanakāko‘i and chain of craters rd intersection, Ka‘ū distr, elevation ca 1120 m, disturbed area 

on roadside through montane wet Metrosideros polymorpha forest, low shrub with red-streaked flowers 

and tiny fruit, 18 May 2011, L.W. Pratt & J. Seide 3766. 

Vigna hosei (craib) Backer New island record 

a vine cultivated in tropical countries, Vigna hosei was first reported naturalized in the 

Hawaiian Islands on o‘ahu, in a pineapple field near Poamoho Experiment farm (Staples 

et al. 2006). The species also occurs on Hawai‘i Island, where the following specimen was 

collected in a Hilo field in 2006. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hilo, in field at low elevation (below 150 m), growing in disturbed 

area of field, thin vine with grayish green foliage and pale yellow flowers, 19 Jun 2006, L. 

Yoshida s.n. 

Onagraceae 

Oenothera biennis l. New island record 

a biennial herb native to North america and canada, Oenothera biennis (common 

evening primrose) was recently documented as a naturalized species on East Maui, where 

it was found growing on a roadside in Kula (Starr et al. 2008). The species has now been 

collected on Hawai‘i Island, where it was established on a roadside in Volcano Golf 

course Subdivision in a patch measuring 5 × 10 m with plants of different sizes. Plants 

have persisted in this roadside site for more than 3 years, and the species appears to be 

naturalized in Volcano.

78 


Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Volcano Golf course Subdivision adjacent to Hawai‘i 

Volcanoes National Park, on side of Pukeawe circle, Ka‘ū distr, elevation ca. 1200 m, disturbed area 

on side of road, patch has persisted in place for more than 3 years, herb with bright yellow flowers, 

stem with red pustular hairs, plants of different sizes seen in patch 5 × 10 m, 11 May 2011, L.W. Pratt 

& T.K. Pratt 3756. 

Orchidaceae 

Cymbidium dayanum rchb. f. Range extension 

recently, ackerman et al. (2011) published a new record of the widespread asian orchid 

Cymbidium dayanum as a naturalized species on Hawai‘i Island; they collected the orchid 

at Kalopā State recreation area near Honoka‘a in Hāmākua distr, where it was growing 

on Eucalyptus trees and logs. We found this orchid also naturalized at several sites in Ka‘ū 

district, where the following specimens were collected. The orchid is established in 

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park near Kīpuka Nēnē, where it grows as an epiphyte on 

dead Metrosideros polymorpha trees in open Metrosideros woodland. Cymbidium 

dayanum has also been collected on Keauhou ranch east and north of the Park. The elevations 

of these two collections range from 850 to 1400 m. The speed with which this 

orchid has established on the island and the wide range of habitats occupied indicate that 

the species may have invasive tendencies. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park near Kīpuka Nēnē, ca. 1 km 

from Hilina road, Ka‘ū distr, elevation ca 850 m, common on dead trees in Metrosideros polymorpha 

woodland near fuel break/jeep road, epiphytic orchid with flowers white and purple striped and 

fruits green, 11 aug 2011, L.W. Pratt & C.M. D’Antonio 3779; Keauhou ranch east and north of 

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Ka‘ū district, elevation ca 1400 m, rare in pasture with scattered 

Acacia koa and Metrosideros polymorpha trees, epiphytic on dead koa tree, apparently naturalized, 

flowers white with red-purple stripes, 12 Nov 2008, A. Christie 20081. 

Rosaceae 

Pyracantha angustifolia (franch.) c.K. Schneid. New island record 

When Wagner et al. (1990) published the Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai‘i, 

Pyracantha angustifolia (firethorn) was listed as naturalized on both Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i, 

where it was said to be present near the Volcano dump. Subsequently, it was realized that 

there were actually three species of Pyracantha present in the Hawaiian Islands, and P. 

angustifolia was thought to be limited to Kaua‘i (Herbarium Pacificum Staff 1999). a 

new island record of P. angustifolia for Maui was reported by Starr et al. (2008) on East 

Maui, where the shrub was scattered in a pasture in Kula. Now this species of firethorn 

has also been collected on Hawai‘i Island along Hwy 11 not far from Volcano Village. 

With the collection of the following specimen, there are now three species of Pyracantha 

known from Hawai‘i Island: P. angustifolia, P. crenatoserrata, and P. koidzumii. Based on 

recent weed surveys (l. Pratt, pers. observ.), P. crenatoserrata appears to be the most 

common Pyracantha species in the Volcano area and within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National 

Park. Pyracantha angustifolia may have invasive potential on the island; the Hawai‘i 

Weed risk assessment rated the species as 13 H, likely to be invasive in Hawai‘i (daehler 

& denslow 2011). Several Pyracantha species are frequently cultivated in Hawai‘i and 

may become weeds because of their bird-dispersed fruit (Staples & Herbst 2005). 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hwy 11 near Volcano Village, mile marker 27, east of Hawai‘i 

Volcanoes National Park, Puna distr, elevation ca 1120 m, rare on side of road in disturbed vegetation, 

thorny shrub with orange berries, 9 Sep 2005, L.W. Pratt & K. Bio 3520.


Rubiaceae 

Richardia scabra l. New island record 

Richardia scabra, a weedy herb with no common name, was first reported as a new state 

record in 1995 from collections made on the island of Kaua‘i (lorence et al. 1995). 

Subsequently, the species was documented from Maui (oppenheimer 2003). after review 

of specimens identified as R. brasiliensis in the Bishop Museum Herbarium Pacificum, 

several vouchered specimens were reassigned to R. scabra (Imada et al. 2008), and 

Richardia scabra was recognized as present on o‘ahu and Moloka‘i, as well as Kaua‘i 

and Maui. The species is now known also from Hawai‘i Island, where the following specimen 

was collected in a disturbed area near buildings at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i 

Volcanoes National Park in 2005. 

Material examined. HAWAI‘I: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kahuku Unit, in grounds of 

ranch house, Ka‘ū distr, elevation ca 700 m, uncommon between house and jeep road, prostrate 

weed, 11 oct 2005, L.W. Pratt 3556. 


Several of the specimens were collected during field work of projects funded by the National 

Park Services Pacific area Network Inventory and Monitoring Program and by the U.S. 

Geological Survey’s Invasive Species Program and the Wildlife – Terrestrial and 

Endangered Species Program. administrative support was through the Hawai‘i cooperative 

Studies Unit of the University of Hawai‘i and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Pacific Island 

Ecosystems research center. We thank field collectors Jon Makaike, Paul Keliihoomalu, 

Johannes Seide, and Mark Wasser of the National Park Service, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National 

Park; andrew christie of the Three Mountain alliance; carla d’antonio of the University 

of california, Santa Barbara; david foote and Thane Pratt (retired) of the U.S. Geological 

Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems research center; and layne Yoshida of Hilo. We also 

thank clyde Imada of the Bishop Museum for facilitating our use of the Herbarium 

Pacificum. a draft of this paper was reviewed by art Medeiros and Jim Jacobi of the U.S. 

Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems research center and by clyde Imada of the 

Bishop Museum. We are grateful for their comments and corrections. 


Ackerman, J.D., Falcón, W. & Recart, W. 2011. New records of naturalized orchids for 

the Hawaiian Islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 110:1–4. 

Britton, N.L. & Brown, A. 1970. An illustrated flora of the northern United States and 

Canada. Second edition. Volume II. dover Publications, New York. 735 pp. 

Daehler, C. & Denslow, J. 2011. Weed risk assessments for Hawaii and Pacific Islands. 

available at: http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/daehler/Wra/full_table.asp 

(accessed 29 November 2011). 

Fagerlund, G.O. 1947. The exotic plants of Hawaii National Park. Natural History 

Bulletin No. 10. Hawaii National Park, U.S. department of the Interior, National 

Park Service. 62 pp. available in library at Hawa‘i Volcanoes National Park. 

Fosberg, F.R.,Sachet, M.-H. & Oliver, R. 1979. a geographical checklist of the 

Micronesian dicotyledonae. Micronesica 15: 41–295. 

Gilman, E.F. & Watson, D.G. 1993. Cornus kousa, Kousa dogwood. fact Sheet ST-191. 

Environmental Horticulture department, florida cooperative Extension Service, 

Institute of food and agricultural Science, University of florida. 

Herbarium Pacificum Staff. 1999. New Hawaiian plant records for 1998. Bishop 

Museum Occasional Papers 58: 3–11.

80 



2002–2003. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 78: 3–12. 

Imada, C.T. 2008. Native and naturalized flowering plants of Hawaii – main Hawaiian 

Islands. available at: http://www.bishopmuseum.org/research/natsci/botany/dbandkeys/Main%20Islands%20 

report.pdf (accessed November 15, 2011). 

———., James, S.A. & Kennedy, B.H. 2008. New Hawaiian plant records from 


Kennedy, B.H., James, S.A. & Imada, C.T. 2010. New Hawaiian plant records from 


Lorence, D.H., Flynn, T.W. & Wagner, W.L. 1995. contributions to the flora of Ha - 

wai‘i. III. New additions, range extensions, and rediscoveries of flowering plants. 


Ohwi, J. 1965. Flora of Japan (in English). Smithsonian Institution, Washington, d.c. 

