[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 217 (Thursday, November 10, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-27302]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 10, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AB94
 

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status 
for 12 Plants From the Hawaiian Islands
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines 
endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act), for 12 species of Hawaiian plants: Adenophorus periens 
(pendant kihi fern), Bonamia menziesii (no common name (NCN)), Diellia 
erecta (NCN), Flueggea neowawraea (mehamehame), Hibiscus brackenridgei 
(ma`o hau hele), Mariscus pennatiformis (NCN), Neraudia sericea 
(ma`aloa), Plantago princeps (ale), Sesbania tomentosa (`ohai), Solanum 
incompletum (thorny popolo), Spermolepis hawaiiensis (NCN), and Vigna 
o-wahuensis (Oahu vigna). These 12 species are found on 1 or more of 
the following Hawaiian Islands: Laysan, Necker, Nihoa, Niihau, Kauai, 
Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii. The 12 species and 
their habitats have been variously affected or are currently threatened 
by one or more of the following: habitat degradation and/or predation 
by wild, feral, or domestic animals (pigs, goats, deer, cattle); 
competition for space, light, water, and nutrients by naturalized, 
introduced vegetation; habitat loss from fires; human impacts from 
recreational activities; and insect infestations. Due to the small 
number of existing individuals and/or their very narrow distributions, 
these species and most of their populations are subject to an increased 
likelihood of extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor from 
stochastic events. This rule implements the protection provisions 
provided by the Act for these plant taxa.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 12, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the Pacific 
Islands Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana 
Boulevard, Room 6307, P.O. Box 50167, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert P. Smith, Field Supervisor, at 
the above address (808/541-2749).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Adenophorus periens, Bonamia menziesii, Diellia erecta, Flueggea 
neowawraea, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Mariscus pennatiformis, Neraudia 
sericea, Plantago princeps, Sesbania tomentosa, Solanum incompletum, 
Spermolepis hawaiiensis, and Vigna o-wahuensis are currently known from 
11 Hawaiian Islands: Laysan, Necker, Nihoa, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, 
Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii. The current and historical 
distribution by island is presented in Table 1 for each of the 12 
species.

                                            Table 1.--Summary of Island Distribution of the Proposed Species                                            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Hawaiian Island                                              
                  Species                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               La        Ne         N        Ni         K         O        Mo         L        Ka         M         H   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adenophorus periens.......................  ........  ........  ........  ........         C        H          C        H   ........        H          C
Bonamia menziesii.........................  ........  ........  ........  ........         C         C        H          C  ........         C         C
Diellia erecta............................  ........  ........  ........  ........        H         H          C        H   ........         C         C
Flueggea neowawraea.......................  ........  ........  ........  ........         C         C        H   ........  ........         C         C
Hibiscus brackensridgei...................  ........  ........  ........  ........         C?        C        H          C        H          C         C
Mariscus pennatiformis....................         C  ........  ........  ........        H         H   ........  ........  ........         C?       H 
Neraudia sericea..........................  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........         C        H         H          C          
Plantago princeps.........................  ........  ........  ........  ........         C         C         C  ........  ........         C        H 
Sesbania tomentosa........................  ........         C         C         C         C         C         C         C         C         C         C
Solanum incompletum.......................  ........  ........  ........  ........         C? ........         C?       H   ........        H          C
Spermolepis hawaiiensis...................  ........  ........  ........  ........        H          C         C         C  ........         C         C?
Vigna o-wahuensis.........................  ........  ........  ........        H         H         H          C         C         C        H          C 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C = current; population last observed within the past 50 years.                                                                                         
H = historical; population not seen for over 50 years.u                                                                                                 
? = questionable locality or inconsistent information in sources.                                                                                       
La--Laysan                                                                                                                                              
Ne--Necker                                                                                                                                              
N--Nihoa                                                                                                                                                
Ni--Niihau                                                                                                                                              
K--Kauai                                                                                                                                                
O--Oahu                                                                                                                                                 
Mo--Molokai                                                                                                                                             
L--Lanai                                                                                                                                                
Ka--Kahoolawe                                                                                                                                           
M--Maui                                                                                                                                                 
H--Hawaii                                                                                                                                               

    The Hawaiian archipelago includes eight large volcanic islands 
(Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii), as 
well as offshore islets, shoals, and atolls set on submerged volcanic 
remnants at the northwest end of the chain (the Northwestern Hawaiian 
Islands). The archipelago covers a land area of about 16,600 square 
kilometers (sq km) (6,400 sq miles (mi)), extending roughly between 
latitude 18 deg.50' to 28 deg.15' N and longitude 154 deg.40' to 
178 deg.70' W, and ranging in elevation from sea level to 4,200 meters 
(m) (13,800 feet (ft)) (Dept. of Geography 1983). The regional 
geological setting is a mid-oceanic volcanic island archipelago set in 
a roughly northwest to southeast line, with younger islands to the 
southeast. The youngest island, Hawaii, is volcanically active. The 
older islands are increasingly eroded, so that the basaltic portions of 
many of the northwesternmost islands (such as Laysan, Necker, and 
Nihoa) are entirely submerged, and coralline atolls and shoals are 
often all that remain above sea level (Macdonald et al. 1986). The 
topography of the Hawaiian Islands is extremely diverse. On the younger 
islands, Hawaii and Maui, gently sloping unweathered shield volcanoes 
with very poor soil development are juxtaposed with older, heavily 
weathered valleys with steep walls, well-developed streams, and gently 
sloped flood plains. The older islands to the northwest (i.e., Niihau, 
Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai) are generally more weathered. On a typical 
older island, sea cliffs and large amphitheater-headed valleys on the 
windward (northeast) side contrast with erosionally younger, dissected 
slopes on the leeward (southwest) side (Dept. of Geography 1983).
    The climate of the Hawaiian Islands reflects the tropical setting 
buffered by the surrounding ocean (Dept. of Geography 1983). The 
prevailing winds are northeast trades with some seasonal fluctuation in 
strength. There are also winter storm systems and occasional 
hurricanes. Temperatures vary over the year on an average of 5 deg. 
Celsius (C) (11 deg. Fahrenheit (F)) or less, with daily variation 
usually exceeding seasonal variation in temperature. Temperature varies 
with elevation and ranges from a maximum recorded temperature of 
37.7 deg. C (99.9 deg. F), measured at 265 m (870 ft) elevation, to a 
minimum of minus 12.7 deg. C (9.1 deg. F) recorded at 4,205 m (13,795 
ft) elevation. Annual rainfall varies greatly by location, with marked 
windward to leeward gradients over short distances. Minimum average 
annual rainfall is less than 250 millimeters (mm) (10 inches (in)); the 
maximum average precipitation is well in excess of 11,000 mm (450 in) 
per year. Precipitation is greatest during the months of October 
through April. A dry season is apparent in leeward settings, while 
windward settings generally receive tradewind-driven rainfall 
throughout the year (Dept. of Geography 1983).
    The native-dominated vegetation of the Hawaiian Islands varies 
greatly according to elevation, moisture regime, and substrate. The 
most recent classification of Hawaiian natural communities recognizes 
nearly 100 native vegetation types (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990). Within 
these types are numerous island-specific or region-specific 
associations, comprising an extremely rich array of vegetation types 
within a very limited geographic area. Major vegetation formations 
include forests, woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, herblands, and 
pioneer associations on lava and cinder substrates.
    There are lowland, montane, and subalpine forest types in Hawaii, 
extending from sea level to above 3,000 m (9,800 ft) in elevation. 
Coastal and lowland forests are generally dry or mesic and may be open- 
or closed-canopied. The stature of lowland forests is generally under 
10 m (30 ft). Eleven species included in this ruling (Adenophorus 
periens, Bonamia menziesii, Diellia erecta, Flueggea neowawraea, 
Hibiscus brackenridgei, Mariscus pennatiformis, Neraudia sericea, 
Plantago princeps, Solanum incompletum, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, and 
Vigna o-wahuensis) have been reported from lowland forest habitat. 
Montane forests, occupying elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 m (3,000 
and 6,000 ft), are dry to mesic on the leeward slopes of the islands of 
Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii. On those islands, as well as on Oahu, Molokai, 
and Lanai, mesic to wet montane forests occur on the windward slopes 
and summits. The dry and mesic forests may be open- to closed-canopied, 
and may exceed 20 m (65 ft) in stature. Of the species in this ruling, 
four (Diellia erecta, Plantago princeps, Solanum incompletum, and Vigna 
o-wahuensis) have been reported from montane mesic and dry forest 
habitats. Montane wet forests are usually dominated by several species 
of native trees and tree ferns. Three species (Adenophorus periens, 
Mariscus pennatiformis, and Plantago princeps) have been reported from 
montane wet forest habitat. At high montane and subalpine elevations, 
at and above 2,000 m (6,500 ft) elevation, are subalpine forests, 
usually open-canopied and forming a mosaic with surrounding grasslands 
and shrublands. Subalpine forests are known only from Haleakala on East 
Maui and from Hualalai, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa on Hawaii. Solanum 
incompletum has been reported from subalpine forest habitat.
    Hawaiian shrublands are also found from coastal to alpine 
elevations. The majority of Hawaiian shrubland types are in dry and 
mesic settings, or on cliffs and slopes too steep to support trees. Wet 
montane shrublands are typically dominated by Metrosideros ('ohi'a). 
Taxa reported from native shrublands include Bonamia menziesii, 
Hibiscus brackenridgei, and Sesbania tomentosa. Hawaiian grassland 
types are found from coastal to subalpine settings. Coastal and lowland 
grasslands are known from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Kauai, 
Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii. Both Hibiscus brackenridgei and 
Vigna o-wahuensis have been reported from native grasslands.
    The land that supports these 12 plant species is owned by various 
private parties, the City and County of Honolulu, the County of Maui, 
the State of Hawaii (including State parks, forest reserves, natural 
area reserves, and Hawaiian Home Lands), and the Federal government 
(including national parks, national wildlife refuges, national historic 
sites, and property under the jurisdiction of the Department of 
Defense).

