Poa siphonoglossa
Poa siphonoglossa is a rare species of grass known by the common names Kauai bluegrass and island bluegrass. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is limited to the island of Kauai.[1] It is threatened by the loss and modification of its habitat. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.
Poa siphonoglossa | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Subfamily: | Pooideae |
Genus: | Poa |
Species: | P. siphonoglossa |
Binomial name | |
Poa siphonoglossa (Reichardt) Hitchc. | |
There are three species of Poa native to Hawaii, and all are endemic to Kauai.[2] As of 1995, there were five populations of this species totalling about 50 individuals.[3] The plant grows on moist, shady slopes.[1]
This is a perennial grass growing in tufts. The stems lose their leaves early and then resemble naked, erect rushes.[1]
This grass is threatened by deer, feral goats and pigs damaging its habitat, and the invasion of introduced species of plants.[1]
References
- Poa siphonoglossa. The Nature Conservancy.
- USFWS. Poa mannii Five-year Review. August 2010.
- USFWS. Poa siphonoglossa Five-year Review. August 2010.