Delissea kauaiensis is a critically endangered species of the bellflower family. It is found on Mt. Ha'upu near Hanapepe Falls, and Mahanaloa. It was thought to be extinct, but 10 individuals were found in 2016.[1] It is known as ‘Oha in Hawaiian, and has the English common names of Kauaʻi delissea, KauaʻI leechleaf delissea, and Leechleaf delissea.[3]

Delissea kauaiensis

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Campanulaceae
Genus: Delissea
Species:
D. kauaiensis
Binomial name
Delissea kauaiensis
(Lammers) Lammers

Description edit

 
Delissea kauaiensis fruit

The flower color is greenish-white. The flowers bloom period is from June to February. While the flowers bloom, the fruits bloom period is between October to February. The fruit color is dark purple. The leaves color is either dark or medium green, and often has a reddish cast to it. Unlike its sibling, Delissea rhytidosperma, D. kauaiensis is taller and rarely branches.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Clark, M. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Delissea kauaiensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T34038A115172189. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T34038A79862682.en. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  2. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  3. ^ a b "Native Plants Hawaii - Viewing Plant : Delissea kauaiensis". nativeplants.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2023-08-30.