Discussion of the 12 Plant Taxa Included in This Final Rule

    Adenophorus periens (pendant kihi fern) was first collected by 
Captain Fredrick William Beechey in the 1820s or 1830s. It was not 
formally described until 1974, when L. Earl Bishop published the name 
Adenophorus periens. Prior to its description, the names Polypodium 
adenophorus and Adenophorus pinnatifidus had been erroneously applied 
to the species represented by Beechey's specimen (Bishop 1974).
    Adenophorus periens, a member of the grammitis family 
(Grammitidaceae), is a small, pendant, epiphytic (not rooted on the 
ground) fern. The rhizome (prostrate stem) is covered with small dark, 
stiff scales 2 to 4 centimeters (cm) (0.8 to 1.6 in) long. Its 
yellowish green fronds are usually between 10 and 40 cm (4 and 16 in) 
long and covered with hairs. The fronds have slightly hairy stalks less 
than 1 cm (0.4 in) long. Each frond is comprised of oblong or narrowly 
triangular pinnae (divisions or leaflets) 5 to 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 in) 
long with margins that are smooth or toothed and lined with sparse 
hairs. The pinnae are situated perpendicular to the axis of the midrib, 
with each pinna twisted such that its upper surface faces upward. Round 
sori (groups of spore-producing bodies) usually develop in the central 
portion of the fertile frond, forming two regular rows on each pinna. 
This species differs from other species in this endemic Hawaiian genus 
by having hairs along the pinna margins, pinnae at right angles to the 
midrib axis, by the placement of the sori, and the degree of dissection 
of each pinna (Bishop 1970, 1974; Hillebrand 1888; Linney 1989).
    Historically, Adenophorus periens was known from the following 
general areas: Halemanu on Kauai, the Koolau Mountains of Oahu, the 
summit of Lanai, Kula Pipeline on East Maui, and Hilo and Waimea on the 
island of Hawaii (Hawaii Heritage Program (HHP) 1992a1 to 1992a6, 
1992a10 to 1992a13). Currently, Adenophorus periens is known from 
several locations on three islands. On Kauai, one population is known 
from the boundary of Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve (NAR) and Na 
Pali Coast State Park on State land, one from Waioli on State land, and 
four are clustered in the Wahiawa area over a distance of 2 sq km (0.8 
sq mi) on private land (HHP 1992a15 to 1992a17; Hawaii Plant 
Conservation Center (HPCC) 1991b, 1991c, 1992; Lorence and Flynn 1991). 
On Molokai, there is a single population of three plants on private 
land at Kamakou Preserve (HHP 1992a7). On the island of Hawaii, four 
populations are found at Olaa Tract, Kane Nui o Hamo Crater, Kahaualea 
NAR, and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) northwest of Puu Kauka on private, State, and 
Federal land (L. Cuddihy, National Park Service, in litt., 1983, 1988; 
HHP 1992a8, 1992a9, 1992a14). The population at Kane Nui o Hamo has 
recently been affected by volcanic eruptions and drought and its status 
is uncertain (Hugo Huntzinger, National Park Service, in litt., 1993). 
The statewide total of 11 current populations comprises approximately 
1,280 individuals of this species; on Kauai, there are about 63 
individuals; on Molokai, there are 3; and on Hawaii, there are 
approximately 1,215 (L. Cuddihy, in litt., 1983, 1988; HHP 1992a7 to 
1992a9, 1992a14 to 1992a17; HPCC 1991a to 1991c; Lorence and Flynn 
1991).
    Adenophorus periens is found in Metrosideros polymorpha ('Ohi'a)/
Cibotium glaucum (Hapu'u) Lowland Wet Forest between 470 and 1,270 m 
(1,540 and 4,140 ft) in elevation (HHP 1992a7, 1992a8, 1992a14 to 
1992a16). Associated species include Broussaisia arguta (kanawao 
ke'oke'o), Cheirodendron trigynum ('olapa), Dicranopteris linearis 
(uluhe), Freycinetia arborea ('ie'ie), and Psychotria hawaiiensis 
(kopiko) (HHP 1992a7, 1992a8, 1992a15, 1992a16). The primary threats to 
Adenophorus periens are habitat degradation by pigs (Sus scrofa); 
competition for light, space, nutrients, and water with alien plant 
species; and habitat destruction by fires.
    Asa Gray gave the name Bonamia menziesii (NCN) to a plant from the 
Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) in honor of its collector, Archibald Menzies 
(Gray 1862). Wilhelm Hillebrand (1888) placed the species into the 
segregate genus Breweria. Otto Degener (1932a, 1932b) described a new 
genus, Perispermum, and placed Bonamia menziesii in it. He also 
described another species of Perispermum, P. albiflorum. T. Myint and 
D.B. Ward (1968) recognized only one Hawaiian species and placed it in 
the genus Bonamia. They recognized two varieties: variety menziesii and 
a new variety, rockii. The current treatment (Austin 1990) recognizes 
only one species with no subspecific taxa.
    Bonamia menziesii, a member of the morning-glory family 
(Convolvulaceae), is a vine with twining branches up to 10 m (33 ft) 
long that are fuzzy when young. The leathery, oblong to oval leaves 
measure 3 to 9 cm (1.2 to 3.5 in) in length and 1 to 4 cm (0.4 to 1.6 
in) wide. The upper leaf surface is usually hairless or covered with 
sparse hairs and the lower surface is covered with dense fuzzy hairs. 
The white to greenish funnel-shaped flowers, each 2 to 2.5 mm (0.08 to 
0.1 in) long, are produced singly or in clusters of three on stalks 1 
to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) long with tiny bracts (modified leaves) at the 
base of each stalk. Stamens usually have glandular hairs at their 
bases. The flower has two styles that are separate or partly fused. The 
fruits are tan or yellowish brown capsules 1 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in) 
long that contain one or two oval seeds imbedded in black pulp. This 
species is the only member of the genus that is endemic to the Hawaiian 
Islands and differs from other genera in the family by its two styles, 
longer stems and petioles, and rounder leaves (Austin 1990).
    Historically, Bonamia menziesii was known from the following 
general areas: scattered locations on Kauai, the Waianae Mountains of 
Oahu, scattered locations on Molokai, and the eastern sides of Maui and 
Hawaii (HHP 1992b3, 1992b4, 1992b10, 1992b11, 1992b13, 1992b15 to 
1992b17, 1992b28, 1992b35). Currently, Bonamia menziesii is known from 
28 populations on 5 islands. On Kauai, five populations are known from 
Kalalau, Paaiki Valley, Mount Kahili (all on State land), and Wahiawa 
drainage on private land (HHP 1992b25 to 1992b27, Lorence and Flynn 
1991). On Oahu, Bonamia menziesii is known from both the Waianae and 
the Koolau Mountains. In the Waianae Mountains between Kuaokala and 
Nanakuli, 10 populations are spread over a distance of 24 km (15 mi) on 
Federal, private, and State land; 8 of these populations are clustered 
in the northernmost section over a distance of 8 km (5 mi) (HHP 1992b6, 
1992b8, 1992b9, 1992b12, 1992b19, 1992b20, 1992b22, 1992b23, 1992b30, 
1992b34). In the southeastern part of the Koolau Mountains, five 
populations are found over an area of 6 sq km (2.5 sq mi) on private 
and State land (HHP 1992b5, 1992b14, 1992b18, 1992b21, 1992b31). On 
Lanai, Bonamia menziesii is known from four scattered locations from 
Kanepuu to Puhielelu on private land (Garnett 1991; HHP 1992b1, 1992b2, 
1992b32; HPCC 1991d). On Maui, one population is known from the western 
slopes of West Maui on private land and two populations are located on 
East Maui on private and State land (HHP 1992b24, 1992b29, 1992b33). On 
the island of Hawaii, a single population is located at Kaupulehu on 
private land (HHP 1992b7). The total current populations throughout the 
State consist of approximately 200 individuals, with the largest 
populations occurring on Oahu (HHP 1992b14, 1992b21, 1992b23, 1992b30). 
On Kauai, there are approximately 28 plants; on Oahu no more than 150; 
on Lanai approximately 9; on Maui a total of 10; and on the island of 
Hawaii at least 1 specimen has been collected (HHP 1992b1, 1992b2, 
1992b5 to 1992b12, 1992b14, 1992b18 to 1992b27, 1992b29 to 1992b34; 
Lorence and Flynn 1991).
    Bonamia menziesii is found on steep slopes in dry to mesic forest 
and sometimes in wet forest between the elevation of 150 and 625 m (492 
and 2,051 ft) (Austin 1990). Associated species include 'ohi'a, 
Canthium odoratum (alahe'e), Nestegis sandwicense (olopua), Pisonia sp. 
(papala kepau), and Sapindus oahuensis (lonomea) (HHP 1992b1, 1992b2, 
1992b4, 1992b7 to 1992b9, 1992b18 to 1992b20, 1992b22, 1992b23, 
1992b25, 1992b27, 1992b30, 1992b31, 1992b33). The primary threats to 
Bonamia menziesii are habitat degradation and possible predation by 
wild and feral ungulates (pigs, goats (Capra hircus), axis deer (Axis 
axis), black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and cattle (Bos 
taurus), competition with a variety of alien plant species, and fire.
    Diellia erecta (NCN) was described by William Dunlop Brackenridge 
based on a specimen collected during the Wilkes Expedition in 1840 
(Brackenridge 1854). He also described Diellia pumila, which 
subsequently has been considered a depauperate form of D. erecta. 
Davallia alexandri was published by Hillebrand in 1873. It has 
subsequently been considered a form of Diellia erecta with finely 
dissected fronds. Diellia erecta and Davallia alexandri had been placed 
in the genus Lindsaya by certain early authors, and Diellia erecta into 
the genus Schizoloma. Degener and Amy B. Greenwell (1950) published the 
new combination Diellia erecta var. falcata for a taxon originally 
described by Brackenridge as Diellia falcata. However, further study 
has established that Diellia falcata is best considered a separate 
species. Diellia erecta is now considered to be a species with no 
subspecific taxa (Wagner 1952, Wagner and Wagner 1992).
    Diellia erecta, a member of the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae), 
is a fern that grows in tufts of three to nine lance-shaped fronds, 
each 20 to 70 cm (8 to 28 in) long. The fronds emerge from a 1 to 2.5 
cm (0.4 to 1 in) long rhizome covered with brown to dark gray scales. 
The frond stalks are reddish brown to black and smooth and glossy, 2 to 
21 cm (0.8 to 8.3 in) long, and have a few stiff scales at their bases. 
Each frond has 15 to 50 lance-shaped pinnae arranged oppositely along 
the midrib. The pinnae are usually between 2 and 4 cm (0.8 and 1.6 in) 
long and 4 to 8 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in) wide. Ten to 20 sori, which may be 
separate or fused, are borne on each margin of the pinna. Each sorus is 
covered by an indusium (protective membrane) that falls short of the 
edge of the frond and runs parallel to the edge of each pinna. This 
species differs from other members of the genus in having brown or dark 
gray scales usually more than 2 cm (0.8 in) in length, fused or 
separate sori along both margins, shiny black midribs that have a 
hardened surface, and veins that do not usually encircle the sori 
(Degener and Greenwell 1950, Hillebrand 1888, Robinson 1912, Smith 
1934, Wagner 1952).
    Historically, Diellia erecta was known from the Kokee area on 
Kauai; the Koolau Mountains on Oahu; Pukoo, Pelekunu Valley, and 
Kaunakakai Gulch on Molokai; Mahana Valley and Hauola Gulch on Lanai; 
scattered locations on West Maui; and various locations on the island 
of Hawaii (HHP 1992c1 to 1992c3, 1992c6, 1992c8 to 1992c11, 1992c16, 
1992c18 to 1992c26). Currently, Diellia erecta is only known from 
Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. On Molokai, there are four locations with an 
unknown number of individuals at Halawa Valley, Kahuaawi Gulch, 
Makolelau, and Puu Kolekole on private land (HHP 1992c12, 1992c14, 
1992c15; Robert Hobdy, Hawaii State Division of Forestry and Wildlife 
(DOFAW), pers. comm., 1991). On Maui, there is a total of at least 38 
individuals at 7 locations: 4 populations on West Maui at Iao Valley on 
private land, and Kanaha Stream, Manawainui Plant Sanctuary, and 
Papalaua Gulch on State land; and 3 populations on East Maui at Olinda, 
Waiopai Gulch, and near Makawao on State and private land (HHP 1992c4, 
1992c5, 1992c7, 1992c13, 1992c17; HPCC 1990a; Joel Lau, HHP, and R. 
Hobdy, pers. comms., 1992). On the island of Hawaii, there are 2 
populations on State land: 1 at Honomalino with over 20 plants, and 1 
at Manuka NAR with at least 1 plant (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). 
Statewide, this species has a total of 13 populations and approximately 
63 known individuals.
    Diellia erecta is found in Diospyros sandwicensis (Lama)/'Ohi'a 
Lowland Mesic Forest between 210 and 1,590 m (700 and 5,200 ft) in 
elevation (HHP 1992c21; HPCC 1990a; R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1992). Other 
associated plant species include Dodonaea viscosa ('a'ali'i), 
Dryopteris unidentata, Pleomele auwahiensis (halapepe), Syzygium 
sandwicensis ('ohi'a ha), and Wikstroemia sp. ('akia) (HPCC 1990a). The 
major threats to Diellia erecta are habitat degradation by pigs, goats, 
and cattle; competition with alien plant species; and stochastic 
extinction due to the small number of existing individuals.
    In 1912, Joseph F. Rock collected the first specimens of Flueggea 
neowawraea (mehamehame) from Kapua on the island of Hawaii (Rock 1913). 
Based on his specimens, he established the monotypic genus Neowawraea, 
named for Dr. Heinrich W. Wawra, a colleague of Rock's. He named the 
species Neowawraea phyllanthoides because of its apparent resemblance 
to Phyllanthus, a member of the same family (Euphorbiaceae). Earl 
Edward Sherff (1939) later transferred the taxon to the genus Drypetes. 
W. John Hayden (1987), upon further investigation, placed the species 
in the genus Flueggea. Because retention of the specific epithet would 
result in a later homonym, Hayden chose to maintain the tribute to 
Wawra in the new epithet, neowawraea.
    Flueggea neowawraea, a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), 
is a large tree up to 30 m (100 ft) tall and 2 m (7 ft) in diameter 
with white oblong pores covering its scaly, pale brown bark. The thin, 
papery, oval leaves, 4 to 14 cm (1.5 to 5.5 in) long and 2 to 9 cm (0.8 
to 3.5 in) wide, are green on the upper surface and pale green on the 
lower surface. Plants are usually dioecious (having separate male and 
female plants) with unisexual flowers lacking petals. Male flowers, on 
stalks less than 4 mm (0.2 in) long, have five green sepals with 
brownish tips. The female flowers, on stalks 1 to 2.5 mm (0.04 to 0.1 
in) long, have sepals of unequal length with irregular margins. The 
two-lobed stigma is positioned atop a 2.5 to 3 mm (0.1 in) long, round 
ovary with a nectary disk. The fleshy, round fruits, about 5 mm (0.2 
in) in diameter, are reddish brown to black and contain two slightly 