1,067 pp. 

Oppenheimer, H.L. 2003. New plant records from Maui and Hawai‘i counties. Bishop 


Raulerson, L. & Rinehart, A. 1991. Trees and shrubs of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

coastal resources Management, office of the Governor, commonwealth of the 

Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan. 120 pp. 

Staples, G.W. & Herbst, D.R. 2005. A tropical garden flora; plants cultivated in the 

Hawaiian Islands and other tropical places. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu. 908 p. 

———., Herbst, D.R. & Imada, C.T. 2006. New Hawaiian plant records for 2004. 


———., Martz, K. & Loope, L.L. 2002. New plant records from the Hawaiian 


———., Starr, K. & Loope, L.L. 2008. New plant records from the Hawaiian 


U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2011a. 

PlaNTS profile for Cornus kousa (kousa dogwood). available at: http://plants.usda. 

gov/java/profile?symbol=coKo2 (accessed 1 November 2011). 

———. 2011b. PlaNTS profile for Crotalaria sagittalis (arrowhead rattlebox). 

available at: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=crSa4 (accessed 17 oct - 

ober 2011). 

———. 2011c. PlaNTS profile for Sophora tomentosa (yellow necklacepod). available 

at: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SoTo3 (accessed November 1, 

2011). 

Wagner, W.L.,Herbst, D.R. & Sohmer, S.H. 1990. Manual of the flowering plants of 

Hawai‘i. 2 vols. University of Hawai‘i Press & Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu. 

1853 pp. 

———. 1999. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai‘i. revised edition. 2 vols. 

University of Hawai‘i Press & Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu. 1918 pp.




Freshwater algae associated with taro cultivation 

in the Hawaiian Islands 1 

alISoN r. SHErWood 2 , aMY l. carlIlE 3 , & JESSIca M. NEUMaNN 

Botany Department, 3190 Maile Way, University of Hawaiʻi, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822, USA; 

emails: asherwoo@hawaii.edu, acarlile@hawaii.edu, jmneum@hawaii.edu 

as part of the Hawaiian freshwater algae Biodiversity Survey (2009-2012) we have been 

documenting algae (with a focus on macroalgae) associated with taro fields on the accessible 

main Hawaiian Islands. Taro fields provide a very different environment from 

streams, where most of our other collections originate, in that they have much lower (or 

absent) water flow and temperatures that can be substantially higher (measured as high as 

37.0 °c in our field sites). This paper provides an updated taxonomic checklist for taro 

field-associated algae in Hawaiʻi and compares our identifications to historical literature 

records for this interesting habitat. 

although several past authors have recorded collections of freshwater algae from 

taro fields, the only researchers to explicitly discuss algae collecting in these fields were 

Tilden (1901, 1902) and Maccaughey (1917, 1918a, b). Josephine E. Tilden spent several 

months collecting algae from almost every conceivable habitat in Hawaiʻi in the year 

1900. In an informal account of her expedition to the islands of oʻahu, Hawaiʻi and 

Kauaʻi (Tilden 1901) she mentions the following collections from Hawaiʻi: “In a taro 

patch was found Anabaena variabilis, some Chara and diatoms” (Tilden 1901: 168). 

Maccaughey made extensive collections from taro fields on a number of islands and compiled 

these records in his summary manuscripts (Maccaughey 1917, 1918a, b). abbott 

(1992) noted that limu were sometimes gathered from upland loʻi, and aiona (2003) documented 

names of limu from taro fields along with their latin names (limu kala wai – 

Spirogyra spp.; lī pālāwai – Pithophora sp., Stigeoclonium amoenum, Hydrodictyon reticulatum 

and Spirogyra spp.; hulu ʻilio – S. amoenum; limu nehe – Spirogyra spp.) based 

on ethnobotanical interviews with native Hawaiian peoples. Given that Hawaiian names 

exist for some species of freshwater algae and the recorded history of these algae being 

collected from taro fields, the freshwater algae of taro fields must have also played a role 

in the diet of some native Hawaiians, either directly or indirectly. 

collections for this study were made by the authors and other members of the freshwater algal 

Biodiversity group (dr. rex lowe, Bowling Green State University; dr. Pat Kociolek and carrie 

Graeff, University of colorado; dr. Jeff Johansen and Melissa Vaccarino, John carroll University) 

between July 2009 and January 2011, with several additional collections made by the senior author 

dating back to 2001. Samples were collected from the sediment surface, free-floating, or attached in 

taro fields on the islands of Kauaʻi, oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi. Identifications were made 

using taxonomic literature sources most pertinent for each lineage (see Sherwood 2006 for taxonomic 

references). catalog numbers are Bishop Museum (BISH) Herbarium Pacificum numbers 

for representative microscope slides deposited of each taxon. Sherwood lab accession numbers 

(arS) are also given to enable supplementary data for each sample to be accessed via the Hawaiian 

freshwater algae database (http://algae.manoa.hawaii.edu/hfwadb/). 

1. contribution no. 2012-012 to the Hawaii Biological Survey. 


96817-2704, USa. 

3. Present address: department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post 

road, West Haven, cT 06516 U.S.a.; email: acarlile@newhaven.edu 

81

82 


Table 1. Checklist of freshwater algae associated with taro fields in the Hawaiian Islands. 

Algal taxon Source Representative accession 

Cyanobacteria 

Anabaena confervoides reinsch Tilden (1902), Maccaughey (1918b) 

Anabaena sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749534; (arS 07431-00002) 

Aphanothece stagnina (Sprengel) 

a.Braun Maccaughey (1918b) 

Aphanothece sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Calothrix fusca (Kützing) Bornet 

& flahault Maccaughey (1918b) 

Calothrix sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749535; (arS 04236-00001) 

Chamaesiphon confervicola 

a.Braun Maccaughey (1918b) 

C. elongatus (Nortdstedt) Kann Maccaughey (1918b) 

Chamaesiphon sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Chroococcus sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Cylindrospermum muscicola 

Kützing ex Bornet & flahault this study BISH 749536; (arS 04236-00002) 

Cylindrospermum sp. this study BISH 749668; (arS 07513-00005) 

Gloeocapsa sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Gloeothece fusco-lutea Nägeli Maccaughey (1918b) 

Gloeothece sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Gloeotrichia natans (Hedwig) 

rabenhorst ex Bornet & flahault Maccaughey (1918b) 

Leptolyngbya rivulariarum 

(Gomont) anagnostidis & Komárek Maccaughey (1918b) 

Lyngbya aestuarii (Mertens) 

liebman ex Gomont Maccaughey (1918b) 

L. aestuarii f. natans Gomont Maccaughey (1918b) 

Lyngbya sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749669; (arS 07032-00001) 

Merismopedia glauca (Ehrenberg) 

Kützing Maccaughey (1918b) 

Merismopedia sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Nostoc linckia (roth) Bornet 

ex Bornet & flahault Maccaughey (1918b) 

N. piscinale Kützing ex Bornet 

& flahault Maccaughey (1918b) 

N. punctiforme (Kützing) Hariot Maccaughey (1918b) 

N. spongiaeforme c.agardh 

ex Bornet & flahault Maccaughey (1918b) 

Nostoc sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Nostochopsis sp. this study BISH 749670; (arS 04320-00003) 

Oscillatoria aeruginosa c.agardh 

ex Gomont Maccaughey (1918b) 

O. princeps Vaucher ex Gomont this study BISH 749671; (arS 07509-00002) 

Oscillatoria sp. this study BISH 749672; (arS 06981-00001) 

Phormidium retzii (c.agardh) 

Kützing ex Gomont this study BISH 749673; (arS 04149-00001) 

Rivularia sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Scytonema crispum (c.agardh) 

Bornet Maccaughey (1918b) 

Scytonema sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749674; (arS 04320-00004) 

Stigonema sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Trichormus catenula (Kützing ex 

Bornet & flahault) Komárek 

& anagnostidis Maccaughey (1918b) 

T. variabilis (Kützing ex Bornet 

& flahault) Komárek & 

anagnostidis Tilden (1901), Maccaughey (1918b)


Table 1. (continued) 


Cyanobacteria (continued) 

Xenotholos kerneri (Hansgirg) 

M.Gold-Morgan, G.Montejano 

& J.Komárek Maccaughey (1918b) 

Xenococcus sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Chlorophyta 

Ankistrodesmus sp. this study BISH 749675; (arS 06762-00002) 

Bulbochaete sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Chara braunii c.c.Gmelin this study BISH 749677; (arS 07513-00001) 

Chara sp. Tilden (1901), Maccaughey (1918a) 

Cladophora glomerata (linneaus) 

Kützing this study BISH 749678; (arS 04135-00001) 

C. lehmanniana (lindenberg) 

Kützing Maccaughey (1918b) 

Cloniophora spicata (Schmidle) 

Islam this study BISH 749676, 749679; (arS 06769-00001) 

Coleochaete sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Conferva sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Cosmarium sp. this study BISH 749680; (arS 06764-00008) 

Desmidium sp. this study BISH 749681; (arS 06756-00001) 

Draparnaldia sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Gonium sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Hyalotheca dissiliens Brébisson 

ex ralfs this study BISH749682; (arS 07514-00003) 

