Viola lanaiensis

Viola lanaiensis is a rare species of flowering plant in the violet family known by the common name Hawaii violet. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the island of Lanai. It is threatened by deer, sheep, and introduced species of plants. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

Viola lanaiensis

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Violaceae
Genus: Viola
Species:
V. lanaiensis
Binomial name
Viola lanaiensis
Becker

This plant is a subshrub which grows 10 to 40 centimeters tall. It produces narrow leaves and purple-tinged or purple-veined white flowers. It grows in moist and wet forest habitat.[1]

This species is limited to the island of Lanai, where there are four populations containing fewer than 80 plants in total. The plant was brought close to extinction by Axis deer and Mouflon. Remaining plants are now protected in fenced enclosures.[2]

References
  1. Viola lanaiensis. The Nature Conservancy.
  2. Viola lanaiensis. Center for Plant Conservation.
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