curved seeds about 3 mm (0.1 in) long that are somewhat triangular in 
cross section. This species is the only member of the genus found in 
Hawaii and can be distinguished from other species in the genus by its 
large size; scaly bark; the shape, size, and color of the leaves; 
flowers clustered along the branches; and the size and shape of the 
fruits (Hayden 1990, Linney 1982, Neal 1965).
    Historically, Flueggea neowawraea was known from Waihii near Kapuna 
on Molokai, but is now presumed extinct on that island (HHP 1992d25, 
Hayden 1990). This species was also known from Kealia Trail, 
Kahanahaiki Valley, and Pohakea Gulch in the Waianae Mountains of Oahu 
(HHP 1992d5, 1992d10, 1992d33). Currently, Flueggea neowawraea is known 
on Kauai from Limahuli Valley, Kalalau, Pohakuao, and from the Koaie 
and Poomau branches of Waimea Canyon (HHP 1992d17, 1992d18, 1992d30 to 
1992d32; HPCC 1990b; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). Also, three 
individuals (some of which may be dead) are known from the two adjacent 
valleys of Mahanaloa and Paaiki, near Makaha Point, on State-owned land 
(HHP 1992d9, 1992d13). Only one unhealthy individual is known from 
Limahuli Valley on privately owned land (HHP 1992d17). One tree is 
known from Kalalau and 10 from Pohakuao on State-owned land (J. Lau, 
pers. comm., 1992). Sixteen trees are known from the Poomau branch of 
Waimea Canyon, and 40 to 80 individuals are known from 4 scattered 
populations along the Koaie branch of Waimea Canyon on State-owned land 
(HHP 1992d18, 1992d30, 1992d31; HPCC 1990b; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). 
On Oahu, Flueggea neowawraea is currently known from 15 locations with 
approximately 33 individuals in the Waianae Mountains. The populations 
are spread from East Kapuahikahi Gulch to Puumaialau Gulch over a 
distance of about 15.5 km (9.6 mi) on Federal, State, County, and 
private land (HHP 1992d1 to 1992d4, 1992d6 to 1992d8, 1992d11, 1992d12, 
1992d14 to 1992d16, 1992d19, 1992d20, 1992d24, 1992d26, 1992d29; J. 
Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On East Maui, one or two individuals are known 
from Auwahi on the southwest slope of Haleakala at approximately 850 m 
(2,800 ft) elevation on privately owned land (HHP 1992d23). Five 
populations are known from the island of Hawaii in South Kona and Kau, 
extending over an area of about 10 by 5 km (6 by 3 mi) from Papa to 
Manuka, and numbering approximately 20 individuals, on State and 
private land (HHP 1992d21, 1992d22, 1992d27, 1992d28, 1992d34, 1992d35; 
J. Lau, pers. comm., 1990). A Hawaii Island population on private land 
at Huehue Ranch in North Kona consists of an unknown number of 
individuals (Hayden 1990). Statewide, the species totals 28 populations 
containing approximately 127 to 167 known individuals.
    Flueggea neowawraea occurs in dry to mesic forest at 250 to 1,000 m 
(820 to 3,280 ft) elevation (Hayden 1990). Associated plant species 
include alahe'e, lama, Aleurites moluccana (kukui), Antidesma 
pulvinatum (hame), and Streblus pendulina (a'ia'i) (HHP 1992d3, 1992d7, 
1992d9, 1992d12 to 1992d19, 1992d30, 1992d31, 1992d34). The primary 
threat to the continued existence of Flueggea neowawraea is the black 
twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus), that has affected all known 
Flueggea neowawraea plants. Other major threats include habitat 
degradation by feral and wild ungulates (pigs, goats, deer, and 
cattle), competition with alien plant species, and fire. The small 
number of individuals within any population and the scattered 
distribution of populations, compounded by a requirement for cross-
pollination because the species is dioecious, must be considered a 
serious threat.
    In 1838, Asa Gray described Hibiscus brackenridgei (ma`o hau hele) 
from a specimen collected on West Maui (Roe 1961). Then, in 1930, 
Edward Leonard Caum published two varieties, molokaiana and kauaiana, 
based upon type specimens from the islands of Molokai and Kauai (Caum 
1930). An additional variety, var. mokuleiana, was named by Sister 
Margaret James Roe in 1961. In 1990, David Bates recognized two 
subspecific taxa: ssp. mokuleianus and ssp. brackenridgei (including 
var. molokaiana). He placed Hibiscus brackenridgei var. kauaiana in 
synonymy with a non-Hawaiian species of Hibiscus, H. calyphyllus.
    Hibiscus brackenridgei, a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), 
is a sprawling to erect shrub or small tree up to 5 m (16 ft) tall. 
Most plant parts (young branches, leaves, and some flower parts) vary 
in the degree of hairiness. The leaves, about 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 in) 
long and equally wide, have three to seven lobes but are generally 
heart-shaped in outline. Beneath each leaf stalk is a pair of very thin 
stipules (leaf-like appendages), 5 to 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 in) long, that 
fall off early in development, leaving an elliptic scar. Flowers are 
borne singly or in small clusters. The petals, between 3.5 and 8 cm 
(1.4 and 3.1 in) long, are yellow, usually with a maroon spot in the 
center of the flower. Each triangular calyx lobe is reddish to yellow, 
and usually has a raised, elongated gland on the midrib. Seven to 10 
bracts are attached below the calyx. The staminal column, which has 
anthers attached to the upper three-fourths or nearly to the base, 
extends beyond the petals. The fruits are somewhat round or oval 
capsules 1.1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) long that have a beak-like 
appendage at one end. This species differs from other members of the 
genus in having the following combination of characteristics: yellow 
petals, a calyx comprised of triangular lobes with raised veins and a 
single midrib often bearing a prominent elongated gland, 7 to 10 bracts 
attached below the calyx, and thin stipules 5 to 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 in) 
long that fall off, leaving an elliptic scar (Bates 1990).
    Hibiscus brackenridgei is currently known from Oahu, Lanai, Maui, 
and Hawaii; it may possibly occur on Kauai. Twelve populations are 
known to exist, containing approximately 60 individuals. The two 
recognized subspecies are discussed separately below. Hibiscus 
brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei was known historically from Laau Point 
on Molokai (HHP 1992e7), from scattered locations on Lanai, and from 
Pohakea Gulch south to near McGregor Point on West Maui (HHP 1992e4, 
1992e5, 1992e10 to 1992e13, 1992e15). Hibiscus brackenridgei was also 
collected from an unspecified site on Kahoolawe (HHP 1992e17). However, 
the specimen is unavailable, and the subspecies was not determined 
(Bates 1990). Currently, Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei 
consists of about 7 populations containing probably fewer than 60 
individuals on State and private land on the islands of Lanai, Maui, 
and Hawaii (HHP 1992e1 to 1992e3, 1992e6, 1992e9, 1992e14, 1992e16; 
HPCC 1990c, 1991e; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On Lanai, only five or 
six plants remain near Keomuku Road at 275 m (900 ft) elevation on 
privately owned land (HHP 1992e14, HPCC 1991e). On West Maui, Hibiscus 
brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei is known from two populations 
occurring at Kaunohua Gulch and the West Maui NAR (HHP 1992e2, 1992e3; 
J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). The Kaunohua Gulch population, numbering 
approximately eight individuals, is found within a fenced area of 5 to 
10 sq m (55 to 110 sq ft) on privately owned land (HHP 1992e3). The 
West Maui NAR population, consisting of 14 individuals, is located in 
the Lihau section at about 400 m (1,300 ft) elevation in lowland dry 
forest on State-owned land (HHP 1992e2; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On 
East Maui, the known populations, which extend over a 6.25 sq km (2.4 
sq mi) area, number no more than 20 individuals (HHP 1992e1, 1992e8; 
HPCC 1990c). These populations are near Puu o Kali between 249 and 440 
m (800 and 1,450 ft) in elevation on State-owned land (HHP 1992e1, 
1992e8). On the island of Hawaii, Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. 
brackenridgei is known from two populations on State and private land: 
at Puu Anahulu Homesteads and Puu Huluhulu, approximately 3.5 km (2 mi) 
apart. These two populations contain no more than five individuals (HHP 
1992e6, 1992e16; P. Q. Tomich, in litt., 1991; K. Wallis, in litt., 
1993).
    Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. mokuleianus is currently known from 
five populations, possibly containing as few as six to eight 
individuals. Undocumented observations of this taxon have been reported 
from Lihue and Olokele Canyon on Kauai (Bates 1990). On Oahu, Hibiscus 
brackenridgei ssp. mokuleianus was known historically from scattered 
locations in the Waianae Mountains (HHP 1992e18, 1992e21, 1992e22, 
1992e24). Within a 12 by 5 km (7.5 by 3 mi) area extending from Puu 
Pane to Kealia-Kawaihapai are three current populations (1992e19, 
1992e20, 1992e23, 1992e25; HPCC 1990d). The northernmost population, 
consisting of three individuals and occupying an area of 10 to 100 sq m 
(110 to 1,080 sq ft), is in the mountains south of the Dillingham 
Military Reservation at an elevation of 170 m (560 ft) on privately 
owned land (HHP 1992e25, HPCC 1990d). Another population is known from 
two adjacent gulches between the Dupont Trail and Puu Iki at elevations 
between 120 and 240 m (400 and 800 ft) (HHP 1992e19, 1992e23). This 
population on privately owned land consists of three to five 
individuals in an area measuring not more than 0.25 sq km (0.1 sq mi) 
(HHP 1992e19, 1992e23). A population of Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. 
mokuleianus reported from the Puu Pane area has not been seen for more 
than 40 years (HHP 1992e20).
    Hibiscus brackenridgei occurs in lowland dry to mesic forest and 
shrubland from 130 to 800 m (425 to 2,625 ft) in elevation (Geesink et 
al. 1990; HHP 1992e1, 1992e4, 1992e5, 1992e8, 1992e14, 1992e19, 
1992e25). Associated plant species include `a`ali`i, alahe`e, Erythrina 
sandwicensis (wiliwili), Reynoldsia sandwicensis (`ohe), and Sida 
fallax (`ilima) (HHP 1992e1 to 1992e3, 1992e6, 1992e8, 1992e20, 
1992e23, 1992e25). The primary threats to this species are habitat 
degradation and possible predation by pigs, goats, axis deer, and 
cattle; competition with alien plant species; road construction; and 
stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the 
small number of existing individuals.
    In 1931, the name Cyperus pennatiformis was published by Georg 
Kukenthal based on a specimen collected from Hana on Maui 
(Christophersen and Caum 1931). He also described a variety of the 
species, variety bryanii, for plants collected from the Northwestern 
Hawaiian Island of Laysan. Tetsuo Koyama recombined the species under 
the genus Mariscus and maintained the two subspecific taxa as 
subspecies (Wagner et al. 1989).
    Mariscus pennatiformis (NCN), a member of the sedge family 
(Cyperaceae), is a perennial plant with a woody root system covered 
with brown scales. The stout, smooth, three-angled stems are between 
0.4 and 1.2 m (1.3 and 4 ft) long, slightly concave and 3 to 7 mm (0.1 
to 0.3 in) in diameter in the lower part. The three to five linear, 
somewhat leathery leaves are 8 to 17 mm (0.3 to 0.7 in) wide and at 
least as long as the stem. Each flower cluster, umbrella-shaped and 
moderately dense, is 4 to 15 cm (1.5 to 6 in) long and 5 to 25 cm (2 to 
10 in) wide. About 5 to 18 spikes, comprised of numerous spikelets, 
form each cluster. Each spikelet, measuring about 8 to 14 mm (0.3 to 
0.6 in) in length, is yellowish brown or grayish brown and is comprised 
of 8 to 25 densely arranged flowers. The glumes (bracts beneath each 
flower), which are less than twice as long as wide, are spreading and 
overlap tightly. The lowest glume does not overlap the base of the 
uppermost glume. This species differs from other members of the genus 
by its three-sided, slightly concave, smooth stems; the length and 
number of spikelets; the leaf width; and the length and diameter of 
stems. The two subspecies are distinguished primarily by larger and 
more numerous spikelets, larger achenes (dry, one-seeded fruits), and 
more overlapping and yellower glumes in ssp. pennatiformis as compared 
with ssp. bryanii (Koyama 1990).
    Historically, Mariscus pennatiformis ssp. pennatiformis was known 
from six populations, located on Kauai at Halemanu in Kokee State Park, 
on Oahu in the Waianae Mountains on a ridge above Makaha Valley, on 
East Maui at Keanae Valley and Hana, and on the island of Hawaii at an 
unspecified location (HHP 1992f3 to 1992f6). Mariscus pennatiformis 
ssp. pennatiformis also exists in cultivation at the Maui Zoological 
and Botanical Gardens. The cultivated plants were originally from 
Nahiku, East Maui (J. Davis and R. Silva, Maui Zoological and Botanical 
Gardens, in litt., 1978). It is not known whether the Nahiku population 
is still extant. The five current populations, with an unknown number 
of individuals, are at open sites in mesic forests and low elevation 
grasslands from sea level to 1,200 m (3,940 ft) in elevation. No 
historical locations are known for Mariscus pennatiformis ssp. bryanii. 
It is currently known only from federally managed Laysan Island. This 
subspecies is found on the southeast end of the central lagoon, and the 
west and northeast sides of the island (HHP 1992f1, 1992f2; Koyama 
1990). These 3 locations are on sandy substrate at 5 m (16 ft) in 
elevation and contain approximately 30 individuals (HHP 1992f1, 1992f2; 
Koyama 1990). Associated species include Cyperus laevigatus (makaloa), 
Eragrostis variabilis (kawelu), and Ipomoea sp. (HHP 1992f1, Koyama 
1990). The small number of individuals and fewer than six known 
populations of Mariscus pennatiformis make the species vulnerable to 
stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor.
    Neraudia sericea (ma'aloa) was published by Gaudichaud in 1851 
(Cowan 1949). In 1888, Hillebrand reduced it to a variety of N. 
melastomaefolia (N. melastomaefolia var. sericea). He also described a 
new species, N. kahoolawensis, named for a specimen collected by J.M. 
Lydgate on the island of Kahoolawe. In the most current treatment 
(Wagner et al. 1990), the reduction of N. sericea to a variety of N. 
melastomaefolia is not accepted and N. kahoolawensis is considered a 
Kahoolawe population of N. sericea.
    Neraudia sericea, a member of the nettle family (Urticaceae), is a 
3 to 5 m (10 to 16 ft) tall shrub with densely hairy branches. The 
