Haha

Cyanea copelandii ssp. copelandii

Description

This haha, Cyanea copelandii ssp. copelandii, is a shrub with a growth habit similar to that of a woody vine. The alternate, stalked, toothed leaves are 7.9-10.6 in (20.1-26.9 cm) long and 1.4-3.3 in (3.6-8.3 cm) wide, and have fine hairs on the lower surface. Five to 12 flowers are clustered on the end of the main stalk 0.8-1.8 in (2.0-4.6 cm) long; each flower has a stalk of 0.2-0.6 in (0.5-1.5 cm) long. The slightly hairy hypanthium (basal portion of the flower) is topped by five small, triangular calyx tubes. Petals, which are yellowish but appear rose-colored because of a covering of dark red hairs, are fused into a curved tube with five spreading lobes; the corolla is 1.5-1.7 in (3.8-4.3 cm) long and about 0.2 in (5.0 mm) wide. Berries are dark orange and measure 0.3-0.6 in (0.7-1.4 cm) long. This subspecies is distinguished from ssp. haleakalaensis, the only other sub-species of C. copelandii, by its narrower leaves. The species differs from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by its growth habit and the size, shape, and dark red pubescence of its corolla. This taxon was observed in fruit and flower during December of 1914. No other life history information is currently available.

Habitat

This species often grows not rooted in soil and is typically found in montane wet forests at elevations between 2,200 and 2,900 ft (671 and 884 m). Associated species include tree ferns.

Distribution

This species, which has been collected only twice on the southeastern slope of Mauna Loa near Glen-wood, was last seen in 1957. It is difficult to adequately survey the area because of vegetation density and the terrain.

The only known population, located on state land and sighted in 1957, is still considered extant, although it contains an unknown number of individuals.

Threats

C. copelandii ssp. copelandii has been particularly impacted by the grazing of feral ungulates. Black rats may also constitute a threat by consuming fruits and seeds, and thereby reducing reproductive and establishment success. The loss of Hawaiian honeycreepers has likely resulted in elimination of the bird pollinator for this plant. Because only one small plant population may exist, reduction in reproductive vigor and susceptibility to random extinction are threats.

The major known threat is stochastic extinction and reduced population vigor within the single population.

Conservation and Recovery

At this time, neither the Volcano Rare Plant Facility nor Lyon Arboretum is attempting to germinate and/or grow individuals from tissue culture. Since the last plant specimen was collected in 1957, the availability of plant materials is the present constraint. If materials are obtained, attempts will be made to grow and outplant individuals.

This taxon should be located in the wild, and seeds and/or tissue collected for propagation and maintenance of ex situ genetic stock. Additional populations will need to be established and, along with the extant population, protected from ungulates and other threats.

Contacts

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Regional Office, Division of Endangered Species
Eastside Federal Complex
911 N. E. 11th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181
Telephone: (503) 231-6121
http://pacific.fws.gov/

Senior Resident Agent Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 7-235
P.O. Box 50223
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850-5000
Telephone: (808) 541-2681
Fax: (808) 541-3062

Reference

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 4 March 1994. "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plant; Determination of Endangered or Threatened Status for 21 Plants from the Island of Hawaii, State of Hawaii." Federal Register 59 (43): 10305-10325.