species 12 observations

Geniostoma pumilum

Geniostoma pumilum

Field notes

Geniostoma pumila, the Kauaʻi labordia, is a rare species of flowering plant in the Loganiaceae family. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is found only on Kauaʻi. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. Like other labordias, this plant is known as kamakahala.

This is a shrub producing cymes of up to 15 orange flowers. It grows in the typical bog habitat of the Alakai Plateau.

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.

This plant is threatened by feral ungulates, such as wild boars, and the introduction of invasive species of plants.

Read more on Wikipedia

Key traits

Layer
Shrubs

From USDA PLANTS.