Melanthera kamolensis

Melanthera kamolensis (formerly Lipochaeta kamolensis),[1] known by the common name Maui nehe, is a rare species of flowering plant in the aster family.

Melanthera kamolensis

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae
Subfamily:
Asteroideae
Tribe:
Heliantheae
Genus:
Melanthera
Species:
M. kamolensis
Binomial name
Melanthera kamolensis
(O. Deg.) & Sherff) W.L. Wagner & H. Rob.

Distribution

The plant is endemic to Hawaiʻi, where it is known only from the island of Mauʻi.[2]

It grows on slopes and gulches in a small stretch of shrubland on the southern side of East Mauʻi island. There is one population located in Kamole Gulch,[1] the type locality.[2] In 2005 this population contained only 25 mature plants.

Nearby there is another population which appears to be a hybrid swarm of plants descended from Melanthera kamolensis and Melanthera rockii crosses.[1]

Description

Melanthera kamolensis is a sprawling perennial herb.

It produces daisylike yellow flower heads.[2]

Conservation

Melanthera kamolensis is federally listed as an endangered species of the United States.

The main threat to the species is the loss and degradation of its habitat caused by ungulates, non-native plants, and fires.[1]

See also
  • Biota of Maui
  • Endemic flora of Hawaii

References
  1. USFWS. Melanthera kamolensis Five-year Review. July 2009.
  2. Lipochaeta kamolensis. . The Nature Conservancy.
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