elliptic or oval leaves are between 4.3 and 13 cm (1.7 and 5.1 in) long 
and have smooth margins or slightly toothed margins on young leaves. 
The upper leaf surface is moderately hairy and the lower leaf surface 
is densely covered with irregularly curved, silky gray to white hairs 
up to 1 mm (0.04 in) long along the veins. The male flowers may be 
stalkless or have short stalks. The female flowers are stalkless and 
have a densely hairy calyx that is either toothed, collar-like, or 
divided into narrow unequal segments. The fruits are 1 mm (0.04 in) 
long achenes with the apical section separated from the basal portion 
by a deep constriction. Seeds are oval with a constriction across the 
upper half. Neraudia sericea differs from the other four closely 
related species of this endemic Hawaiian genus by the density, length, 
color, and posture of the hairs on the lower leaf surface and by its 
mostly entire leaf margins (Wagner et al. 1990).
    Neraudia sericea was known historically from Kamalo and near 
Waianui on Molokai, from Kaiholena on central Lanai, Olowalu Valley on 
West Maui, the southern slopes of Haleakala on East Maui, and from an 
unspecified site on Kahoolawe (HHP 1992g1, 1992g3, 1992g4, 1992g6 to 
1992g10). Currently, two populations of this species are known, from 
the slopes below Puu Kolekole on Molokai, specifically along the bottom 
and lower slopes of Makolelau Gulch, and from Pohakea Gulch on West 
Maui (HHP 1992g2, 1992g5, 1992g11). Both populations are on privately 
owned land. The Makolelau population contains an estimated 50 to 100 
individuals growing in 'Ohi'a/'A'ali'i/Styphelia tameiameiae (Pukiawe) 
Lowland Dry Shrubland in an area of over 100 sq m (1,080 sq ft) (HHP 
1992g11). The population size of the Pohakea population is undetermined 
(HHP 1992g2). Neraudia sericea generally occurs in lowland dry to mesic 
shrubland or forest between 670 and 1,370 m (2,200 and 4,500 ft) in 
elevation (HHP 1992g3, 1992g10, 1992g11; Wagner et al. 1990). Other 
associated plant species include 'ilima, lama, Bobea ('ahakea), 
Coprosma (pilo), and Hedyotis (HHP 1992g11). The primary threats to 
Neraudia sericea are habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats; 
competition with the alien plant, Melinus minutiflora (molasses grass); 
and stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the 
small number of existing populations and individuals.
    In 1826, Louis Charles Adelbert von Chamisso and D.F.L. 
Schlectendal described the species Plantago princeps (ale) (Rock 
1920a). In 1829, P. queleniana was described by Gaudichaud. An 
additional species, P. fauriei, was described by H. Leveille (1911) 
from a specimen collected by Abbe Urbain Jean Faurie from Hanapepe 
Falls on Kauai. Several varieties and forms of P. princeps have also 
been described. The currently accepted classification places P. 
queleniana and P. fauriei in synonymy with P. princeps and recognizes 
only four varieties: anomala, laxifolia, longibracteata, and princeps 
(Gaudichaud 1829, Gray 1862, Hillebrand 1888, Mann 1867, Rock 1920a, 
Wagner et al. 1990, Wawra 1874).
    Plantago princeps, a member of the plantain family 
(Plantaginaceae), is a small shrub or robust perennial herb. Its erect 
or ascending stems are hollow, about 2 to 250 cm (1 to 100 in) long, 
and often branched with young internodes that are more or less woolly 
with reddish brown hairs. The oblong to elliptic, thick, leathery 
leaves are between 6 and 30 cm (2.4 and 12 in) long and up to 5 cm (2 
in) wide and are tufted near the ends of stems. The leaves have smooth 
or minutely toothed margins, a pointed tip, and primary veins that 
converge at the base of the leaves. Numerous stalkless flowers are 
densely arranged in a cluster 11 to 28 cm (4.3 to 11 in) long with each 
cluster on a stalk 10 to 50 cm (4 to 20 in) long. Each flower spreads 
at an angle of nearly 90 degrees to the axis of the stalk or grows 
upright. The sepals are somewhat distinct and elliptic in shape. The 
fruits are capsules that contain three or four tiny black seeds; the 
surface of the seeds is apparently covered with a sticky membrane. This 
species differs from other native members of the genus in Hawaii by its 
large branched stems, flowers at nearly right angles to the axis of the 
flower cluster, and fruits that break open at a point two-thirds from 
the base. The four varieties (anomala, laxiflora, longibracteata, and 
princeps) are distinguished by the branching and pubescence of the 
stems; the size, pubescence, and venation of the leaves; the density of 
the inflorescence; and the orientation of the flowers (Wagner et al. 
1990).
    The four varieties of Plantago princeps were historically found on 
five islands, and now occur on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. A total 
of 18 populations containing approximately 300 to 1,200 individuals is 
currently known. The four varieties are discussed separately below. 
Historically, Plantago princeps var. anomala was known from Makaleha in 
the Waianae Mountains on Oahu, and a ridge west of Hanapepe River on 
Kauai (HHP 1992i1, 1992i4). Currently on Kauai, 4 populations with 45 
individuals are known from the south rim and upper reaches of Kalalau 
Valley on State land (HHP 1992i2; HPCC 1990e, 1990g, 1991g). 
Historically, Plantago princeps var. laxiflora was known from Waikolu, 
Olokui, Kamakou, and Pelekunu on the east side of Molokai; in back of 
Lahaina on West Maui; and Hamakua and Kohala on the island of Hawaii 
(HHP 1992i6, 1992i8 to 1992i11, 1992i16, 1992i17). Currently on 
Molokai, Plantago princeps var. laxiflora is known from one population 
with five individuals at Kawela Gulch on private land (HHP 1992i5). On 
Maui, it is known from 2 locations in Iao Valley on West Maui, and 4 
locations within Haleakala National Park and adjacent Waikamoi Preserve 
on East Maui on Federal and private land, totalling about 100 plants on 
that island (HHP 1992i7, 1992i12 to 1992i15, 1992i18; HPCC 1990h to 
1990j, 1991h, 1991i).
    Plantago princeps var. longibracteata was historically known from 
Hanalei, the Wahiawa Mountains, and Hanapepe Falls on Kauai, and from 
Kaala and the Koolauloa Mountains on Oahu (HHP 1992i19, 1992i21, 
1992i23, 1992i24, 1992i26). Currently, 2 populations are known from 
Kauai at Waioli Valley and Waialeale on State land; they are estimated 
to contain between 130 and more than 1,000 individuals (HHP 1992i25, 
1992i27). On Oahu, two populations approximately 3.5 km (2.2 mi) apart 
are known from the Poamoho area on private and State land; the number 
of individuals is not known (HHP 1992i20, 1992i22). Historically, 
Plantago princeps var. princeps was known from Nuuanu Pali and Kalihi 
in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1992i28 to 1992i30). Three current 
populations of this taxon are known from Mount Tantalus in the Koolau 
Mountains and from North Palawai and Ekahanui gulches in the Waianae 
Mountains of Oahu. Between 16 and 20 individuals are known from the 
Waianae Mountains. The number of individuals at the Koolau site is not 
known, as it was last observed in 1948 (HHP 1992i3, 1992i28 to 1992i31; 
HPCC 1990f; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992).
    Plantago princeps is typically found on steep slopes, rock walls, 
or at bases of waterfalls from 480 to about 1,100 m (1,580 to 3,600 ft) 
in elevation (Wagner et al. 1990). Associated plant species include 
'a'ali'i, kopiko, 'ohi'a, uluhe, and Dubautia plantaginea (HHP 1992i28; 
HPCC 1990e to 1990i, 1990k, 1991g to 1991i). The primary threats to 
Plantago princeps are habitat degradation by ungulates (pigs and goats) 
and competition with various alien plant species.
    Sesbania tomentosa ('ohai) was first described by W.J. Hooker and 
G.A.W. Arnott in 1836 from collections from Oahu (Degener 1937); it was 
named for its silvery hairs. In 1920, Joseph F. Rock described an 
arborescent form of the species (S. tomentosa f. arborea) based on a 
Molokai specimen. Degener and Sherff (Sherff 1949) published a new 
variety, var. molokaiensis, based on plants from West Molokai. Nearly 
30 years later, Otto and Isa Degener elevated that variety to the 
specific level (Degener and Degener 1978). At that time, the Degeners 
also described two new species, S. hawaiiensis and S. hobdyi. In the 
currently accepted classification by Geesink and others (1990), S. 
arborea, S. hawaiiensis, S. hobdyi, and S. molokaiensis are synonymized 
with S. tomentosa. However, they note that the arborescent form of the 
species found on the island of Molokai probably merits formal taxonomic 
recognition.
    Sesbania tomentosa, a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), is 
typically a sprawling shrub with branches up to 14 m (45 ft) long but 
may also be a small tree up to 6 m (20 ft) in height. Each compound 
leaf is comprised of 18 to 38 oblong to elliptic leaflets, each 15 to 
38 mm (0.6 to 1.5 in) long and 5 to 18 mm (0.2 to 0.7 in) wide, and is 
usually sparsely to densely covered with silky hairs. The flowers, in 
clusters of two to nine, are salmon tinged with yellow, orange-red, or 
scarlet, or rarely pure yellow. The petals are between 23 and 45 mm 
(0.9 and 1.8 in) long, the upper pair sometimes of a lighter color than 
the other petals. The calyx is about 7 to 12 mm (0.3 to 0.5 in) long. 
Fruits are slightly flattened pods 7 to 23 cm (2.8 to 9 in) long and 
about 5 mm (0.2 in) wide that contain about 6 to 27 olive to pale or 
dark brown, oblong seeds. Sesbania tomentosa is the only endemic 
Hawaiian species in the genus, differing from the naturalized S. sesban 
by the color of the flowers, the longer petals and calyx, and the 
number of seeds per pod (Geesink et al. 1990).
    On Molokai, Sesbania tomentosa was known historically from Mahana 
on Mauna Loa, in the vicinity of the coast near Waiahewahewa Gulch, and 
on Molokai's west coast at Laau and Ilio Points (HHP 1992j16, 1992j18, 
1992j23, 1992j26, 1992j37). On Oahu, Sesbania tomentosa was known 
historically from eastern Oahu at Ulupau Crater, and on the islets of 
Kaohikaipu and Mokulua (HHP 1992j3, 1992j6, 1992j34). This taxon was 
also known historically from western Oahu at an unspecified location 
along the Waianae coast (HHP 1992j10). On Lanai, Sesbania tomentosa was 
known historically from scattered locations on the south half of the 
island and on the east slope of the island at Kahinahina (HHP 1992j5, 
1992j19 to 1992j22, 1992j42). Sesbania tomentosa was also known 
historically from an unspecified location on Kahoolawe (HHP 1992j24).
    Currently, there are two populations of Sesbania tomentosa in the 
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (HHP 1992j35, 1992j36). One population is 
on the island of Nihoa, which comprises 0.8 sq km (0.3 sq mi) and is 
under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service management (Depart. of Geography 
1983, HHP 1992j35). The Nihoa plants have been described as relatively 
common in some areas, with several thousand individuals known (HHP 
1992j35). Another population is known from Necker Island, which is only 
0.2 sq km (0.1 sq mi) in area, and like Nihoa is managed by the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service (HHP 1992j36). Although there are no 
population estimates for Necker Island, Sesbania tomentosa is known to 
occur from 45 m (150 ft) elevation to the summit, growing on the tops 
of all hills of the main island with a few individuals found on the 
Northwest Cape (HHP 1992j36). On the privately owned island of Niihau, 
Sesbania tomentosa is known from the south tip of the island at the 
headland west of Kaumuhonu Bay. The size of this population has not 
been determined; in 1947 at least one collection was made at an 
elevation of 50 m (160 ft) (HHP 1992j14).
    On Kauai, Sesbania tomentosa is found between Mana town and Mana 
Point and at Polihale State Park (HHP 1992j15, 1992j33; HPCC 1991L). 
The population on State-owned land at Polihale State Park consists of 
about 30 individuals growing in a lithified dune area at approximately 
12 m (40 ft) elevation in an area of approximately 10 to 50 sq m (110 
to 540 sq ft) (HHP 1992j33). The second population is approximately 6 
km (4 mi) southwest of the Polihale State Park population, growing 
alongside a pond owned by the State (HHP 1992j15). The size of the 
population has not been determined. On Oahu, Sesbania tomentosa is 
currently known from 1 population of 50 to 100 individuals on State-
owned land at Kaena Point (HHP 1992j1, 1992j2). This population is 
primarily within the Kaena Point NAR, growing in sand dunes in a 
Naupaka kahakai Mixed Coastal Dry Shrubland (HHP 1992j1, 1992j2; HPCC 
1990o). However, scattered individuals are also located to the east for 
about 3.5 km (2.25 mi) along the north coast (HHP 1992j1, 1992j2; 
Woodward et al. 1991).
    On Molokai, Sesbania tomentosa is known from the south slopes of 
central Molokai from Kamiloloa to Makolelau and along Molokai's 
northwest coast from Moomomi to east of Hinanaulua. The 4 populations 
on private and State-owned land from Kamiloloa to Makolelau total fewer 
than 2,000 individuals and grow in a 7 by 3 km (4.5 by 2 mi) area (HHP 
1992j11, 1992j13, 1992j25, 1992j27; HPCC 1990m, 1990n). The 3 
populations from Moomomi to east of Hinanaulua consist of about 100 to 
150 plants growing on State and private land from sea level to 60 m 
(200 ft) elevation in a 5 by 1 km (3 by 0.5 mi) area (HHP 1992j12, 
1992j28, 1992j49; HPCC 1990L). On Lanai, Sesbania tomentosa is now 
restricted to the northern slopes of the island. This cluster of 3 
populations between Paomai and Maunalei is on privately owned land and 
includes at least 12 individuals growing on arid slopes (HHP 1992j17, 
1992j38, 1992j39).
    On Maui, Sesbania tomentosa is only known from two areas on West 
Maui and two areas on East Maui. On West Maui, one plant is on State-
owned land below Lihau Peak (HHP 1992j30). Sesbania tomentosa also 
occurs on a 6 km (4 mi) stretch of the northeast coast of West Maui, 
from the lighthouse near Nakalele Point to Puu Kahulianapa (HHP 
1992j31, 1992j32, 1992j43, 1992j48; HPCC 1991m). This cluster of 4 
populations contains an estimated 50 to 75 individuals on land owned by 
the State, the County of Maui, and private individuals (HHP 1992j31, 
1992j32, 1992j43, 1992j48; R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1992). On East Maui, 
two trees exist on privately owned land in Kamaole, but they appear to 
have been planted (Winona Char, Char & Associates, in litt., 1993). 
Sesbania tomentosa also occurs on the southeastern slopes of Pimoe 
cinder cone between 450 and 500 m (1480 to 1640 ft) elevation. This 
population consists of 13 plants located on the Hawaii National Guard 
