Delissea rhytidosperma

Delissea rhytidosperma, is known by the common names Kauai delissea, Kauai leechleaf delissea, and leechleaf delissea. It is a rare species of flowering plant in the bellflower family, that is endemic to Hawaii where it is known only from the island of Kauai. It is critically endangered or extinct in the wild.[1]

Delissea rhytidosperma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Campanulaceae
Genus: Delissea
Species:
D. rhytidosperma
Binomial name
Delissea rhytidosperma
H.Mann

Some populations that were formerly included in the species D. rhytidosperma are now called Delissea kauaiensis.[2] It is a federally listed endangered species.

Description
Fruit of Delissea rhytidosperma

Delissea rhytidosperma, a Hawaiian lobelioid, is a shrub which grows up to 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) tall. The leaves have lance-shaped or nearly oval blades up to 19 centimeters long. The tubular flowers have greenish or purplish petals and distinctive hairs next to the anthers.[3]

The plant's natural habitat is rocky cliffsides in moist forests dominated by Acacia koa. This habitat has been destroyed and degraded by the action of feral pigs, goats, and mule deer,[2] and by exotic plant species. Germination and establishment are further limited by non-native rodents, snails, and grasses.[4]

References
  1. Walsh, S. (2015). "Delissea rhytidosperma". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015: e.T79862837A79862844. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T79862837A79862844.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. USFWS. Delissea rhytidosperma Five-year Review. January 2008.
  3. Delissea rhytidosperma. Center for Plant Conservation.
  4. Erwin, Tracy L.; T.P. Young (2010). "A native besieged: the effects of non-native frugivores and ground vegetation on fruit removal in a highly endangered Hawai'ian shrub, Delissea rhytidosperma (Campanulaceae)". Pacific Science. 64: 33–43. doi:10.2984/64.1.033. S2CID 55994391.


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