Hydrodictyon reticulatum 

(linnaeus) Bory de Saint-Vincent Maccaughey (1918b), this study BISH 749683; (arS 07444-00001) 

Hydrodictyon sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Klebsormidium subtile (Kützing) 

Tracanna ex Tell Maccaughey (1918b) 

Mougeotia sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749684; (arS 06652-00002) 

Netrium sp. this study BISH 749685; (arS 06733-00002) 

Nitella sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749686; (arS 07510-00001) 

Oedogonium sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749687; (arS 07028-00005) 

Pithophora sp. this study BISH 749688; (arS 07024-00001) 

Raphidium sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum 

(c.agardh) Kützing this study BISH 749689; (arS 07511-00004) 

Rhizoclonium sp. this study BISH 749690; (arS 07025-00002) 

Scenedesmus sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749691; (arS 06733-00004) 

Sirogonium sp. this study BISH 749692; (arS 07516-00001) 

Spirogyra spp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749693; (arS 06988-00001) 

Stigeoclonium sp. this study BISH 749694; (arS 06753-00011) 

Tetrabaena socialis (dujardin) 

H.Nozaki & M.Itoh Maccaughey (1918b) 

Ulothrix minulata Kützing Maccaughey (1918b) 

Ulothrix sp. Maccaughey (1918a) 

Zygnema spontaneum Nordstedt Maccaughey (1918b) 

Zygnema sp. Maccaughey (1918a), this study BISH 749695; (arS 06760-00002) 

Rhodophyta 

Chantransia sp. this study BISH 749696; (arS 06986-00001) 

Compsopogon caeruleus (Balbis 

ex c. agardh) Montagne this study BISH 749697; (arS 06757-00001)

84 

Table 1. (continued) 



Chrysophyceae 

Dinobryon sertularia Ehrenberg Maccaughey (1918b) 

Tribophyceae 

Vaucheria sp. this study BISH 749698; (arS 06760-00004) 

Bacillariophyceae 

Hydrosera sp. this study BISH 749699; (arS 07449-00003) 

Pleurosira laevis (Ehrenberg) 

compère this study BISH 749700; (arS 07443-00002) 

Euglenophyta 

Euglena sp. this study BISH 749701; (arS 04141-00002) 

Lepocinclis spirogyroides Marin 

& Melkonian Maccaughey (1918b) 

Monomorphina pyrum (Ehrenberg) 

Mereschkowski Maccaughey (1918b) 

Phacus pleuronectes (o.f.Müller) 

Nitzsch ex dujardin Maccaughey (1918b) 

Salpingoeca pyxidium Kent Maccaughey (1918b) 

Trachelomonas hispida (Perty) 

f.Stein Maccaughey (1918b) 

T. oblonga var. truncata 

lemmermann Maccaughey (1918b) 

T. volvocina var. minuta 

lemmermann Maccaughey (1918b) 

all the major taxonomic groups of freshwater macroalgae found in the Hawaiian 

Islands are represented in taro fields (e.g. cyanobacteria, red and green algae, diatoms, 

yellow-green algae), but some taxa differ in their degree of specialization to the taro field 

habitat. for example, some genotypes of Spirogyra (which likely represent distinct 

species) are known exclusively from taro fields, while others are found in multiple habitat 

types (Neumann 2011; Neumann & Sherwood, in prep.). forty cyanobacteria, 34 green 

algae, two red algae, one chrysophyte, one tribophyte, eight euglenoids, and two diatoms 

are reported in total (Table 1); these 88 taxonomic records include those from our own collections 

and others from the literature. records from only the literature comprised 58% of 

the total, while 28% were from our collections only, and 14% were shared. 

freshwater algae have been a component of Hawaiian taro fields for hundreds of 

years, and those species specialized to this habitat may have been introduced with taro 

plants or soil from other tropical Pacific regions. future research into the freshwater algal 

community composition of taro fields in other regions of the Pacific, especially those with 

documented human migrations to the Hawaiian Islands, will allow further insights into the 

biogeographic origins and degree of endemism of the Hawaiian taro field algal flora. 


We thank liloa dunn, Skippy Hau, Paul and charley rappun, anakala Pilipio Solatorio, 

Kawika Winter, the staff of the Hawaii Nature center and the Waipa foundation, the Kanu 

o ka ʻaina charter School and the taro-farming residents of Keanae and Wailua, Maui for 

access to taro fields around the Main Hawaiian Islands and for their enthusiasm for this


work. We also thank our freshwater algal colleagues for their field assistance, intellectual 

stimulation and algal expertise. Noel afalava and Mailie Ngiriou assisted with some fieldwork. 

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science foundation 

(dEB-0841734). any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in 

this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the 

National Science foundation. 


Abbott, I.A. 1992. La‘au Hawai‘i: Traditional Hawaiian uses of plants. Bishop Museum 

Press, Honolulu, 163 pp. 

Aiona, K. 2003. Ike kuuna limu: learning about Hawaii’s limu. MS Thesis, Botany 

department, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu. 66 pp. 

MacCaughey, V. 1917. The phytogeography of Manoa Valley, Hawaiian Islands. Amer - 

ican Journal of Botany 4: 561–603. 

———. 1918a. algae of the Hawaiian archipelago I. Botanical Gazette 65: 42–57. 

———. 1918b. algae of the Hawaiian archipelago II. Botanical Gazette 65: 121–149. 

Neumann, J.M. 2011. Biodiversity of Spirogyra and Sirogonium in the Hawaiian Is - 

lands: Molecular insights into two morphologically similar macroalgal genera. MS 

Thesis, Botany department, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 88 pp. 

Sherwood, A.R. 2006. Stream macroalgae of the Hawaiian Islands: a floristic survey. 

Pacific Science 60: 191–205. 

Tilden, J.E. 1901. algae collecting in the Hawaiian Islands. Postelsia 1: 135–175. 

———. 1902. collection of algae from the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian Annual 1902: 

106–113.

86 

BISHOP MUSEUM OCCASIONAL PAPERS: No. 113, 2012




New Plant Records from Maui and Kaho‘olawe 1 

forEST STarr 2 & KIM STarr 2 

University of Hawai‘i, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, 149 Hawea Pl., Makawao, 

Maui, Hawai‘i 96768, USA; email: fstarr@hawaii.edu 

The following contributions include new naturalized, island, and range extension records 

from Maui and Kaho‘olawe. all records are for nonindigenous species. Images of most of 

the material examined can be seen at . Voucher specimens and collections 

mentioned in the text are housed in Bishop Museum’s Herbarium Pacificum 

(BISH), Honolulu, Hawai‘i. 

Apiaceae 

Torilis arvensis (Huds.) link New island record 

Previously collected on the Kalalau Trail on Kaua‘i in 1989 (Staples et al. 2002: 5), Torilis 

arvensis (spreading hedge parsley) is now known from Maui, where it was found on the 

summit of Haleakalā. 

Material examined: MAUI: E. Maui, Haleakalā National Park, HVc (Haleakalā Visitor center) 

parking lot, growing in crack in sidewalk, in association with Dubautia menziesii and Plantago 

lanceolata, 9750 ft [2971 m], 18 oct 2011, Starr 111018-1. 


Calotropis procera (aiton) W.T. aiton New island records and correction 

Calotropis procera (purple crown flower) was previously reported from Kaua‘i, lāna‘i, 

and Hawai‘i (Wagner et al. 1999: 238; Wood & leGrande 2006: 19; Wood 2006: 15; 

oppenheimer 2008: 23), and is here reported from Kaho‘olawe where this garden escape 

with wind dispersed seeds has become established and is spreading near the summit, and 

from Maui where it was collected by the authors and others in dry lowland areas of East 

and West Maui. Parker & Parson (this volume) report this species from the Big Island. 

Before the distinction between C. procera and C. gigantea was known to Hawaiian 

botanists, specimens of C. procera were identified as C. gigantea. revisiting the collections 

reveals two specimens from Maui (Starr & Martz 010503-2; Starr & Martz 010701- 

1) and one from Kaua‘i (Starr & Starr 020226-3) to be C. procera, resulting in C. gigantea 

no longer documented as naturalized on Kaua‘i or West Maui, and C. procera now 

documented as naturalized on Maui. 

Material examined: KAHO‘OLAWE: Pu‘u Mōiwi, along the main road (K1), in association 

with Heteropogon contortus and Cenchrus ciliaris, scattered plants in area, collected with James 

Bruch (KIrc), 1115 ft [340 m], 28 dec 2010, Starr 101228-1. Kanapou Headwaters, growing in bare 

hard pan, in association with Heteropogon contortus, Cenchrus ciliaris, and Prosopis pallida, dozens 

of plants, collected with James Bruch (KIrc), 1246 ft [380 m], 29 dec 2010, Starr 101229-1. 

MAUI: E. Maui, Kīhei, just mauka of the Maui research and Technology Park, on mauka side of 

gate, coming up in pasture area recently disturbed to install a culvert, 250 ft [75 m], 3 May 2001, 

Starr & Martz 010503-2. W. Maui, Kahului, in abandoned sugar cane field, 100 ft [30 m], Starr & 

Martz 010701-1. W. Maui, Kahului, west of Kuihelani Hwy, between mile markers 3 & 5, in sandy 

soil, 120 ft [37 m], 19 aug 2004, H. oppenheimer & G. Hansen H80405. KAUA‘I: Kekaha, Kekaha 

Beach Park, on sand near coast, 10 ft [3 m], 26 feb 2002, Starr & Starr 020226-3. 



