Wikipedia

Draft:Clermontia hanaulaensis

Clermontia hanaulaensis edit

 
Clermontia hanaulaensis species captured with purple and white perianth. Image source: (Oppenheimer et al., 2023)

Clermontia hanaulaensis is a species of flowering plant in the genus Clermontia, which is part of the family Campanulaceae or bellflower family. This species is endemic to Hawaii; it was discovered in forests of west Maui in 2020 by Hank Oppenheimer[1]. Upon discovery, botanists ruled out the possibility of the plant being a hybrid of other Clermontia species.[2]

Description edit

Clermontia hanaulaensis can reach heights of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet); It has lanceolate leaves[3], measuring approximately 5–16 centimeters in length and 2–5 centimeters in width[4]. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem and have serrated margins. The plant produces tubular flowers that are typically white or pale pink in color and are borne in clusters[4]. Like other members of the Clermontia genus, it is known for its distinctive tubular flowers and is likely adapted for pollination by native Hawaiian birds[3].

 
Distribution map of Clermontia hanaulaensis on Maui (white dot). Image source: (Oppenheimer et al., 2023)

Habitat and Distribution edit

The plant can grow as small shrub-like trees from 600 to 6,000 feet in elevation. An estimated 80 adult plants and 20 seedlings grow in an area about the size of 10 football fields.[5]. This species is native to mesic wet forests on the windward slopes of East Maui[4], particularly in the Hanaula Valley area[3]. It thrives in shaded environments with moist, well-drained soil[4]

Conservation Status edit

Clermontia hanaulaensis is considered critically endangered. It faces significant threats from habitat destruction and invasive species[3].The remaining populations are small and fragmented, further exacerbating its vulnerability to extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve the species and its habitat. These efforts include habitat restoration, invasive species control, and propagation for outplanting in suitable areas [3]

The species is threatened by plants, slugs, pigs and rats, which may eat its seeds and fruit. Axis deer on Maui also pose a threat[6]. A natural disaster (eg. fire or hurricane) could also wipe out the plant’s population. The new plant may also lack any pollinators. They are usually pollinated by native birds, however, no native birds are known to be present at the elevation where the population of Clermontia hanaulaensis resides. This is due to mosquitos, which spread avian malaria. [6]

Etymology edit

The specific epithet hanaulaensis refers to the Hanaula Valley, where this species is predominantly found[3]

Taxonomy edit

Clermontia, with 22 species, are the most common of Hawaiian lobelioids. Unlike Cyanea, which are typically found in dense forest, Clermontia are frequently found in more open areas and edges, and therefore persist better when forests become fragmented[7]. Clermontia is a very important host plant for many species such as Drosophila silvestris. The larvae of Drosophilidae flies breed in the rotting bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit of all lobelioids, but primarily Clermontia since it is largest and most common. Several species of these native plants, especially on the Big Island, are epiphytic.[8]

Clermontia species

† species believed to be extinct

* species is listed Endangered

[List generated by https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1513734-Clermontia-hanaulaensis]

References edit

  1. ^ "NEW PLANT SPECIES UNIQUE TO HAWAI'I DISCOVERED IN REMOTE FORESTS OF WEST MAUI". 2023-09-28.
  2. ^ "New plant species unique to West Maui discovered by UH Mānoa expert". University of Hawaii News. 2023-09-29. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Oppenheimer, Hank; Lorence, David H.; Wagner, Warren L. (2023-06-19). "Clermontia hanaulaensis (Campanulaceae, Lobelioideae), a new, critically endangered species from Maui, Hawaiian Islands". PhytoKeys (227): 167–179. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.227.100725. ISSN 1314-2003.
  4. ^ a b c d Fosberg, F. Raymond (1991). "Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii, by Warren L. Wagner, D.R. Herbst & S.H. Sohmer. (Bishop Museum Special Publication 83.) University of Hawaii Press and Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA: 2 vols, 1,853 pp., 240 plates, 24 × 15 × 15 cm, [no price indicated], 1990". Environmental Conservation. 18 (2): 191. Bibcode:1991EnvCo..18..191F. doi:10.1017/s0376892900022001. ISSN 0376-8929.
  5. ^ News, U. H. (2023-09-29). "New plant species unique to West Maui discovered by UH Mānoa expert | University of Hawaiʻi System News". Retrieved 2024-02-05. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ a b BRODER VAN DYKE, MICHELLE (28 September 2023). "A new plant species was discovered in West Maui forests". Spectrum News.
  7. ^ Givnish, Thomas J; Millam, Kendra C; Mast, Austin R; Paterson, Thomas B; Theim, Terra J; Hipp, Andrew L; Henss, Jillian M; Smith, James F; Wood, Kenneth R; Sytsma, Kenneth J (2009-02-07). "Origin, adaptive radiation and diversification of the Hawaiian lobeliads (Asterales: Campanulaceae)". Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 276 (1656): 407–416. doi:10.1098/rspb.2008.1204. ISSN 0962-8452. PMC 2664350. PMID 18854299.
  8. ^ "Clermontia hanaulaensis". iNaturalist.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Clermontia_hanaulaensis&oldid=1204001994"