| Melanthera tenuifolia | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
|
Critically Imperiled (NatureServe) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: | Asteroideae |
| Tribe: | Heliantheae |
| Genus: | Melanthera |
| Species: | M. tenuifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Melanthera tenuifolia (A.Gray) W.L. Wagner & H. Rob. |
|
Melanthera tenuifolia (formerly Lipochaeta tenuifolia) is a rare species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common names Waianae Range nehe and slender-leaf nehe. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the island of Oahu.[1] It is federally listed as an endangered species of the United States.
This perennial herb produces daisylike yellow flower heads and highly dissected, lacy-looking leaves. It grows on mountain slopes and ridges and is limited to the Waianae Range of Oahu. There are 10 occurrences for a total population between 2000 and 3000 individuals.[1]
The main threat to the species is the loss and degradation of its habitat caused by feral ungulates, non-native plants, and fire.[1]