Labordia helleri
Labordia helleri, the Nā Pali coast labordia or Heller's 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 helleri | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Loganiaceae |
| Genus: | Labordia |
| Species: | L. helleri |
| Binomial name | |
| Labordia helleri Sherff | |
This species was once found throughout Kauai, but today there are only 10 populations totalling no more than 550 plants.[2] Most are within the Nā Pali Kona Forest Reserve and Kuia Natural Area Reserve.[2]
This is a shrub growing up to 4.5 meters tall. It may have climbing stems. The inflorescence is a cyme of 3 to 9 white or greenish yellow flowers.[3]
This plant is threatened by feral ungulates, such as wild boars, which damage habitat by causing erosion. The habitat is also experiencing 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 helleri. The Nature Conservancy.