Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda

No Common Name

Description

Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda is a tall subshrub of the pink family that reaches a height of 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m). The one-veined opposite leaves are very narrow, usually 1.2-2.6 in (3-6.5 cm) long and about 0.04 in (1 mm) wide, and are attached directly to the stem. The flowers are unisexual, with male and female flowers on different plants. Flowers occur in compact clusters of three. There are usually five green and purple-tinged sepals. The capsular fruits are about 0.08-0.12 in (1-3 mm) long and contain nearly smooth, kidney-shaped seeds. Of the 22 species in this endemic genus, only two other species have smooth seeds. This species differs from those two in having very compact flower clusters. The two weakly defined varieties differ primarily in the degree of hairiness.

Habitat

S. spergulina var. leiopoda is usually found on bare rock outcrops or sparsely vegetated portions of rocky cliffs or cliff bases in diverse lowland mesic forests at elevations of 590-3,000 ft (180-915 m). Associated vegetation includes ko'oko'olau, kumuniu, and 'ala'ala wainui.

Distribution

Historically, S. spergulina var. leiopoda was found on a ridge on the east side of Hanapepe on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. One population of 50-100 individuals of this variety is now known to grow in Lawai Valley on Kauai on privately owned land.

Threats

The major threats to S. spergulina var. leiopoda are habitat destruction by feral goats and competition with introduced plants. This variety competes with koa haole, lantana, and Mauritius hemp. Individuals are also damaged and destroyed by rock slides. This variety is potentially threatened by pesticide use in nearby sugarcane fields, and by stochastic extinction and reduced reproductive vigor as a result of limited numbers. The intensity of threats and the small number of populations known for S. spergulina var. leiopoda indicate that this variety is in serious danger of extinction.

Conservation and Recovery

The National Tropical Botanical Garden holds seeds of this species, but has not propagated S. spergulina var. leiopoda.

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/

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Remote Islands Ecological Services Field Office
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 3-122
P.O. Box 50088
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850-5000
Telephone: (808) 541-1201
Fax: (808) 541-1216
http://www.r1.fws.gov/pacific/

Reference

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 25 February 1994. "Determination of Endangered or Threatened Status for 24 Plants from the Island of Kauai, HI." Federal Register 59 (38): 9304-9329.