Hibiscadelphus hualalaiensis
Hibiscadelphus hualalaiensis is a species of the Hawaiian genus Hibiscadelphus within the family (Malvaceae ). It applies as extinct in nature.
Features
Hibiscadelphus hualalaiensis is a tree reaching a height of 5 to 7 m. The trunk has a diameter of 30 cm and a white rind. The 10 to 15 cm long, heart-shaped leaf blade is sharpened wide and has a notched base. The leaf surface is covered with stellate hairs. The petioles are 4-10 cm long. The leaf axils carry one or two flowers whose stems 1.5 to 14 cm long. Five toothed bracts are located below each flower and the calyx is tubular or bag- like. The overlapping petals form a bisymmetric flowering and are extended above what is typical for flowers that are pollinated by birds. The flowers are greenish yellow outside, the inside is greenish yellow color in a violet color above. The petals are 2 to 5.5 cm long. The capsule fruit is woody and the seeds are covered with dense hair. This species differs from other species of this genus by its flower color, flower size and the smaller the toothed bracts.
Distribution, habitat and threat
Originally known Hibiscadelphus hualalaiensis of three populations on the slopes of Hualālai in Kailua in the Puu Waawaa region on the island of Hawaii. The last known wild tree was located in Puu Waawaa Plant Sanctuary and walked in 1992. First, however, twelve trees were grown in an enclosed area. In addition, there are ten trees cultivated near the State 's Kokia Sanctuary in Kaupulehu. In Kipuka Puaulu in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a reintroduction program was started, but stopped again to avoid hybridization with the type Hibiscadelphus giffardianus. Originally Hibiscadelphus hualalaiensis grew up in the remnants of dry or semi-dry forests on lava fields at altitudes 915-1020 m. The type formed communities with Diospyros sandwicensis, Sophora chrysophylla, Pouteria sandwicensis, species of the genera Nothocestrum and Charpentiera, Claoxylon sandwicense and Pennisetum clandestinum. As the main threat cattle, pigs and sheep that could break through the fence, rats that eat the flowers and seeds, the competition such as the type of grass Pennisetum clandestinum and Lantana camara, habitat changes caused by volcanic activity, the risk of extinction apply by invasive plants by naturally occurring events such as burns, and the low rate of reproduction due to the fact that all the specimens are cultured clones of a single parent plant.