96817-2704, USa. 

87

88 


Asteraceae 

Senecio madagascariensis Poir. Range extension 

documented from all the main Hawaiian island except Ni‘ihau and Moloka‘i (lorence et 

al. 1995: 24; Starr et al. 1999: 11; oppenheimer & Bartlett 2002: 4; Herbst et al. 2004: 4; 

Starr et al. 2006: 33), and previously collected at an elevation of 4800 ft (1463 m) in 

Kohala, Hawai‘i (Flynn 4302; Wagner 4780), this prolific yellow flowered plant is here 

reported from an elevation of 10,000 ft (3048 m), where it is sparingly found in bare cinders 

on the summit of Haleakalā on East Maui. 

Material examined: MAUI: E. Maui, Pu‘u Kolekole, Haleakalā observatories Science city, 

one plant in bare cinders near faulkes Telescope, in association with Erodium cicutarium, Plantago 

lanceolata, and Tetramolopium humile, 10,000 ft [3048 m], 12 apr 2011, Starr 110412-1. 

Caryophyllaceae 

Silene armeria l. New state record 

Not previously reported from the state, Silene armeria (Sweet William catchfly) was 

found on the side of a gravel road in olinda, Maui. Native to Europe (Jepson Herbarium 

2011), and naturalized over much of North america (USda 2011), this catchfly can be 

distinguished from other Silene in Hawai‘i by the annual / biennial habit, glabrous foliage 

and flowers, and pink to purple flowers. 

Material examined: MAUI: E. Maui, olinda, Hawea Pl, side of gravel road in unmaintained 

area. Erect, glabrous, pink flowers. Growing with Conyza bonariensis and Pennisetum clandestinum, 

2700 ft [822 m], 20 Jun 2011, Starr 110620-1. 

Chenopodiaceae 

Salsola tragus l. Range extension 

Known from all the main Hawaiian islands except Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i, and lāna‘i (Wagner 

et al. 1999: 540; Wagner et al. 1997: 55; Herbst & Wagner 1999: 19; oppenheimer & 

Bartlett 2002: 5; Herbst et al. 2004: 5; Starr et al. 2006: 34), Salsola tragus (tumbleweed) 

was previously known from East Maui, where it is well established from Pāi‘a to Kēōkea, 

and is now known from Kahana on West Maui. an attempt is being made to eradicate this 

isolated population, but a persistent seedbank remains. 

Material examined: MAUI: W. Maui, Kahana, side of dirt road in abandoned pineapple fields. 

Hundreds of plants of all life stages. Growing with Amaranthus spinosus and Urochloa maxima, 120 

ft [37 m], 12 apr 2011, Starr 110412-1. 

Clusiaceae 

Hypericum mutilum l. subsp. mutilum Range extension 

Previously known from Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i and East Maui (Wagner et al. 1999: 

544; lorence et al. 1995: 32; Wagner & Herbst 1995: 18), Hypericum mutilum (dwarf St. 

John’s wort) has been collected multiple times since 1981 in moist areas near the Hāna 

Hwy on East Maui, and is now known from West Maui, where it grows in waterlogged 

trailsides in Waihe‘e ridge and Hana‘ula. 

Material examined: MAUI: W. Maui, Waihe‘e ridge Trail, lining side of trail, growing in 

waterlogged mud with Tibouchina herbacea and Paspalum conjugatum, 2150 ft [655 m], 27 aug 

2011, Starr 110827-1. Hana‘ula, side of trail, small patches growing in waterlogged mud with 

Cibotium, Melicope, and Myrsine, 4000 ft [1219 m], 28 Sep 2011, Starr 110928-1.


Myrtaceae 

Melaleuca armillaris (Sol. ex Gaertn.) Sm. New naturalized record 

reported as used in forestry plantings but apparently not naturalized (Wagner et al. 1999: 

964), Melaleuca armillaris (bracelet honey myrtle) is here reported as naturalized, where 

it was filling light gaps and spreading from abandoned plantings in Kula, Maui. 

Material examined: MAUI: E. Maui, Kula, abandoned farm off crater rd.. old plantings, some 

of which have fallen over, with seedlings filling the light gaps and spreading to nearby areas. 

Growing in association with Acacia mearnsii and Sicyos, 3500 ft [1066 m], 31 Mar 2011, Starr 

110331-2. 

Onagraceae 

Oenothera laciniata Hill Range extension 

Known from Maui and Hawai‘i (Wagner et al. 1999: 1000), and collected at elevations up 

to 4500 ft (1371 m) (Nagata 3544), Oenothera laciniata (cutleaved evening primrose) is 

now documented from 9725 ft (2964 m) on East Maui, where it was collected in the 

Haleakalā Summit Visitor center parking lot. 

Material examined: MAUI: E. Maui, Haleakalā National Park, HVc Parking lot, dozens of 

plants in a patch near the Sliding Sands Trailhead, in association with Erodium cicutarium, 

Deschampsia nubigena, and Dubautia menziesii, 9725 ft [2964 m], 12 apr 2011, Starr 110412-1. 


We thank Paul Higashino and James Bruch for support on Kaho‘olawe; Huang-chi Kuo 

(University of Hawai‘i, Botany) for identification of Torilis arvensis; Tony rodd (royal 

Botanic Gardens, Sydney) for identification of Melaleuca armillaris; aaron Woods 

(European botanist) for identification of Silene armeria; and the Bishop Museum staff and 

volunteers for their assistance with curation of specimens and publishing new records. 



2002-2003. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 78(1): 3–12. 

———. & Wagner, W.L. 1999. contributions to the flora of Hawai‘i. VII. Bishop 

Museum Occasional Papers 58(1): 12–36. 

Jepson Herbarium. 2011. Jepson eflora. regents of the University of california. 

(accessed: Nov. 8, 

2011). 


Hawai‘i. III. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 41: 19–58. 

Oppenheimer, H.L. & Bartlett, R.T. 2002. New plant records from the main Hawaiian 

Islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 69(2): 1–14. 


100: 22–38. 

Staples, G.W., Imada, C.T., & Herbst, D.R. 2002. New Hawaiian plant records for 

2000. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 68(1): 3–18. 

Starr, F., Martz, K. & Loope, L.L. 1999. New plant records from East Maui for 1998. 

Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 59(2): 11–15. 

———. 2006. New plant records for the Hawaiian archipelago. Bishop Museum Oc - 

casional Papers 87(1): 31-43.

90 


USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). 2011. Plants database. USda 

Natural resources conservation Service. 

(accessed: Nov. 8, 2011). 

Wagner, W.L. & Herbst, D.R. 1995. contributions to the flora of Hawai‘i. IV. New 

records and name changes. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 42(2): 13–27. 

———., Herbst, D.R. & Sohmer, S.H. 1999. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai‘i. 

2 vols. revised edition. University of Hawai‘i Press and Bishop Museum Press, 

Honolulu. 1,919 pp. 

———., Shannon, R.K. & Herbst, D.R. 1997. contributions to the flora of Hawai‘i. VI. 


Wood, K.R. 2006. New plant records and rediscoveries within the Hawaiian Islands. 


———. & LeGrande, M. 2006. an annotated checklist and new island records of flowering 

plants from lehua Islet. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 87(1): 19–29.




Possible Extinctions, Rediscoveries, and New Plant Records 

within the Hawaiian Islands 1 

KENNETH r. Wood 2 

National Tropical Botanical Garden, 3530 Papalina Road, Kalaheo, 

Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i 96741, USA; email: kwood@ntbg.org 

Eleven possible new extinctions are reported for the Hawaiian flora, in addition to 5 island 

records, 3 range rediscoveries, 1 rediscovery, and 1 new naturalized record. The remarkable 

range rediscoveries of Ctenitis squamigera (dryopteridaceae) and Lysimachia filifolia 

(Primulaceae) give hope toward their future conservation, as both are federally listed 

as endangered and were undocumented on Kaua‘i for ca 100 years. Yet there is great concern 

over numerous possible plant extinctions in Hawai‘i. Two extinctions were recently 

reported from Kaua‘i (i.e., Dubautia kenwoodii and Cyanea kuhihewa) (Wood 2007), and 

an additional 11 are now reported to have no known living individuals in the wild. Species 

abundance will naturally fluctuate, yet for very rare taxa there is little room for decline. 

The ongoing decline of native pollinators (Kearns et al. 1998) and seed dispersers (Mil - 

berg & Tyrberg 1993), in combination with other primary extrinsic factors such as invasive 

nonnative plants, predation by introduced vertebrates, loss and fragmentation of natural 

habitats, and devastation by severe storms, are leading to an increase in extinctions 

throughout the islands of oceania (Sakai et al. 2002; Wood 2007; Kingsford et al. 2009). 

The assertion of extinction is potentially fallible and can only be inferred from absence of 

sighting or collection records (Solow & roberts 2003). although extensive field surveys 

have failed to produce evidence that these possibly extinct taxa still occur in the wild, 

there is still suitable habitat and future field surveys are being planned and funded. 

