Labordia helleri

Labordia helleri
Conservation status

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Loganiaceae
Genus: Labordia
Species: L. helleri
Binomial name
Labordia helleri
Sherff

Labordia helleri (Heller's labordia, Nā Pali coast 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]

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