Kanaio Training Area (Sam Gon, The Nature Conservancy, in litt., 1993). 
Off the south central coast of Kahoolawe, approximately 25 to 30 
individuals of Sesbania tomentosa are found on the sparsely vegetated 
islet of Puu Koae, which is a State-owned seabird sanctuary (HHP 
1992j29).
    On the island of Hawaii, Sesbania tomentosa is known from two 
regions of the southeast coast and two areas along the northwestern 
coast. On the southeastern coast it occurs along 16 km (10 mi) of 
coastline between Ka Lae and Kaalela. This cluster of populations on 
State-owned land contains an estimated 260 individuals growing between 
sea level and 25 m (80 ft) elevation, with some populations occurring 
in `Ilima Coastal Dry Shrubland (HHP 1992j7, 1992j9, 1992j44, 1992j45, 
1992j50; HPCC 1991j, 1991k; W. Char, in litt., 1993). The second 
cluster is in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and consists of scattered 
populations within a 19 by 8 km (12 by 5 mi) area from above Kukalauula 
Pali to Kahue, at elevations between 10 and 850 m (30 and 2,800 ft). 
This cluster of populations on federally owned land contains at least 
50 individuals (HHP 1992j4, 1992j8, 1992j40, 1992j41, 1992j46, 1992j47; 
H. Huntzinger, in litt., 1993). On the northwestern coast, a single 
plant occurs at 30 m (100 ft) elevation on private land at Kaupulehua 
(W. Char, in litt., 1993). The other northwest coast population is also 
on private land at Waiakailio, and consists of eight plants with 
several seedlings at 300 m (1000 ft) elevation (W. Char, in litt., 
1993). The total currently known populations of Sesbania tomentosa on 
the 8 main Hawaiian islands (Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, 
Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii) contain an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 
individuals. In the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the largest 
population occurs on Nihoa and consists of several thousand individuals 
(HHP 1992j35).
    Sesbania tomentosa is found on sandy beaches, dunes, soil pockets 
on lava, and along pond margins (Geesink et al. 1990). It commonly 
occurs in coastal dry shrublands and grasslands, but is also known from 
open 'ohi'a forests and Mixed Coastal Dry Cliffs (HHP 1992j2, 1992j4, 
1992j5, 1992j7, 1992j14, 1992j27, 1992j28, 1992j35, 1992j49). 
Associated plant species include 'ilima, naupaka kahakai, Heteropogon 
contortus (pili), Myoporum sandwicense (naio), and Sporobolus 
virginicus ('aki'aki) (HHP 1992j1, 1992j2, 1992j7, 1992j8, 1992j12, 
1992j13, 1992j25, 1992j28, 1992j31, 1992j33, 1992j40, 1992j45, 1992j49, 
1992j50). The primary threats to Sesbania tomentosa are habitat 
degradation caused by axis deer and cattle, competition with various 
alien plant species, fire, and destruction by off-road vehicles.
    A specimen collected by David Nelson in 1779 from the island of 
Hawaii was described and named Solanum incompletum (thorny popolo) by 
Dunal (1852). In 1888, Hillebrand described two varieties of the 
species: var. glabratum and var. mauiense. In 1969, Harold St. John 
described the species S. haleakalaense based on a specimen collected by 
Hillebrand on the south slope of Haleakala on Maui (St. John 1969). In 
the latest treatment, S. haleakalaense was synonymized with S. 
incompletum and no subspecific taxa of S. incompletum were recognized 
(Symon 1990).
    Solanum incompletum, a member of the nightshade family 
(Solanaceae), is a woody shrub up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. Its stems and 
lower leaf surfaces are covered with prominent reddish prickles about 4 
mm (0.2 in) long or sometimes with yellow fuzzy hairs on young plant 
parts and lower leaf surfaces. The oval to elliptic leaves, 10 to 15 cm 
(4 to 6 in) long and about 7 cm (2.8 in) wide, have prominent veins on 
the lower surface, and are on stalks up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long. The leaf 
margins are lobed with one to four lobes on each side. Numerous flowers 
grow in loose branching clusters with each flower on a stalk about 9 mm 
(0.4 in) long. The calyx and flowers generally lack prickles. The white 
petals form a star-shaped corolla about 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter. The 
curved anthers, about 2 mm (0.08 in) long, top short filaments that do 
not extend beyond the petals. Fruits are round berries about 1.5 cm 
(0.6 in) in diameter that mature from yellow-orange to black. This 
species differs from others in the genus by being generally prickly and 
having loosely clustered white flowers, curved anthers about 2 mm (0.08 
in) long, and berries 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in diameter (Symon 
1990).
    Historically, Solanum incompletum was known from central and 
northeastern Lanai and from scattered locations on Maui (HHP 1992k1, 
1992k2, 1992k4, 1992k10 to 1992k13; Symon 1990). According to David 
Symon (1990), the known distribution of Solanum incompletum also 
extends to the islands of Kauai and Molokai. On the island of Hawaii, 
Solanum incompletum was known historically from the Kohala Mountains, 
Kona, Puu Waawaa, Puu Ikaaka Crater, and Omaokoili (HHP 1992k3, 1992k5, 
1992k7 to 1992k9). The single remaining known population is from the 
island of Hawaii; it has not been seen for more than 40 years. This 
population is on State land at Puu Huluhulu and consists of perhaps two 
individuals at an approximate elevation of 2,040 m (6,700 ft) (HHP 
1992k6). Associated species include naio, Acacia koa (koa), and Sophora 
chrysophylla (mamane) in dry mesic forest, diverse mesic forest, and 
subalpine forest at elevations from 300 to 2,040 m (1,000 to 6,700 ft) 
(HHP 1992k1, 1992k6; Symon 1990; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). The 
primary threats to the last remaining individuals of Solanum 
incompletum are stochastic extinction and reduced reproductive vigor 
due to the extremely small number of existing plants, and competition 
with the alien plant, Senecio mikanioides (German ivy).
    Spermolepis hawaiiensis (NCN) was first described by H. Wolff in 
1921. In the past, this Hawaiian species had been confused with the 
European plants, Apium echinatum and Caucalis daucoides (Constance and 
Affolter 1990, Wolff 1921).
    Spermolepis hawaiiensis, a member of the parsley family (Apiaceae), 
is a slender annual herb with few branches that grows to a height of 5 
to 20 cm (2 to 8 in). Its leaves, dissected into narrow, lance-shaped 
divisions, are oblong to somewhat oval in outline and grow on stalks 
about 2.5 cm (1 in) long. Flowers are arranged in a loose, compound 
umbrella-shaped inflorescence arising from the stem, opposite the 
leaves. Each cluster consists of two to six flowers, with each flower 
on a stalk between 2 and 6 mm (0.08 and 0.2 in) long. The calyx is 
lacking in this species, but one to five bracts grow below the clusters 
of flowers. The fruits are oval and laterally compressed and 
constricted at the line where the two halves of the fruit meet. The 
fruits are 4 mm (0.2 in) long and 3 mm (0.1 in) wide, covered with 
curved bristles, and contain seeds that are marked with longitudinal 
grooves beneath oil tubes that are characteristic of the parsley 
family. Spermolepis hawaiiensis is the only member of the genus native 
to Hawaii. It is distinguished from other native members of the family 
by being a non-succulent annual with an umbrella-shaped inflorescence 
(Constance and Affolter 1990).
    Historically, Spermolepis hawaiiensis was known from Waimea on 
Kauai, Koko Head on Oahu, Paomai and Kahinahina on Lanai, and Kipuka 
Kahali' on Hawaii (HHP 1992L3 to 1992L5, 1992L8, 1992L9; H. Huntzinger, 
in litt., 1993). Currently, six populations are known on Oahu, Molokai, 
Lanai, and West Maui; one additional population may exist on Hawaii. On 
Oahu, on State land at Diamond Head (land leased to the Department of 
Defense at the Diamond Head Reservation), 10 plants were observed in 
1992 during the dry season. In 1988, when the site was first visited, 
thousands of plants were seen over an area less than 50 sq m (several 
hundred sq ft) (Wayne Takeuchi, DOFAW, pers. comm., 1992). The 
population fluctuations probably reflect seasonal changes in 
precipitation. On Molokai, about 600 plants were reported from Kamalo 
on private land within an area of less than 400 sq m (0.1 ac) (HHP 
1992L6). On Lanai, 2 populations of S. hawaiiensis are known on private 
land: 1 at Kapoho with 100 individuals and 1 west of Puu Manu with 50 
to 100 individuals covering an area of about 0.1 ha (0.25 ac) (HHP 
1992L7; R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1992). On West Maui, 3 populations are 
known on State land: 1 in the Lihau section of the West Maui NAR, with 
60 to 100 individuals within an area of about 0.4 ha (1 ac); 1 further 
east in the Lihau section of the West Maui NAR, with several hundred 
plants scattered over a distance of 0.7 km (0.4 mi); and 1 above 
Lahainaluna School, with several hundred individuals spread over an 
area of about 0.4 ha (1 ac) (HHP 1992L1, 1992L2; HPCC 1991n). On the 
island of Hawaii, a collection of Spermolepis hawaiiensis was made at 
an unspecified location in 1943; it is not known whether this 
population still exists (HHP 1992L9).
    Spermolepis hawaiiensis is known from various vegetation types, 
including 'ohi'a forests, 'A'ali'i Lowland Dry Shrubland, cultivated 
fields, and pastures between about 300 and 600 m (1,000 and 2,000 ft) 
in elevation (HHP 1992L2, 1992L8, 1992L9; HPCC 1991n). Associated plant 
species include 'ilima, Doryopteris sp., Gouania hillebrandii, and the 
alien plant, Leucaena leucocephala (koa haole) (HHP 1992L1). The 
primary threats to Spermolepis hawaiiensis are habitat degradation by 
axis deer and competition with the alien plant, koa haole.
    Vigna o-wahuensis (Oahu vigna) was described by T. Vogel in 1836 
from a specimen from the Waianae Mountains of Oahu (Gray 1854). In 
1854, Gray described another species, Vigna sandwicensis, for which 
Rock later designated two varieties: var. heterophylla and var. 
sandwicensis (Rock 1920b). The currently accepted treatment places V. 
sandwicensis in synonymy under V. o-wahuensis (Geesink et al. 1990).
    Vigna o-wahuensis, a member of the pea family, is a slender twining 
annual or perennial herb with fuzzy stems that grows to 0.4 m (1.3 ft) 
in length. Each leaf is made up of three leaflets that vary in shape 
from round to linear, are 1.2 to 8 cm (0.5 to 3 in) long and 0.1 to 2.5 
cm (0.04 to 1 in) wide, and are sparsely or moderately covered with 
coarse hairs. Flowers, in clusters of one to four, have thin, 
translucent, pale yellow or greenish yellow petals about 2 to 2.5 cm 
(0.8 to 1 in) long. The two lowermost petals are fused and appear 
distinctly beaked. The sparsely hairy calyx is 4 to 8 mm (0.2 to 0.3 
in) long with asymmetrical lobes that measure about 3 mm (0.1 in) long. 
The fruits are long slender pods 4 to 9 cm (1.6 to 3.5 in) long and 
about 5 mm (0.2 in) wide, that may or may not be slightly inflated and 
contain 7 to 15 gray to black seeds less than 6 mm (0.2 in) long. This 
species differs from others in the genus by its thin yellowish petals, 
sparsely hairy calyx, and thin pods which may or may not be slightly 
inflated (Geesink et al. 1990).
    Historically, Vigna o-wahuensis was known from Niihau and from an 
unspecified location on Kauai (HHP 1992m10, 1992m16). On Oahu, this 
taxon was known from between Waimanalo and Makapuu Point, the Mokulua 
Islets, and the Waianae Mountains (HHP 1992m13 to 1992m15, 1992m20). On 
Maui, Vigna o-wahuensis was known from an unspecified site on West Maui 
and from Makawao, Waiakoa, and Haleakala on East Maui (HHP 1992m2 to 
1992m4, 1992m25). There are no currently known populations on Niihau, 
Kauai, Oahu, or Maui. On Molokai, Vigna o-wahuensis was known 
historically from the western end of the island in the vicinity of Ilio 
Point (HHP 1992m18). On Lanai, this species occurred historically at 
scattered locations across the island's southern half (HHP 1992m5, 
1992m6, 1992m8, 1992m9, 1992m17). On the island of Hawaii, this taxon 
was known from Mauna Loa and Kau at unspecified sites (HHP 1992m1, 
1992m19, 1992m24).
    Currently, a total of fewer than 100 individuals of Vigna o-
wahuensis is known from 7 populations on the islands of Molokai, Lanai, 
Kahoolawe, and Hawaii (HHP 1992m11, 1992m12, 1992m21 to 1992m23; HPCC 
1991o; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On Molokai, there are two 
populations separated by a distance of 4 km (2.5 mi). One population, 
south of Onini Gulch at about 850 m (2,800 ft) elevation on privately 
owned land, covers an area of 18 sq m (200 sq ft) in a forestry 
planting of Fraxinus uhdei (tropical ash) and Pinus (pine) (HHP 
1992m11). The other Molokai population of about 10 individuals is on 
privately owned land at Makolelau (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On 
Lanai, at least one individual of Vigna o-wahuensis is known from the 
arid windward slopes northeast of Kanepuu above Lapaiki at about 370 m 
(1,200 ft) elevation on privately owned land (HHP 1992m7, 1992m23). On 
the State-owned island of Kahoolawe, Vigna o-wahuensis grows between 
Makaalae and Lua Kealialalo at 140 m (460 ft) elevation, near the 
summit at about 400 m (1,300 ft) elevation, and about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) 
south of Hanakanaea near ``Sailor's Hat'' (HHP 1992m21, 1992m23; J. 
Lau, pers. comm., 1992). Only one individual is known from the 
population between Makaalae and Lua Kealialalo in pili grassland (J. 
Lau, pers. comm., 1992). Near the summit, about 20 plants grow in a 9 
sq m (100 sq ft) area with a few more plants scattered nearby (HHP 
1992m22). The size of the population south of Hanakanaea has not been 
determined, but at least one collection has been made recently (HHP 
1992m21). On the island of Hawaii, Vigna o-wahuensis is known only from 
Nohonaohae Cinder Cone on privately owned land. Ten plants are known 
from 'A'ali'i Lowland Dry Shrubland within an exclosure containing 
pasture grass (HHP 1992m12, HPCC 1991o).
    Vigna o-wahuensis occurs in dry to mesic grassland and shrubland 
from 10 to 1,370 m (30 to 4,500 ft) in elevation (Geesink et al. 1990; 
HHP 1992m1 to 1992m3, 1992m5, 1992m11, 1992m12, 1992m15, 1992m22, 
1992m24). Other associated plant species include 'ilima, Chenopodium 
('aheahea), Dubautia menziesii, and Osteomeles anthyllidifolia (ulei) 
(HHP 1992m11, 1992m12, 1992m23; HPCC 1991o). The primary threats to 
Vigna o-wahuensis are habitat degradation by ungulates (pigs and axis 
deer), competition with various alien plant species, fire, and 
stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the 
small number of existing populations and individuals.