Because of the enormity of Hawai‘i’s conservation dilemma, it is urgent that we have the 

most current information possible (Wagner et al. 1999). This paper is a call for biologists 

and conservation agencies to make concerted efforts to familiarize, re-find, and attempt to 

acquire conservation collections of these elusive species, many of which are hard to recognize, 

especially when they are not in flower or fruit. 

Campanulaceae 

Clermontia grandiflora Gaudich. 

subsp. maxima lammers Rediscovery 

lammers (1991) described Clermontia grandiflora subsp. maxima from a single collection 

made in 1973 on the windward slopes of Haleakalā in montane cloud forest (i.e., 

Gagné & Montgomery 386), with no other collections reported since then. lammers notes 

the new taxon differs from all other specimens of C. grandiflora by its much larger flowers 

and he indicates that C. grandiflora has seldom been collected above 1275 m. 

collections that fit lammers diagnosis of C. grandiflora subsp. maxima, especially filaments 

8.0–8.6 cm long, were made at ca. 1700 m elev. in Hanawī, just west of the 



96817-2704, USa. 

91

92 


Helele‘ike‘ōhā headwaters. Evidently trees of C. grandiflora in this region have various 

floral structures that range in their linear measurements to fit both C. grandiflora subsp. 

munroi and C. g. subsp. maxima, dependent on floral anthesis. further research is needed 

to better understand the quantitative differences that may separate these two taxa. 

Material examined. MAUI: East Maui, Hanawī, above State camp, just west of Helele‘ike‘ōhā 

headwaters, Metrosideros-Cheirodendron montane wet forest associated with Kadua axillaris, 

Broussaisia arguta, Melicope clusiifolia, rich in pteridophytes, 20+ trees along 1700 m (5600 ft) contour 

trail, 3 m tall, moderately branched, in flower and fruit, observed with C. arborescens and C. 

tuberculata, 4 oct 1997, Wood 6788 (PTBG, US); loc. cit., 5 oct 1997, Wood 6798 (PTBG); loc. cit., 

5 oct 1997, Wood 6799 (NY, PTBG). 

Cyanea eleeleensis (H. St. John) lammers Possibly extinct 

Harold St. John (1987) originally described this species as a Delissea, and lammers 

(1992) subsequently transferred it over to Cyanea. Wagner et al. (1999) noted this species 

to be endangered and the USfWS (2010) has recently listed it as endangered. only known 

from Wainiha Valley, Kaua‘i, where charles christensen made the holotype collection, no 

living individuals of this species are currently known. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Wainiha Valley, on side of intermittent stream below Pali 

‘Ele‘ele, shaded gulch in wet forest, 700 ft elev., 19 Jul 1977, Christensen 261 (holotype, BISH). 

Cyanea kolekoleensis (H. St. John) lammers Possibly extinct and taxonomic note 

originally placed in Delissea by Harold St. John (1987), and later transferred to Cyanea 

by lammers (1992), Cyanea kolekoleensis has always been considered rare and restricted 

to the Wahiawa Mountains of southern Kaua‘i where biologists monitored four sites 

totaling less than ten individuals. last observed in a gulch to the northeast of Hulua peak 

in 1996, there are currently no living individuals known of this Kaua‘i endemic. 

Cyanea kolekoleensis was previously thought to be an unbranched shrub, and its 

berries and seeds were unknown. Three additional herbarium collections deposited at 

PTBG after lammers (1992) made the new combination allow for a more expanded circumscription. 

Seed size and non-rugose testa morphology support its placement within 

Cyanea. 

Cyanea kolekoleensis (H. St. John) lammers, Novon 2: 130. 1992. Basionym: Delissea kolekoleensis 

H. St. John, Phytologia 63: 344. 1987. TYPE: U. S. a. Hawaiian Islands. Kaua‘i: Wahiawa Valley, 

765 m, 23 Sep 1979, S. Perlman 498 (holotype, BISH; isotypes, BISH — 2 sheets). 

Shrub, single stemmed or few branched, 1.5–2 m tall, glabrous. lamina narrowly elliptic, 

15.5–30 cm long, 2.7–5.7 cm wide, upper surface green, glabrous, lower surface greenish white, 

glabrous or the midrib minutely and sparsely pubescent, margin minutely serrulate, apex acuminate, 

base cuneate, petiole terete, 3.5–10 cm long, 4 mm diam., glabrous. Inflorescence 4–8-flowered, 

glabrous, peduncle deflexed, 10.5–20 cm long, 2–4 mm diam., rachis 3–6.5 cm long, pedicels sharply 

recurved, 18–27 mm long, reduced in length toward apex of rachis; hypanthium obconic or obovoid, 

6–13 mm long, 6–11 mm diam., densely short-pubescent; calyx lobes narrowly triangular or deltoid, 

1.5–3 mm long, 1.5–3.5 mm wide, the apex acute; corolla bilabiate, white shading to purple on the 

lobes, 50–52 mm long, densely short-pubescent, tube curved, 30–39 mm long, 5.5–9 mm diam., cleft 

dorsally for ½ its length, dorsal lobes linear, 13–19 mm long, 1.5–3 mm wide, acute at apex; ventral 

lobes linear, 10–15 mm long, 1.5–3 mm wide, acute at apex; staminal column exserted; filaments 

3.7–4.9 cm long, purple, glabrous; anther tube dark purple, 9–11 mm long, 2.5–4.0 mm diam., the 

lower 2 anthers with tufts of white hairs at apex. Berry (slightly immature) globose, 7 mm long, yellow-green 

with persistent calyx lobes. Seeds (immature), testa tan-brown, striate-verruculate, 0.5–0.7 

mm long × 0.3–0.5 mm diam.


Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōloa distr, līhu‘e-Kōloa forest reserve, northwest of Wahiawa 

Bog, along tributary of Wahiawa Stream, northwest of stream and southeast of Hulua, wet forest dominated 

by Metrosideros, Antidesma, Cyrtandra spp., and Athyrium, with Diplazium and Deparia, single 

stemmed shrub of 5 ft, along edge of stream, leaves dark, semi-glossy green above with whitish-green 

midrib, below silvery, whitish-green with yellow-green midrib, inflorescence pendulous, fruit erect, 

650–730 m elev., 7 dec 1988, Flynn & Wood 3229 (PTBG); Wahiawa, south of Kapalaoa, below and 

along west ridge, Metrosideros wet forest with Psychotria hexandra, Kadua affinis, Perrottetia sandwicensis, 

Broussaisia arguta, Cibotium glaucum, Diplazium sandwichianum, Diplopterygium, Psidium 

cattleianum, Rubus rosifolius, Pritchardia flynnii, Labordia lydgatei, Myrsine linearifolia, Dubautia 

imbricata, Cyrtandra pickeringii, Platydesma rostrata, 2 meter tall, branching 2–3 times, leaves dull 

green above, pale below, petiole and costa yellow-green, peduncle light green, corolla white with purple 

stripes, 805 m elev., 8 Sep 1998, Wood et al. 7470 (PTBG); Wahiawa drainage, side drainage below rope 

trail, Metrosideros-Dicranopteris lowland wet forest with Cheirodendron, Kadua affinis, Broussaisia, 

Ilex anomala, Pittosporum glabrum, wind swept forest and shrublands along upper ridges, threats 

include pigs, Rubus rosifolius, Psidium cattleianum, 3 clumps multi-trunked, up first side gulch north of 

main stream, east side of gulch. 760 m elev., 26 Mar 1993, Wood 2119 (PTBG); Wahiawa Mts., northeast 

of Hulua, near Waimea-Kōloa district boundary, Metrosideros-Cheirodendron spp. lowland wet 

forest with Broussaisia, Melicope, Kadua, Freycinetia, Pritchardia, Antidesma, Psychotria, Elapho - 

glossum, Viola helenae, Cyrtandra, Hesperomannia, Dubautia imbricata, Dicranopteris, 1 plant ob - 

served in gulch with 2 seedlings, plant 6 ft, with flowers, 2420 ft elev., 6 Sep 1991, Perlman et al. 12235 

(f, PTBG, US); Wahiawa Mts., Kapalaoa Peak, gulch south of peak, Metrosideros- Dicranopteris linearis 

wet forest with Cheirodendron, Broussaisia, Machaerina angustifolia, Dubautia laxa, Polyscias, 

Embelia, Myrsine, Scaevola, Psychotria, Labordia waialealae, Syzygium sandwicensis, Sadleria, Rubus 

rosifolius, Dubautia imbricata, Perrottetia, 2440 ft. elev., 4 oct 1996, Perlman et al. 15606 (PTBG). 


Merremia 

Two species of Merremia were recorded by Wagner et al. (1990: 563) as being naturalized 

in the Hawaiian Islands, namely M. aegyptia (l.) Urb. and M. tuberosa (l.) rendle. 

Imada et al. (2000: 11) report a third species, M. umbellata (l.) Hallier f. as being fully 

naturalized on windward o‘ahu and Merremia peltata (l.) Merr. is now recorded for the 

first time as being naturalized in the archipelago. The four Merremia species in Hawai‘i 

can be separated by characters given in the following key. 

