Labordia pumila
Labordia pumila, the Kauai labordia, is a rare species of flowering plant in the Loganiaceae family. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is found only on Kauai. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. Like other Labordia species, this plant is known as Kamakahala.[1]
| Labordia pumila | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Loganiaceae |
| Genus: | Labordia |
| Species: | L. pumila |
| Binomial name | |
| Labordia pumila | |
There are only three remaining populations of this species, all on the Alakai Plateau, including one at the summit of Mount Waiʻaleʻale. Estimates of the total global population are generally around 800 or 900 but the number could be as high as 6000.[2]
This is a shrub producing cymes of up to 15 orange flowers.[3] It grows in the typical bog habitat of the Alakai Plateau.[2]
This plant is threatened by feral ungulates, such as wild boars, and the introduction of invasive species of plants.[3]
References
- USFWS. Species List: Endangered Plants.
- USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010.
- Labordia pumila. The Nature Conservancy.