Previous Federal Action

    Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of 
the Act, which directed the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to 
prepare a report on plants considered to be endangered, threatened, or 
extinct in the United States. This report, designated as House Document 
No. 94-51, was presented to Congress on January 9, 1975. In that 
document, Adenophorus periens, Bonamia menziesii, Flueggea neowawraea 
(as Drypetes phyllanthoides), Hibiscus brackenridgei (as H. b. var. 
brackenridgei, var. mokuleianus, and var. ``from Hawaii''), Neraudia 
sericea, Plantago princeps (as P. p. var. elata, var. laxifolia, and 
var. princeps), Sesbania tomentosa (as S. t. var. tomentosa), Solanum 
incompletum (as S. i. var. glabratum, var. incompletum, and var. 
mauiensis), Vigna o-wahuensis (also as V. sandwicensis var. 
heterophylla and V. s. var. sandwicensis) were considered to be 
endangered. Diellia erecta and Plantago princeps (as P. p. var. 
acaulis, var. denticulata, and var. queleniana) were considered to be 
threatened, and Neraudia sericea (as N. kahoolawensis) and Solanum 
incompletum (as S. haleakalense) were considered to be extinct.
    On July 1, 1975, the Service published a notice in the Federal 
Register (40 FR 27823) of its acceptance of the Smithsonian report as a 
petition within the context of section 4(c)(2) (now section 4(b)(3)) of 
the Act, and giving notice of its intention to review the status of the 
plant taxa named therein. As a result of that review, on June 16, 1976, 
the Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (41 FR 
24523) to determine endangered status pursuant to section 4 of the Act 
for approximately 1,700 vascular plant species, including all of the 
above taxa considered to be endangered or thought to be extinct, plus 
Diellia erecta (considered threatened). The list of 1,700 plant taxa 
was assembled on the basis of comments and data received by the 
Smithsonian Institution and the Service in response to House Document 
No. 94-51 and the July 1, 1975, Federal Register publication.
    General comments received in response to the 1976 proposal are 
summarized in an April 26, 1978, Federal Register publication (43 FR 
17909). In 1978, amendments to the Act required that all proposals over 
2 years old be withdrawn. A 1-year grace period was given to proposals 
already over 2 years old. On December 10, 1979, the Service published a 
notice in the Federal Register (44 FR 70796) withdrawing the portion of 
the June 16, 1976, proposal that had not been made final, including the 
above taxa, along with four other proposals that had expired. The 
Service published updated notices of review for plants on December 15, 
1980 (45 FR 82479), September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39525), and February 21, 
1990 (55 FR 6183). In these notices, 11 of the taxa (including 
synonymous taxa) that had been in the 1976 proposed rule were treated 
as category 1 candidates for Federal listing. Category 1 taxa are those 
for which the Service has on file substantial information on biological 
vulnerability and threats to support preparation of listing proposals. 
Other than Mariscus pennatiformis, Neraudia sericea (as N. 
kahoolawensis), Plantago princeps (as P. p. var. acaulis and var. 
queleniana), Sesbania tomentosa (as S. hobdyi), Solanum incompletum (as 
S. haleakalense), and Spermolepis hawaiiensis, all the aforementioned 
taxa that were proposed as endangered in the June 16, 1976, proposed 
rule were considered category 1 candidates on all three notices of 
review. Flueggea neowawraea appeared as Neowawraea phyllanthoides in 
the 1980 and 1985 notices. In the 1980 and 1985 notices, Sesbania 
tomentosa (as S. hobdyi) and Solanum incompletum (as S. haleakalense) 
were considered category 1* species. Category 1* species are those that 
are possibly extinct. Plantago princeps (as P. p. var. acaulis and var. 
queleniana) appeared as a category 2 taxon and Neraudia sericea (as N. 
kahoolawensis) as a category 3A species in the 1980 and 1985 notices. 
Category 2 taxa are those for which there is some evidence of 
vulnerability, but for which there are not enough data to support 
listing proposals at the time. Category 3A taxa are those for which the 
Service has persuasive evidence of extinction. Through taxonomic 
revisions, each of the category 1*, 2, and 3A taxa were synonymized 
under category 1 taxa on the 1990 list. Mariscus pennatiformis (as 
Cyperus p. var. bryanii) first appeared on the 1985 notice of review as 
a category 1 taxon. Spermolepis hawaiiensis first appeared on the 1990 
notice of review as a category 1 species after it was rediscovered in 
1986.
    Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Secretary to make 
findings on petitions that present substantial information indicating 
that the petitioned action may be warranted within 12 months of their 
receipt. Section 2(b)(1) of the 1982 amendments further requires all 
petitions pending on October 13, 1982, be treated as having been newly 
submitted on that date. On October 13, 1983, the Service found that the 
petitioned listing of these species was warranted, but precluded by 
other pending listing actions, in accordance with section 
4(b)(3)(B)(iii) of the Act; notification of this finding was published 
on January 20, 1984 (49 FR 2485). Such a finding requires the Service 
to consider the petition as having been resubmitted, pursuant to 
section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act. The findings were reviewed in October 
of 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991. The proposed 
rule published on September 14, 1993 (58 FR 48012) to list 12 species 
of plants from the Hawaiian Islands as endangered species constituted 
the final 1-year finding that was required for these species.
    Based on comments and recommendations received in response to the 
proposal (see Comments and Recommendations, below), the Service now 
determines these 12 plant species to be endangered with the publication 
of this final rule.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    In the September 14, 1993, proposed rule and associated 
notifications, all interested parties were requested to submit factual 
reports or information that might contribute to the development of a 
final rule. The public comment period ended on November 15, 1993. 
Appropriate State agencies, county governments, Federal agencies, 
scientific organizations, and other interested parties were contacted 
and requested to comment. Newspaper notices inviting public comment 
were published in ``The Maui News'' on October 7, 1993, the ``Hawaii 
Tribune-Herald'' on October 8, 1993, and the ``Honolulu Advertiser'' on 
October 7, 1993.
    Comments were received from three parties: One from an individual 
in support of the listing of Spermolepis hawaiiensis, but offering no 
additional information; one from an individual in support of the 
listing of Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Adenophorus periens and Sesbania 
tomentosa, and providing information on the possible extirpation of the 
population of Adenophorus periens at Kane Nui o Hamo by volcanic 
activity and drought, and indicating that the actual number of plants 
of Sesbania tomentosa in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is more than 
50; the third respondent provided information on three previously 
unknown populations of Sesbania tomentosa, one from the south coast of 
East Maui and two from the northwest coast of the island of Hawaii. The 
information provided by these respondents has been incorporated into 
this final rule. The information received does not indicate that any of 
these species are under less threat than previously thought.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and 
regulations (50 CFR part 424) promulgated to implement the Act set 
forth the procedures for adding species to the Federal lists of 
endangered and threatened species. A species may be determined to be an 
endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five factors 
described in section 4(a)(1). The threats facing these 12 species are 
summarized in Table 2.

                                                              Table 2.--Summary of Threats                                                              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Feral animal activity                                                                          
                  Species                  ------------------------------------------------    Alien       Fire        Human      Insects      Limited  
                                               Pigs        Goats       Deer       Cattle      plants                  impacts                 numbers*  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adenophorus periens.......................  X           ..........  ..........  ..........  X           X           ..........  ..........  ............
Bonamia menziesii.........................  X           X           X           X           X           X           ..........  ..........  ............
Diellia erecta............................  X           X           ..........  X           X           ..........  ..........  ..........  X\1\        
Flueggea neowawraea.......................  X           X           X           X           X           X           ..........  X           ............
Hibiscus brackenridgei....................  X           X           X           X           X           ..........  X           ..........  X\1\        
Mariscus pennatiformis....................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  X\1\        
Neraudia sericea..........................  X           X           ..........  ..........  X           ..........  ..........  ..........  X1,2        
Plantago princeps.........................  X           X           ..........  ..........  X           ..........  ..........  ..........  ............
Sesbania tomentosa........................  ..........  ..........  X           X           X           X           X           ..........  ............
Solanum incompletum.......................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  X           ..........  ..........  ..........  X2,3        
Spermolepis hawaiiensis...................  ..........  ..........  X           ..........  X           ..........  ..........  ..........  ............
Vigna o-wahuensis.........................  X           ..........  X           ..........  X           X           ..........  ..........  X\1\        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*No more than 100 individuals and/or fewer than five populations.                                                                                       
\1\No more than 100 individuals.                                                                                                                        
\2\Fewer than five populations.                                                                                                                         
\3\No more than 10 individuals.                                                                                                                         

    These factors and their application to Adenophorus periens L.E. 
Bishop (pendant kihi fern), Bonamia menziesii A. Gray (no common name 
(NCN)), Diellia erecta Brack. (NCN), Flueggea neowawraea W. Hayden 
(mehamehame), Hibiscus brackenridgei A. Gray (ma'o hau hele), Mariscus 
pennatiformis (Kekunth.) T. Koyama (NCN), Neraudia sericea Gaud. 
(ma'aloa), Plantago princeps Cham. and Schlechtend. (ale), Sesbania 
tomentosa Hook. and Arnott ('ohai), Solanum incompletum Dunal (thorny 
popolo), Spermolepis hawaiiensis Wolff (NCN), and Vigna o-wahuensis 
Vogel (Oahu vigna) are as follows:

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of Their Habitat or Range

    Native vegetation on all of the main Hawaiian Islands has undergone 
extreme alteration because of past and present land management 
practices including ranching, deliberate alien animal and plant 
introductions, and agricultural development (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, 
Wagner et al. 1985). The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands have undergone 
similar alteration, but to a lesser degree. The primary threats facing 
the 12 plant species included in this ruling are ongoing and threatened 
destruction and adverse modification of habitat by feral animals and 
competition with alien plants.
    Eleven of the 12 species in this ruling are variously threatened by 
feral animals. (See Table 2.) Animals such as pigs, goats, axis deer, 
black-tailed deer, and cattle were introduced either by the early 
Hawaiians (pigs) or more recently by European settlers (all ungulate 
species) for food and/or commercial ranching activities. Over the 200 
years following their introduction, their numbers increased and the 
adverse impacts of feral ungulates on native vegetation have become 
increasingly apparent. Beyond the direct effect of trampling and 
grazing native plants, feral ungulates have contributed significantly 
to the heavy erosion still taking place on most of the main Hawaiian 
islands.
    Pigs (Sus scrofa), originally native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, 
were introduced to Hawaii by the Polynesian ancestors of Hawaiians, and 
later by western immigrants. The pigs escaped domestication and invaded 
primarily wet and mesic forests and grasslands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, 
Maui, and Hawaii. They presently threaten the existence of at least 
eight of the taxa in those habitats. While foraging, pigs root and 
trample the forest floor, encouraging the establishment of alien plants 
in the newly disturbed soil. Pigs also disseminate alien plant seeds 
through their feces and on their bodies, accelerating the spread of 
alien plants through native forest (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Stone 
1985). On Kauai, three populations each of Adenophorus periens and 
Flueggea neowawraea and a single population each of Plantago princeps 
var. anomala and P. p. var. longibracteata have sustained loss of 
individual plants and/or habitat as a result of feral pig activities 
(HHP 1992d18, 1992i2; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). The following numbers 
of populations of the plants on Oahu are threatened by pigs: 4 
populations of Bonamia menziesii, 15 of Flueggea neowawraea, 1 of 
Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. mokuleianus, and 2 populations each of 
Plantago princeps var. longibracteata and P. p. var. princeps. On 
Molokai, one population each of Diellia erecta, Plantago princeps var. 
laxiflora, and Vigna o-wahuensis, and two populations of Neraudia 
sericea are also threatened by pigs. On East Maui, pigs are destroying 
the habitat of three populations of Plantago princeps var. laxiflora 
(HHP 1992i12; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On the island of Hawaii, 
feral pigs are a major threat to species at the following locations: in 
Kahaualea NAR, Olaa Tract, and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) northwest of Puu Kauka, 
where at least three populations of Adenophorus periens occur; and in 
the regions of Manuka and Honomalino in the South Kona District, where 
one or more populations of Diellia erecta and Flueggea neowawraea 
remain (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992).
    Goats (Capra hircus), native to the Middle East and India, were 
first successfully introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1792. Feral 
goats now occupy a wide variety of habitats from lowland dry forests to 
montane grasslands on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, where 
they consume native vegetation, trample roots and seedlings, accelerate 
erosion, and promote the invasion of alien plants (Stone 1985, van 
Riper and van Riper 1982). Goats are significantly degrading the 
habitat of at least five species in this rule. On Kauai, goats 
contribute to the substantial decline of one population of Bonamia 
menziesii, four populations of Flueggea neowawraea, and one population 
of Plantago princeps var. anomala (HHP 1992d18, 1992d30, 1992d31, 
1992i2; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On Oahu, encroaching urbanization 
and hunting pressure tend to concentrate the goat population in the dry 
upper slopes of the Waianae Mountains, where one population of Bonamia 
menziesii and two populations of Flueggea neowawraea exist (HHP 
1992d15; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). The goat population in the Waianae 
area is apparently increasing, becoming an even greater threat to the 
rare plants that grow there. On Molokai, two populations of Diellia 
erecta in Halawa Valley and Puu Kolekole and one population of Neraudia 
sericea at Makolelau are presently threatened by goats (HHP 1992c12, 
1992c13; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). Until a few years ago, feral goats 
were a major threat to rare plants in Haleakala National Park on East 
Maui, but because of an active ungulate control program, the goat 
population was reduced to 100 by 1988. While they are no longer a 
significant threat, the future ingress and reestablishment of goats are 
still a possibility (Lloyd Loope, National Park Service (NPS), pers. 
comm., 1992) and could potentially affect the three populations of 
Plantago princeps var. laxiflora found in the park (J. Lau, pers. 
comm., 1992).
    Eight individuals of axis deer (Axis axis), introduced to the 
island of Molokai in 1868, increased to thousands of animals within 
about 30 years (Tomich 1986). By the turn of the century, the herds so 
damaged the vegetation of Molokai that professional hunters were hired 
to control their numbers (Tomich 1986). By then, the native vegetation 
had suffered irreparable damage from overgrazing by axis deer. They 
degrade the habitat by trampling and overgrazing vegetation, which 
removes ground cover and exposes the soil to erosion (J. Lau, pers. 
comm., 1992). Activity of deer on Molokai has resulted in loss of 
habitat and/or individuals of at least six of the species. In the 
absence of a protective fence, axis deer continue to invade the 
unfenced areas and threaten to trample the plants. On both Molokai and 
Lanai, the axis deer populations are presently actively managed for 
recreational hunting by the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural 
Resources. Extensive red erosional scars caused by decades of deer 
activity are evident on Lanai. The habitat of three Lanai populations 
of Bonamia menziesii and one population of Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. 
brackenridgei on that island is negatively affected by axis deer (HHP 
1992e1; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). Two populations of Sesbania 
tomentosa at Paomai and Mahana on Lanai were last seen in the mid-1950s 
(HHP 1992j17, 1992j38). Those areas have long supported axis deer, 
which probably pose the primary threat to those two Sesbania 
populations. Elsewhere on Lanai, one population of Vigna o-wahuensis 
above Lapaiki and one population of Spermolepis hawaiiensis at Kapoho 
are threatened by axis deer (HHP 1992L7, 1992m23). To control deer in 
what remains of Lanai's dry forests, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii 
(TNCH) is presently erecting fenced exclosures to protect populations 
of rare taxa (including two populations of Bonamia menziesii) that 
occur within Kanepuu Preserve (Heidi Bornhorst, TNCH, and J. Lau, pers. 
comms., 1992). Although the fence is high enough to normally inhibit 
entry by deer, human pressure can force the deer to jump over the 
fence. On Maui, deer damaged plants of two populations of Hibiscus 
brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei at Puu O Kali by stripping the bark 
and breaking limbs (HHP 1992e1, 1992e8).
    Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were first introduced to 
Kauai in 1961 for the purpose of sport hunting and today probably 
number well over 500 animals. The deer are presently confined to the 
western side of the island, where they feed on a variety of native and 
alien plants (van Riper and van Riper 1982). On Kauai, one population 
of Bonamia menziesii in Paaiki Valley and the population of Flueggea 
neowawraea in Paaiki and Mahanaloa valleys are threatened by black-
tailed deer (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992).
    Large-scale ranching of cattle (Bos taurus) in the Hawaiian Islands 
began in the middle of the 19th century on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, 
Maui, and Hawaii. Large ranches, tens of thousands of acres in size, 
developed on East Maui and Hawaii (Cuddihy and Stone 1990) where most 
of the State's large ranches still exist today. Degradation of native 
forests used for ranching activities became evident soon after full-
scale ranching began. The negative impact of cattle on Hawaii's 
ecosystem is similar to that described for goats and deer (Cuddihy and 
Stone 1990, Stone 1985). Cattle grazing continues in several lowland 
regions in the northern portion of the Waianae Mountains of Oahu: in 
Lualualei, where one population of Bonamia menziesii exists, and in 
Kaumoku Gulch, where one population of Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. 
mokuleianus remains (HHP 1992b30; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On 
Molokai, cattle ranching is slowly recovering from setbacks caused by 
recent herd reductions enforced in an effort to eliminate bovine 
tuberculosis from domestic and feral stock. As cattle ranching becomes 
reestablished on Molokai and the number of cattle increases, the threat 
to the rare plant species that remain in those ranching areas will also 
likely increase. One population of Sesbania tomentosa located east of 
Moomomi Preserve grows in a grazing area. On Maui, cattle ranching is 
the primary agricultural activity on the west and southwest slopes of 
East Maui and in lowland regions of West Maui. On both East and West 
Maui, one or more populations of Bonamia menziesii, Diellia erecta, and 
Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei and the only Maui population 
of Flueggea neowawraea continue to be threatened by grazing cattle (HHP 
1992c13; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). The Flueggea neowawraea population 
and one of the Bonamia menziesii populations grow within a fenced 
exclosure. Although probably minimal, the possibility of cattle 
entering the exclosure poses a potential threat. In the Kamaoa-Puueo 
and South Point regions of the island of Hawaii, cattle continue to 
graze in habitat currently occupied by most of the populations of 
Sesbania tomentosa on that island (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). In 
addition, one population of Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei 
and the only known population of Bonamia menziesii on that island grow 
in regions currently used for cattle ranching (J. Lau, pers. comm., 
1992).
    Habitat disturbance caused by human activities threatens two of the 
taxa. On West Maui, all-terrain vehicles have driven over Sesbania 
tomentosa plants growing west of Nakalele Point lighthouse (HHP 
1992j43). Continued off-road activity threatens to destroy a 
significant portion of that population. On the island of Hawaii, a dirt 
road runs through a population of Sesbania tomentosa located in the 
Kamaoa-Puueo region (HHP 1992j50). Off-road activity could damage a 
significant portion of that population as well. In the Puu Anahulu 
region on that island, a ranch road was bulldozed close to a plant of 
Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei in 1989 (HHP 1992e6). 
Continued road development threatens to destroy the only known 
population of that taxon in the area.

B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    Overutilization is not known to be a factor, but unrestricted 
collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes would seriously 
impact the six species whose low numbers make them especially 
vulnerable to disturbances (Diellia erecta, Hibiscus brackenridgei, 
Mariscus pennatiformis, Neraudia sericea, Solanum incompletum, and 
Vigna o-wahuensis).

C. Disease and predation.

    Black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) has been cited as an 
immediate threat to all extant populations of Flueggea neowawraea (J. 
Lau, pers. comm., 1992). The black twig borer burrows into the branches 
and introduces a pathogenic fungus, pruning the host severely and often 
killing branches or whole plants (Howarth 1985). All known plants of 
Flueggea neowawraea suffer slight to severe defoliation and reduced 
vigor due to infestations of this alien insect.
    Evidence of predation on two of the taxa by ungulates (cattle, 
deer, goats) is documented on Oahu, Lanai, and Maui. On Oahu, plants of 
Bonamia menziesii at Lualualei grow over native vegetation and drape 
well below the browse line of cattle, indicating the potential for 
cattle to feed on the plants (HHP 1992b30). On Lanai, axis deer are 
known to feed on this species, especially at Kanepuu. Depredation of 
Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei by goats has been observed on 
Lanai and Maui. Goats are known to eat the branch tips and strip the 
bark of the plants (HHP 1992e14). While there is no evidence of 
predation on the other 11 species, none of them are known to be 
unpalatable to cattle, deer, or goats. Predation is therefore a 
probable threat to species growing at sites where those animals have 
been reported (Diellia erecta, Flueggea neowawraea, Neraudia sericea, 
Plantago princeps, Sesbania tomentosa, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, and 
Vigna o-wahuensis) (See Factor A.).

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    Of the 12 species in this ruling, a total of 10 have populations 
located on private land, 2 on County land, 10 on State land, and 7 on 
Federal land. With the exception of Neraudia sericea which is 
restricted to private land, all of the other species occur in more than 
one of those ownership categories. The known populations of these 
species located on Federal lands are inadequate to ensure their long-
term survival.
    There are no State laws or existing regulatory mechanisms at the 
present time to protect or prevent further decline of these plants on 
private or State land. However, Federal listing would automatically 
invoke listing and associated protection under Hawaii State law.