Key to Merremia in the Hawaiian Islands 

1. leaves palmately lobed to palmately compound (2). 

1. leaves neither palmately lobed nor compound (3). 

2(1). leaves palmately compound; plants usually reddish hirsute … M. aegyptia 

2. leaves palmately lobed but not compound; plants glabrous … M. tuberosa 

3(1). leaves peltate (except rarely on distal leaves), rounded at base … M. peltata 

3. leaves not peltate, truncate to cordate or hastate at base … M. umbellata 

Merremia peltata (l.) Merr. New naturalized record 

This twining vine with broadly ovate-orbicular, peltately attached leaves has not been previously 

recorded as naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands. It is currently reported in two 

locations ½ mile apart in Wainiha Valley, Kaua‘i, where it is a rampant climber covering 

numerous acres and quickly smothering vegetation. fosberg & Sachet (1977) describe its 

distribution as Indo-Pacific, from africa to Tahiti [Society Islands]. My observation of 

this species in Micronesia leads me to believe that Merremia peltata is a very serious invasive 

species that should be closely watched and managed here in Hawai‘i.

94 


Material examined. KAUA‘I: Wainiha Valley, south side of river, between power house and 

Maunahina, sterile, 152 m elev., 27 oct 1999, Keith Robinson s.n. (BISH, PTBG). 

Dryopteridaceae 

Ctenitis squamigera (Hook. & arn.) copel. Range rediscovery 

Ctenitis squamigera was historically recorded from Kaua‘i, o‘ahu, Moloka‘i, lana‘i, and 

Maui (HBMP 2011), but considered possibly extinct on Kaua‘i (Palmer 2003: 102). amos 

Heller made the only collection on Kaua‘i in 1896 above Waimea at 2000 ft elev. He notes 

that the plant was on the face of a perpendicular rock in gulch and exposed directly to the 

afternoon sun. Heller also indicates that C. squamigera was not observed in other locations 

during his research on Kaua‘i (Heller 1897). after 115 years of not being observed 

on Kaua‘i, recent field research within mesophytic forests of Kōke‘e has unveiled two 

new locations for this federally listed endangered fern, namely Nu‘ololo and awa‘awapuhi 

Valleys. The following collections represent this exciting rediscovery. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Nu‘ololo, north facing slopes above drainage, Metrosideros-Acacia 

montane mesic forest, 70–80% canopy cover, ca. 80% understory, 35–40 degree slope, 40 degree north 

aspect, up to 20 m tall canopy, with Pouteria, Xylosma hawaiiensis, Claoxylon, Wikstroemia furcata, 

Dodonaea, Kadua affinis, Melicope ovata, Pleomele, Polyscias kavaiensis, Psychotria greenwelliae & P. 

mariniana, Zanthoxylum dipetalum, Nestegis, Diplazium, immediate area has 20% Myrsine lanaiensis, 

5% Pittosporum kauaiensis, some Alphitonia ponderosa, Carex meyenii, Dianella sandwicensis, threatened 

by deer, rats, 10% cover of Lantana camara, with Rubus argutus, Hedychium gardnerianum, 

Kalanchoë pinnata, Sphaeropteris cooperi, Adiantum hispidulum, Psidium cattleianum, rhizome terrestrial 

sub-erect with abundant stamineous scales which continue up stipe and rachis, 5 fronds, protected on 

steep slope with boulder outcrops, adjacent Dryopteris sandwicensis, Doodia, Microlepia strigosa, single 

plant, 1006 m (3300 ft),19 feb 2011, Wood & Query 14524 (BISH, PTBG); awa‘awapuhi, north facing 

slopes, Metrosideros-Acacia montane mesic forest, with Pouteria, Xylosma hawaiiensis, Antidesma, 

Diospyros sandwicensis, Wikstroemia furcata, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Kadua affinis, Melicope ovata, 

M. barbigera, Euphorbia atrococca, Pleomele, Polyscias kavaiensis, Psychotria greenwelliae, 

Zanthoxylum dipetalum, Nestegis, rhizome terrestrial, 4 cm wide × 7 cm long, 7 healthy fronds with skirt 

of old fronds, under 90% forest cover, with Microlepia strigosa, Hillebrandia sandwicensis, Lepidium 

serra, Melicope pallida, Remya kauaiensis, Pritchardia minor, 1 plant on steep rock outcrop with soil 

pockets, large 12 m tall Alphitonia ponderosa near-by, with adjacent Psychotria mariniana, Dodonaea viscosa, 

Myrsine lanaiensis, single plant, threatened by pig, deer, rats, Erigeron karvinskianus, Psidium cattleianum, 

Lantana camara, Rubus argutus, R. rosifolius, Adiantum hispidulum, Blechnum appendiculatum, 

Hedychium gardnerianum, Kalanchoë pinnata, Sphaeropteris cooperi, 951 m (3120 ft), 5 May 2011, 

Wood & Query 14639 (PTBG). 

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia prostrata aiton New island record 

Previously recorded on Midway, Kaua‘i, o‘ahu, Moloka‘i, lāna‘i, Maui, Kaho‘olawe, 

and the Big Island of Hawai‘i (Wagner, Herbst et al. 1999; Hughes 1995), the prostrate 

spurge is now documented on Ni‘ihau’s offshore islet of lehua. 

Material examined. NIIHAU: lehua Islet, West Horn, Sida fallax shrubland with Tribulus cistoides, 

Waltheria indica, Jacquemontia ovalifolia subsp. sandwicensis, several native grasses such as 

Panicum torridum, Panicum fauriei var. latius, and Panicum pellitum, relatively bare with ca 75% of 

the ground being exposed barren tuff along with many hundreds of naturally hallowed burrows, 

decumbent stems pink or green-purple, leaves green or green-red, cyathial gland white, uncommon, 

island record, 30 m elev., 2 May 2009, Wood 13714 (BISH, PTBG, US).


Lamiaceae 

Phyllostegia knudsenii Hillebr. Possibly extinct 

Previously known only from the type collection made in the woods of Waimea (Knudsen 

190, B) and listed as extinct by Wagner et al. (1990: 819), Phyllostegia knudsenii was 

rediscovered May 1993 (lorence et al. 1995) in Koai‘e canyon and subsequently found 

in upper Kawai Iki Valley on 25 Sep 2001. Unfortunately, both wild populations have 

since died, and there are no cultivated plants of this Kaua‘i endemic mint. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Waimea distr, Koai‘e canyon, upper canyon, in forest 21 m (70 

ft) above stream, north-facing slope, 692 m (2270 ft) elev., 24 May 1993, Wood & Perlman 2583 

(PTBG); loc. cit., 31 aug 1994, Perlman & Wood 14365 (PTBG); Kawai Iki, upper drainage above 

twin falls of Koai‘e canyon, Metrosideros polymorpha mixed mesic forest with Gahnia beecheyi, 

Dianella sandwicensis, Dubautia laevigata, Kadua affinis, Cheirodendron trigynum, Psychotria 

mariniana, Poa sandwicensis, Bidens cosmoides, Peperomia membranacea, Peperomia latifolia, and 

Peperomia kokeana, threats include goats, pigs, rats, Rubus argutus, Kalanchoë pinnatum, Psidium 

cattleianum, Grevillea robusta, Myrica faya, Cyperus meyenianus, Passiflora mollissima, Lantana 

camara, and Setaria parviflora, shrub 1 m tall, young plant with old inflorescence, 4 immature plants 

observed in general area, 330 deg aspect, 20 deg slope, in side-gulch bottom near main drainage, 

1015 m elev. (3330 ft), 25 Sep 2001, Wood 9115 (PTBG). 

Lycopodiaceae 

Huperzia filiformis (Sw.) Holub New island record 

This delicately pendulous fern is considered indigenous to Hawai‘i and central and South 

america to Bolivia (Mickel & Smith 2004). In Hawai‘i Huperzia filiformis was previously 

thought to be restricted to o‘ahu, Moloka‘i, lāna‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i (Palmer 

2003). further field research now indicates that H. filiformis is also present on Kaua‘i, yet 

quite rare, within the headwater drainages of Wainiha and Wailua. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Hanalei distr, headwaters of Wainiha river, northeast fork, just 

southwest of Mahinakehau ridge, lowland wet forest with Metrosideros polymorpha dominant, also 

Antidesma, Syzygium, Broussaisia, Boehmeria, & Perrottetia, with understory of pteridophytes, 

Cyrtandra, & Cyanea, epiphyte on Perrottetia tree 1.5 m above ground in moderate shade, stems 

pendulous, light green, very rare, a single plant seen at 825 m elev., 30 Jan 1993, Lorence et al. 7346 

(PTBG); Blue Hole, headwaters of Wailua river, below Wai‘ale‘ale and Kawaikini, near south facing 

cliffs below Blue Hole proper, ridge running 300 degrees down to stream, Metrosideros lowland 

wet forest with Psychotria mariniana, Antidesma platyphyllum var. hillebrandii, Dianella sandwicensis, 

Polyscias oahuensis, Freycinetia arborea, Diplazium sandwichianum, Microlepia strigosa, 

and Sadleria pallida, threatened by pigs, Rubus rosifolius, Psidium guajava, Paspalum urvillei, and 

Mariscus meyenianus, epiphytic rhizome on Melicope paniculata, stems pendulous, leaves medium 

green, sporangia yellow-white, rare, 610 m elev., 10 dec 1998, Wood 7631 (PTBG). 

