Probably no other native Hawaiian plant is found in a greater number of varieties than this one. Species Facts: The species name polymorpha, meaning "many forms," is most apropos. īloom Period: Flowering generally peaks in spring or summer, but some varieties peak in fall or winter. Pollinators: Birds, such as the Akohekohe or Crested Honeycreeper ( Palmeria dolei), and insects are the most important pollinators. polymorpha exists on young volcanic substrates in rainforest habitats on Hawai’i. Habitat: Grows just above sea level to 2600 meters, generally in areas with rainfall over 50 cm. Geographic Distribution: Endemic to and present on O’ahu, Moloka’i, Maui, Kaua’i, Lana’i, and Hawai’i. This tree is the most abundant tree in Hawai’i and provides important habitat to native birds, several of which are endangered. The wood is of fine texture and is often used for flooring, fence posts and fuel. It is the first tree to appear on new lava flows where it offers watershed protection, and it often starts as an epiphyte in fern forests. Today it is illegal to possess such flowers in a garden setting and you very rarely, if ever, see a lei made of ‘Ohai flowers.Ī slow-growing native hardwood tree. In the Hawaiian tradition, a lei is a garland used as a symbol of affection and to officially establish peace between two groups. Species Facts: Before this plant was added to the endangered species list, many Hawaiians used the flowers for making lei. Pollinators: Bees, including Yellow-Faced Bee ( Hylaeus anthracinus). Found on calcareous beaches and sand dunes, rocky ridges and slopes, deep red soil, and soil pockets on lava. Habitat: Dry shrublands or (rarely) dry forests. Current populations exist on O’ahu, Moloka’i, Maui, Kaua’i, Kaho’olawe, Hawai’i, Nihoa and Necker. Geographic Distribution: Endemic to all of the main islands of Hawai’i. By placing emphasis on the natural networks at play between plants, pollinators, and people, we can begin to ensure healthy ecosystems and food security for all. Endeavors such as the Monarch Wings Across America and Bee Friendly Farming techniques can aid in the conservation of critical habitat by prioritizing pollinators and reinforcing the importance of such species. This information is of great value to foresee consequences of pollinator losses and to identify target species for effective conservation. Recognizing the importance of vulnerable pollinator species and their habitats, as well as initiating preservation efforts before there is a need to list them as endangered or threatened, is key to maintaining our biological balance. As keystone species, pollinators have substantial impact on our global systems. Conversely, the populations of pollinators determine the stability of plants and our ecosystem health. The relationship between pollinators and their plants are intrinsically linked, the decline of pollinators make plants more vulnerable to secondary extinction. Pollinators play a critical role in our global food system at least 80% of crops we consume are pollinated by bees and other wildlife. The problem of extinction can lead to a crippling disaster for ecological resilience and economic interests. Disturbances such as habitat loss, climate change, and application of agricultural pesticides contribute greatly to diminishing populations and disrupt ecological interactions. There are numerous species that are at risk and listed as federally endangered or threatened including: 1 fly, 3 bats, 5 birds, 8 bees, and 24 butterflies and moths. § 1531 et seq.) with the intention of protecting vulnerable species and preserving the ecosystems that we all share. In 1973, the United States Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA 16 U.S.C.
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