Geniostoma helleri explained

Geniostoma helleri, the Nā Pali coast labordia or Heller's labordia, is a rare species of flowering plant in the Loganiaceae family. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is found only on Kauai. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. Like other labordias, this plant is known as Kamakahala.[1]

This is a shrub growing up to 4.5 meters tall. It may have climbing stems. The inflorescence is a cyme of 3 to 9 white or greenish yellow flowers.[2]

This species was once found throughout Kauai, but today there are only 10 populations totalling no more than 550 plants.[3] Most are within the Nā Pali Kona Forest Reserve and Kuia Natural Area Reserve.[3]

This plant is threatened by feral ungulates, such as wild boars, which damage habitat by causing erosion. The habitat is also experiencing the introduction of invasive species of plants.[2]

Notes and References

  1. USFWS. Species List: Endangered Plants.
  2. http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Labordia+helleri Labordia helleri.
  3. USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010.