Malvaceae 

Hibiscadelphus woodii lorence & 

W.l. Wagner (fig. 1) Possibly extinct 

four shrubs of Hibiscadelphus woodii were discovered in March 1991 clustered on a vertical 

cliff in Kalalau Valley, Kaua‘i, increasing the total number of species for the endemic 

Hibiscadelphus to seven (Wood 1992; lorence & Wagner 1995). Subsequent efforts to 

propagate H. woodii by air layering, cuttings, and grafting trials onto con-generic cultivated 

individuals had failed. Tests for H. woodii pollen viability proved negative, and 

cross pollination trials from H. distans showed no success. Micropropagation attempts at 

in vitro protocol development for apical and lateral meristem culture, callus culture uti-

96 


Figure 1. Hibiscedelphus woodii. Kalalau cliffs, Kaua‘i. Photo: K.r. Wood. 

lizing leaf and internode explants, and propagation by tip and stem cuttings had also 

failed. although no fruit set was ever observed, flowering was documented during the 

months of March, april, July, and September. flower visitations by birds include the 

native ‘amakihi (Hemignathus virens). Introduced Japanese white eye (Zosterops japonicus) 

regularly pierced the corollas of H. woodii above the calyx, presumably robbing nectar. 

Three individuals of H. woodii were apparently crushed by a large fallen boulder and 

died between 1995 and 1998. on 17 august 2011, the last remaining H. woodii was 

observed dead. Previously, the final wild H. hualalaiensis died on the Big Island in 1992 

(Wood & Perlman, pers. observ.). a total of six species of Hibiscadelphus are now extinct 

in the wild, two of which are maintained through cultivation (i.e., H. giffardianus and H. 

hualalaiensis). only one species of Hibiscadelphus still survives in the wild, being H. distans 

from the dry to mesic canyon cliffs of Koai‘e, Kaua‘i. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Hanalei distr, Kalalau rim, north of Kahuama‘a flat, lowland 

mesic cliffs, 990–1020 m, 3 March 1991, Wood, Query & Montgomery 629 (holotype, PTBG, a 

flower also in spirit collection; isotypes, BISH, K, Mo, NY, US). 

Piperaceae 

Peperomia subpetiolata Yunck. Possibly extinct 

Peperomia subpetiolata is an East Maui narrow endemic species known only from around 

the Kula Pipeline of lower Waikamoi (Yuncker 1933; Wagner et al. 1990). In the early 

1990s it was estimated that around 40 individuals occurred in that region, both above and 

below the road. a putative hybrid between P. subpetiolata and P. cookiana was also documented 

in that area. The dense invasion of Hedychium gardnerianum below a nonnative 

forest canopy of Eucalyptus has left little open soil for herbaceous terrestrial species such 

as P. subpetiolata to survive. recent field research has failed to locate any individuals of


P. subpetiolata and only hybrid individuals were observed (Wood 2001, 2009a; 

oppenheimer & Perlman pers. observ.). 

Material examined. MAUI: East Maui, Kula pipeline, Waikamoi, 5–6 Sep 1919, Forbes 1283- 

M (holotype, BISH); Kula pipeline, woods, 4500 ft elev., 11 feb 1930, St. John 10299 (BISH). 

Poaceae 

Dichanthelium cynodon (reichardt) c.a. 

clark & Gould New island record 

Gon (1994) describes a true bog on o‘ahu where several island plant records were ob served 

(Kennedy et al. 2010: 21), including two endemic species of Dichanthelium, both of which 

were documented during the discovery of the bog in february 1993. Dichanthelium cynodon 

was previously recorded from Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, and Maui (Wagner et al. 1990), and now 

reported on o‘ahu in association with D. hillebrandianum. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Ko‘olau Mountains, just below summit ridge, north of 

Pe‘ahināi‘a and south of castle Trail, Metrosideros-Rhynchospora lowland bog with Lobelia gaudichaudii 

subsp. koolauensis, Viola oahuensis, Dichanthelium hillebrandianum, D. koolauense, 

Vaccinium dentatum & V. reticulatum, Metrosideros rugosa, threatened by pigs, Clidemia hirta, 

Axonopus fissifolius, Pterolepis glomerata, Juncus planifolius, growing in tussocks within bog with 

D. hillebrandianum, common in bog, 25 feb 1993, Wood & Lau 2428 (PTBG, Mo). 

Dichanthelium hillebrandianum (Hitchc.) 

c.a. clark & Gould New island record 

Dichanthelium hillebrandianum was previously recorded from Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, Maui, 

and Hawai‘i (Wagner et al. 1990) and is now documented on o‘ahu. 

Material examined. O‘AHU: Ko‘olau Mountains, just below summit ridge, north of Pe‘ahināi‘a 

and south of castle Trail, Metrosideros-Rhynchospora lowland bog with Dichanthelium hillebrandianum, 

growing in tussocks within bog, east aspect, common only in bog, 25 feb 1993, Wood & Lau 

2421 (PTBG, US). 

Primulaceae 

Lysimachia filifolia c.N. forbes & lydgate Range rediscovery 

Previously recorded on o‘ahu and Kaua‘i, yet not seen on Kaua‘i since 1912 when 

lydgate made the holotype collection in upper olokele below the Kawaikini summit 

(Wagner et al. 1990; Marr & Bohm 1997), Lysimachia filifolia was recently rediscovered 

below Kamanu ridge, eastern Kaua‘i, in the headwater region of Waikoko. Plants of this 

federally listed endangered species are being cultivated by the National Tropical Botanical 

Garden (NTBG). Wagner et al. (1990) report collections of L. filifolia from the Blue Hole 

region of Wailua, Kaua‘i, but these plants were subsequently described as a new species 

(i.e., L. pendens Marr). Lysimachia filifolia can be distinguished from L. pendens by its 

narrower leaves and non-tomentose stems, pedicels, and leaves (Marr & Bohm 1997). It 

is worth noting that plants of L. filifolia on Kaua‘i can be erect up to 1.5 m tall as compared 

to the o‘ahu plants which are smaller, more delicate, and only known to be pendulous. 

further studies are needed to better understand their relationship. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: upper olokele Valley, Jan 1912, Lydgate 2 (holotype, BISH); 

Waikoko headwaters, below Kamanu ridge, S of Wailua river and above Wailua ditch, associated 

with Cheirodendron, Pipturus spp., Dubautia, Cyrtandra, Kadua centranthoides, K. elatior, K. foggiana, 

Psychotria, Melicope, Machaerina, Isachne, with ferns of Microlepia, Asplenium, Cyclosorus, 

Deparia, terrestrial in Diplazium with Boehmeria grandis, 1.5 m tall with erect stems brown-red, 

pendent corolla light purple, terrestrial near land slide and on wet cliff, ca 30 plants, threats include 

pigs, landslides, Buddleia asiatica, Erigeron karvinskianus, 732 m elev., 12 Jan 2008, Wood 12774 

(BISH, PTBG).

98 


Lysimachia venosa (Wawra) H. St. John Possibly extinct 

Lysimachia venosa was originally discovered by Heinrich W. Wawra in 1870 on the summit 

of Mt Wai‘ale‘ale. This species was not observed again until 1911 when Joseph rock 

also made a collection around Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale summit. In 1991 a small branch representing 

this taxon was found after a storm at the bottom of a 1000 m tall cliff (i.e., Blue Hole, 

below Wai‘ale‘ale, at the headwaters of Wailua river), with no indication of where the living 

plant might be located. Lysimachia venosa is presently considered possibly extinct 

since no living individuals are known. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Summit of Mt Wai‘ale‘ale, 1600 m elev., Mar 1870, Wawra 2165 

(holotype, W; isotypes, W, BISH); Summit of Mt Wai‘ale‘ale, 1911, Rock 8881 (BISH, GH); Wailua 

headwaters, north fork, Blue Hole, small branch found after storm at bottom of 1000 m tall cliff, 600 

m elev., 7 May 1991, Wood 784 (PTBG). 

Rosaceae 

Acaena exigua a. Gray Possibly extinct 

after not being observed since 1957 a single plant of Acaena exigua was rediscovered in 

a West Maui bog in 1997 (Meidell et al. 1998; oppenheimer et al. 2002; Wood 2005). 

during the period of 1997 to 2000, attempts at propagation failed and in early 2000 the 

only known plant died. Historically, A. exigua occurred in bogs on West Maui where its 

Hawaiian name is liliwai, and also on the island of Kaua‘i where it was known as nani 

Wai‘ale‘ale. Numerous surveys have since been conducted around the West Maui bogs 

and throughout most of the summit bogs of alaka‘i and Nāmolokama, Kaua‘i, yet no 

other individuals of A. exigua have been documented (Wood 2006). Heinrich Wawra was 

the last one to observe it on Kaua‘i in 1870. The extremely small size of A. exigua, with 

stems 1–4 cm long (Wagner et al. 1990) make it extremely difficult to locate. although 

there is excellent bog habitat being protected on the summits of Kaua‘i and West Maui 

indicating that there could be more individuals waiting to be discovered, A. exigua is now 

considered possibly extinct with no known living plants extant. 

