Melanthera kamolensis (formerly Lipochaeta kamolensis),[2] known by the common name Maui nehe, is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae.
| Melanthera kamolensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Melanthera |
| Species: | M. kamolensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Melanthera kamolensis (O.Deg.) & Sherff) W.L.Wagner & H.Rob.
| |
Distribution
editThe plant is endemic to Hawaiʻi, where it is known only from the island of Maui.[1]
It grows on slopes and gulches in a small stretch of shrubland on the southern side of East Maui island. There is one population located in Kamole Gulch,[2] the type locality.[1] In 2005 this population contained only 25 mature plants.
Nearby there is another population which appears to be a hybrid swarm of plants descended from Melanthera kamolensis and Melanthera rockii crosses.[2]
Description
editMelanthera kamolensis is a sprawling perennial herb.
It produces daisylike yellow flower heads.[1]
Conservation
editMelanthera kamolensis is federally listed as an endangered species of the United States.
The main threat to the species is the loss and degradation of its habitat caused by ungulates, non-native plants, and fires.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Lipochaeta kamolensis. . The Nature Conservancy.
- ^ a b c d USFWS. Melanthera kamolensis Five-year Review. July 2009.