Material examined. MAUI: lahaina distr, Honokōhau, 1719 m elev., among bryophytes in 

mixed ‘ōhi‘a montane bog, 19 Mar 1997, Meidell & Oppenheimer 194 (BISH). 

Rubiaceae 

Kadua haupuensis lorence & W.l. Wagner Possibly extinct 

recently described and known only from a single location on the north side of Mt Ha‘upu, 

Kaua‘i, Kadua haupuensis was last observed in the wild when discovered in 1998 

(lorence et al. 2010). Plants from the holotype region of the mountain were evidently 

destroyed by a small rock slide and numerous attempts to locate additional plants of this 

species have failed. With no known wild individuals remaining, K. haupuensis is now 

considered possibly extinct. The quality of its habitat is rapidly declining due to animal 

disturbance such as rats, pigs, and goats, and invasive alien plant species including Cae - 

salpinia decapetala, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, and Passiflora laurifolia. at the time of discovery, 

seeds were collected and plants are being cultivated at the NTBG. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kōloa distr, Ha‘upu range, north facing mesic forest, just below 

and along cliffs w of summit, 366 m, 23 Sep 1998, Wood 7492 (BISH, Mo, NY, PTBG, US). 

Rutaceae 

Melicope macropus (Hillebr.) T.G. Hartley 

& B.c. Stone Possibly extinct 

a Kaua‘i endemic, Melicope macropus was historically known from the Kahōluamano


region of Waimea where Heller made a collection in 1885 and faurie in 1910 (Stone 1969). 

Most recently it was observed in Kalalau in 1987, Honopū in 1991, and the upper Nu‘ololo 

stream region in 1995. This taxon is poorly understood (Wagner et al. 1990) and the type 

designated by Hillebrand (i.e., Knudsen 189) was destroyed in Berlin (Stone 1969). Wagner 

et al. (1990) considered M. macropus to be rare and related to M. kavaiensis from which it 

differs in its puberulent exocarp, less overall pubescence and predominantly smaller leaves 

(Stone 1969). No living individuals of this species are known at this time. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Hanalei distr, Nā Pali-Kōna forest reserve, Kalalau Valley, 

steep, southwest slope between Kalalau and Pu‘u o Kila lookouts, diverse forest of Metrosideros, 

Xylosma, Nestegis and Cryptocarya, elev. 3900–4100 ft, sprawling shrub of 4 ft, with Cibotium, 

Dubautia, and Rubus, 20 Mar 1987, Flynn et al. 2116 (PTBG); Hanalei district, Honopū, south of 

Kalalau lookout, by stream on west side of road, Metrosideros diverse montane mesic forest with 

Labordia, Dubautia, Kadua, Nothocestrum peltatum, and Myrsine, scandent shrub, in fruit, attractive 

and vigorous, threatened by pigs, Rubus rosifolius, Hedychium gardnerianum, 1200 m elev., 29 aug 

1991, Wood & Perlman 1182 (PTBG, US); Waimea distr, upper Nu‘ololo Stream, north branch, 

Acacia-Metrosideros montane mesic forest with Psychotria grandiflora, Xylosma crenatum, Poa 

siphonoglossa & P. sandvicensis, Myrsine knudsenii, Nothocestrum peltatum, Dubautia latifolia, 

Bobea brevipes, Melicope macropus, Lobelia yuccoides, Alyxia stellata, threats include pigs, deer, 

Rubus argutus, Hedychium gardnerianum, Kalanchoë pinnata, 3700–3800 ft, 1 m tall, diffusely 

branched shrub, sprawling stems 1 m long, stems dark-brown, petiole brown, leaves shiny, darkgreen 

above, paler below, peduncle yellow-green, immature flower brown-red, branches with tan or 

white pubescence at apical tips, det. W.l. Wagner, 23 Nov 1995, Wood & Davis 4806 (PTBG). 

Melicope nealae (B.c. Stone) T.G. Hartley 

& B.c. Stone Possibly extinct 

considered rare by Wagner et al. (1990), Melicope nealae was known from the 

Kahōluamano and Kumuwela regions of Kaua‘i. last observed in 1960 around 

Kumuwela, no living individuals are known of this taxon. Melicope nealae differs from 

M. puberula in its shrubby stature, glabrous endocarp, larger capsules, and predominantly 

obovate leaves (Stone 1969). Wagner et al. (1990) relate it to the M. kavaiensis complex, 

differing by its combination of puberulent exocarp, glabrous endocarp, and carpels 

connate ca. ½ their length. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Kahōluamano, behind Waimea, Sep 1909, Forbes 341 (BISH); 

Kōke‘e Plateau, level forested area north of Kumuwela lookout, under Psychotria, Zanthoxylum, 

and Platydesma, a subscandent low shrub with green pubescent capsules and pubescent leaves, elev. 

3500 ft, 12 apr 1960, B. C. Stone et al. 3359 (BISH, l, US). 

Melicope quadrangularis (H. St. John & 

E.P. Hume) T.G. Hartley & B.c. Stone Possibly extinct 

Melicope quadrangularis is a Kaua‘i endemic known from the holotype collection made 

in 1909, and rediscovered in the same general region of Wahiawa in May 1991 (lorence 

et al. 1995). The rediscovered population was subsequently destroyed by Hurricane Iniki 

in September 1992 (Wood 2009b, 2011). Melicope quadrangularis is easily distinguished 

on Kaua‘i by its large 12–14 mm long × 19–22 mm wide, cube-shaped capsules with central 

depression at apex. Numerous surveys in the Wahiawa region have failed to relocate 

any living individuals of this species. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Vicinity of Wahiawa Swamp, aug 1909, C. N. Forbes 273.K 

(holotype, BISH); līhu‘e distr, Wahiawa, drainage between Hulua and Kapalaoa, Metrosideros- 

Dicranopteris lowland wet forest with Syzygium, Polyscias oahuensis & P. waialealae, Labordia, 

Perrottetia, area rich with bryophytes, threats include severe storms, pigs, rats, Psidium cattleianum

100 


& P. rosifolius, Melastoma candidum, 820 m, 2 m tall, branches ascending, collected below M. quadrangularis 

population of 9 trees, 4 trees in immediate area, 20 May 1991, Wood et al. 0859 (PTBG); 

loc. cit., with Broussaisia, Eurya, Cyanea coriacea, Labordia hirtella, Syzygium, 850 m, 4 m tall tree, 

single tree in fruit, 13 cm diameter at base, vigorous, east aspect, 20 May 1991, Wood et al. 0858 

(PTBG). 

Thelypteridaceae 

Cyclosorus pendens (d.d. Palmer) N. Snow 

[Syn. Pneumatopteris pendens d.d. Palmer] Range rediscovery 

recently described by Palmer (2005), yet historically known from the islands of Kaua‘i, 

o‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i, Cyclosorus pendens has been taxonomically confused 

with C. sandwicensis by numerous collectors and botanists. The genus Pneu - 

matopteris was recently merged into Cyclosorus (Snow et al. 2011). collections date back 

to 1909 when it was first documented by c. N. forbes in olokele Valley, Kaua‘i. Palmer 

considered C. pendens to be extinct on Kaua‘i and only cited recent collections on o‘ahu, 

Moloka‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i (Palmer 2005). The following collection made around the 

falls of Hanakāpī‘ai indicates that it is still extant on Kaua‘i. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Na Pali coast, Hanakāpī‘ai falls, base of wet cliff, to left of falls 

along narrow ledge, growing with Selaginella arbuscula, Deparia petersenii, Blechnum appendiculatum, 

very small plants of Tectaria gaudichaudii, also Christella cyatheoides and a native Deparia 

sp. in the area, det. a. Smith, 6 apr 2007, A. R. Smith 2918 (PTBG, Uc). 

Zingiberaceae 

Curcuma longa l. New island record 

an Indian perennial herb, semi-wild populations of turmeric (‘ōlena) have been previously 

recorded from Moloka‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i (Wagner et al. 1990). recent research 

around the remote headwater region of Wainiha has documented Curcuma longa growing 

adjacent to ancient rock walls. rhizomes have been collected and are being cultivated at 

the NTBG. 

Material examined. KAUA‘I: Wainiha Valley, around confluence of upper east and west fork, 

Metrosideros 40-60% closed forest with 12–15 m tall canopy, understory of Perrottetia, Psychotria 

spp, Dubautia spp, Labordia spp, Polyscias kavaiensis, P. oahuensis, rich fern and bryophyte understory, 

472 m elev., 18 Jun 2008, Wood et al. 13135 (BISH, PTBG). 


for their continued support I thank the staff at the National Tropical Botanical Garden; the 

Bishop Museum; the U.S. fish and Wildlife Service; the Hawai‘i State department of 

land and Natural resources; The Nature conservancy of Hawai‘i; the Smithsonian 

Institution; the Plant Extinction Prevention Program of Hawai‘i (PEPP); and the 

University Herbarium, Uc Berkeley. My respect and gratitude to those who have assisted 

in field research. Much appreciation is extended to clyde Imada who helped to 

improve this manuscript and to danielle frohlich and alex lau for sharing their knowledge 

of Merremia peltata. 


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