E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Their Continued Existence

    Eleven of the 12 species are threatened by competition with one or 
more alien plant species. (See Table 2). The most significant of these 
appear to be Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmasberry), Psidium 
cattleianum (strawberry guava), Melinus minutiflora (molasses grass), 
Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass), Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), 
Lantana camara (lantana), Leucaena leucocephala (koa haole), Prosopis 
pallida (kiawe), Toona ciliata (Australian red cedar), Cenchrus 
ciliaris (buffelgrass), Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry), 
Passiflora mollissima (banana poka), and Rubus ellipticus (Himalayan 
raspberry).
    Many noxious alien plants such as Christmasberry have invaded the 
dry to mesic lowland regions of the Hawaiian Islands. Introduced to 
Hawaii before 1911, Christmasberry forms dense thickets that shade out 
and displace other plants (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). This fast-growing 
species is found in lowland areas of the major Hawaiian Islands (Smith 
1985) and is currently expanding its range. Christmasberry is a major 
component of the mesic forests of the Waianae and Koolau Mountains of 
Oahu. For example, over half of the populations of Bonamia menziesii, 2 
of the populations of Plantago princeps var. princeps, and all 15 
populations of Flueggea neowawraea that occur on Oahu are negatively 
affected by this invasive plant (HHP 1992b18, 1992b22, 1992b31, 1992d3, 
1992d15, 1992d16; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). In addition, one 
population of Diellia erecta at Halawa Valley on Molokai and one 
population of Bonamia menziesii on Lanai are also affected (J. Lau, 
pers. comm., 1992). On Maui, Christmasberry is spreading in Iao Valley 
and on the south slope of East Maui (Haleakala Volcano) and is one of 
the primary alien plant threats to one or more populations of Bonamia 
menziesii, Diellia erecta, and Plantago princeps var. laxiflora that 
exist there (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On the island of Hawaii, 
Christmasberry continues to threaten at least two populations of 
Diellia erecta and Flueggea neowawraea in the regions of Manuka and 
Honomalino in the South Kona District (HHP 1992d34; J. Lau, pers. 
comm., 1992).
    Strawberry guava, an invasive shrub or small tree native to 
tropical America, has become naturalized on all of the main Hawaiian 
islands. Like Christmasberry, strawberry guava is capable of forming 
dense stands that exclude other plant species (Cuddihy and Stone 1990) 
and is dispersed mainly by feral pigs and fruit-eating birds (Smith 
1985). This alien plant grows primarily in mesic and wet habitats and 
provides food for several alien animal species, including feral pigs 
and game birds, which disperse the plant's seeds through the forest 
(Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1985). Strawberry guava is considered one of 
the greatest alien plant threats to Hawaii's rain forests and is known 
to pose a direct threat to at least one population of Adenophorus 
periens and Bonamia menziesii on the island of Kauai (HHP 1992a16; J. 
Lau, pers. comm., 1992). Strawberry guava is a major invader of forests 
in the Waianae and Koolau Mountains of Oahu, where it often forms 
single-species stands. It poses an immediate threat to 6 populations of 
Bonamia menziesii, 10 populations of Flueggea neowawraea, and 1 
population of Plantago princeps var. princeps on that island (HHP 
1992b5, 1992b14, 1992b18, 1992b21; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). On 
Molokai, the habitat of the Halawa Valley population of Diellia erecta 
is currently being invaded by strawberry guava (HHP 1992c12). On Maui, 
strawberry guava is beginning to invade the habitat of one population 
each of Bonamia menziesii and Plantago princeps var. laxiflora on West 
Maui and at least one population each of Diellia erecta and Plantago 
princeps var. laxiflora on East Maui (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). It is 
also a major threat to the habitat of Adenophorus periens in Kahaualea 
NAR on the island of Hawaii (HHP 1992a8).
    First introduced to the Hawaiian Islands as cattle fodder, molasses 
grass was later planted for erosion control (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). 
This alien grass quickly spread to dry and mesic forests previously 
disturbed by ungulates. Molasses grass produces a dense mat capable of 
smothering plants (Smith 1985), essentially preventing seedling growth 
and native plant reproduction (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). Because it 
burns readily and often grows at the border of forests, molasses grass 
tends to carry fire into areas with woody native plants (Cuddihy and 
Stone 1990, Smith 1985). It is able to spread prolifically after a fire 
and effectively compete with less fire-adapted native plant species, 
ultimately creating a stand of alien grass where forest once stood. 
Molasses grass is becoming a major threat to seven of the species on 
four islands. In the Waianae Mountains of Oahu, three populations of 
Bonamia menziesii and one population of Plantago princeps var. princeps 
are immediately threatened by this grass. On Molokai, at least one 
population each of Diellia erecta, Plantago princeps var. laxiflora, 
and Neraudia sericea and all populations of Vigna o-wahuensis on the 
island are also negatively affected. Molasses grass is quickly 
spreading throughout the dry regions of West Maui, threatening two 
populations of Diellia erecta there. On Hawaii Island, a population of 
Sesbania tomentosa in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located in an 
area invaded by molasses grass (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992).
    Like molasses grass, fountain grass has greatly increased fire risk 
in some regions, especially on the dry slopes of Hualalai, Kilauea, and 
Mauna Loa volcanoes on the island of Hawaii. The effects of fountain 
grass invasion are similar to those discussed above for molasses grass. 
Fountain grass threatens the native vegetation on the leeward slopes of 
Hualalai in a region where at least one population of Hibiscus 
brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei and the only known Hawaii Island 
populations of Bonamia menziesii and Vigna o-wahuensis exist (HHP 
1992m12; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992).
    Koster's curse, a noxious shrub native to tropical America, was 
first reported on Oahu in 1941. It had spread through much of the 
Koolau Mountains by the early 1960s, and spread to the Waianae 
Mountains by 1970 (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). It poses a serious threat 
to two populations of Plantago princeps var. longibracteata in the 
Koolau Mountains. Koster's curse is widespread in Honouliuli and 
threatens two populations of Flueggea neowawraea that occur in that 
area of the Waianae Mountains. This prolific alien plant has recently 
spread to five other islands, including Kauai, where there are at least 
five small infestations totaling about 40 ha (100 ac) (Cuddihy and 
Stone 1990); one of these poses an immediate threat to one population 
of Adenophorus periens in Waioli Valley (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992).
    Lantana, a native of the West Indies, became naturalized in dry to 
mesic forests and shrublands of the Hawaiian Islands before 1871 
(Cuddihy and Stone 1990). This shrub often forms thick cover and 
produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plant species 
(Smith 1985). On Kauai, lantana is a major component of the vegetation 
at Paaiki Valley and Waimea Canyon and is rapidly becoming established 
in Pohakuao. It poses a threat to populations of Flueggea neowawraea in 
those areas (HHP 1992d13, 1992d17, 1992d18, 1992d30, 1992d31). One 
population of Bonamia menziesii on Lanai and one on Maui are also 
negatively affected by this invasive plant (HHP 1992b1, 1992b24).
    Koa haole, a shrub naturalized and often dominant in low elevation, 
dry, disturbed areas on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, threatens to 
degrade the habitat of six of the species. Koa haole is one of the 
major weeds found at Polihale on the island of Kauai, growing in the 
vicinity of a population of Sesbania tomentosa (HHP 1992j33; J. Lau, 
pers. comm., 1992). In the Waianae Mountains of Oahu, koa haole is one 
of the primary weed threats to half of the Bonamia menziesii 
populations and all of the Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. mokuleianus 
populations found in the area (HHP 1992b12, 1992b19, 1992e23; J. Lau, 
pers. comm., 1992). Most of the Molokai populations of Sesbania 
tomentosa and one of the Kahoolawe populations of Vigna o-wahuensis are 
also negatively affected by koa haole (HHP 1992j13; J. Lau, pers. 
comm., 1992). On Maui, koa haole poses a threat to Hibiscus 
brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei and Spermolepis hawaiiensis in the 
Lihau section of the West Maui NAR, and is probably also a threat to 
Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei and Sesbania tomentosa 
elsewhere on West Maui (HHP 1992e3; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992).
    Kiawe, a deciduous thorny tree that can grow to 20 m (65 ft) in 
height, overshadows other plants and competes with associated 
vegetation for available water and space. At Polihale, on the island of 
Kauai, it is the primary alien plant threat to Sesbania tomentosa. Two 
Molokai populations of Sesbania tomentosa compete with kiawe for water 
and space on Moomomi's beaches. The primary alien plant threat to Vigna 
o-wahuensis on the island of Kahoolawe is kiawe (HHP 1992m21).
    Australian red cedar is a fast-growing tree that was probably 
introduced to Hawaii for lumber. It is now found in many of Hawaii's 
extensively planted lowland forests and has become naturalized in mesic 
to wet forests (Wagner et al. 1990). Today, this tree is a definite 
threat to at least one population of Bonamia menziesii and most of the 
plants of Flueggea neowawraea in the Waianae Mountains of Oahu (J. Lau, 
pers. comm., 1992).
    Buffelgrass forms continuous cover in dry habitats and provides 
excellent fuel for fire, from which it recovers quickly. Its seeds are 
easily dispersed by wind (Smith 1985). Buffelgrass threatens the 
habitat of two populations of Sesbania tomentosa on Molokai, and at 
least one population of Vigna o-wahuensis on Kahoolawe (J. Lau, pers. 
comm., 1992).
    Prickly Florida blackberry was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands 
in the late 1800s (Haselwood and Motter 1983). The fruits are easily 
spread by birds to open areas where this plant can form dense, 
impenetrable thickets (Smith 1985). The Kauai population of Adenophorus 
periens, which is located at the boundary of Hono O Na Pali NAR and Na 
Pali Coast State Park, is threatened by this noxious weed (J. Lau, 
pers. comm., 1992).
    A vine in the passionflower family, banana poka was introduced to 
the islands in the 1920s, probably as an ornamental. This vine is 
extremely detrimental to certain wet forest habitats of Kauai, Maui, 
and Hawaii. Heavy growth of this vine can cause damage or death to the 
native trees by overloading branches, causing breakage, or by forming a 
dense canopy cover, intercepting sunlight and shading out native plants 
below. An infestation of this vine is located at Olaa Tract on the 
island of Hawaii, the site of one population of Adenophorus periens (J. 
Lau, pers. comm., 1992).
    A recent introduction to the Hawaiian Islands, yellow Himalayan 
raspberry is rapidly becoming a major weed pest in wet forests, 
pastures, and other open areas on the island of Hawaii. It forms large 
thorny thickets and displaces native plants. Its ability to invade the 
understory of wet forests enables it to fill a niche presently 
unoccupied by any other major wet forest weed in Hawaii. This has 
resulted in an extremely rapid population expansion of this alien plant 
in recent years. One population of Adenophorus periens grows in Olaa 
Tract within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a region where yellow 
Himalayan raspberry is found in increasing numbers (J. Lau, pers. 
comm., 1992).
    There are a number of other alien plant species that pose a 
significant threat to populations of the plants in this ruling. Cynodon 
dactylon (Bermuda grass) is a major threat to at least one population 
of Sesbania tomentosa at Moomomi on Molokai. Senecio mikanioides 
(German ivy), a noxious, wind-dispersed vine that forms localized mats 
of vegetation, is a threat to the only currently known population of 
Solanum incompletum on the island of Hawaii (J. Lau, pers. comm., 
1992). This Solanum incompletum population is fenced and protected from 
ungulates; however, it is not protected from German ivy. Syzygium 
cumini (Java plum), a large evergreen tree, is an aggressive invader of 
undisturbed forests (Smith 1985). It threatens to shade out the only 
known populations of Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. mokuleianus on Oahu 
(J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). Melia azedarach (pride of India), a fast-
growing deciduous tree that forms deep shade, grows in open dry 
habitats. A major infestation of this large tree in Waimea Canyon on 
Kauai poses an immediate threat to individuals of Flueggea neowawraea 
(HHP 1992d18, 1992d31).
    Fire threatens six plant species growing in dry to mesic grassland, 
shrubland, and forests on five islands. On Oahu, fire is a potential 
threat to three populations of Bonamia menziesii and two populations of 
Flueggea neowawraea located adjacent to Makua Military Reservation, 
where current ordnance training exercises could unintentionally ignite 
fires (HHP 1992b12, 1992b19, 1992b20, 1992d12; J. Lau, pers. comm., 
1992). The area has had a history of fires that may have burned through 
at least one of the populations of Bonamia menziesii, and burned to 
within a few tens of meters of another (HHP 1992b19, 1992b20). Fire is 
also a threat to the following populations: one population each of 
Bonamia menziesii and Flueggea neowawraea on Oahu, one population of 
Bonamia menziesii on Lanai, two populations of Sesbania tomentosa and 
one population of Vigna o-wahuensis on Molokai, all known populations 
of Vigna o-wahuensis on Kahoolawe, and at least one population each of 
Bonamia menziesii and Sesbania tomentosa on the island of Hawaii (HHP 
1992d12; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1992). Of note is a population of 
Adenophorus periens in Kahaualea NAR on the island of Hawaii (HHP 
1992a8). Tephra fallout and lava flows from Kilauea Volcano have 
affected the NAR over the past several years. Wildfires ignited by 
volcanic activity have destroyed some of the NAR's mesic and wet 
forests. In addition, tephra fallout and noxious volcanic gasses have 
caused extensive damage to surrounding native forests. Such 
catastrophic natural events threaten to destroy the region's largest 
population of Adenophorus periens.
    The small number of populations and of individual plants of six of 
these species (Diellia erecta, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Mariscus 
pennatiformis, Neraudia sericea, Solanum incompletum, and Vigna o-
wahuensis) increases the potential for extinction from stochastic 
events. The limited gene pool may depress reproductive vigor, or a 
single human-caused or natural environmental disturbance could destroy 
a significant percentage of the individuals or the only known extant 
population. For example, Solanum incompletum is known from a single 
population on the island of Hawaii and numbers only two individuals. 
Two of the species have fewer than 5 populations and 6 of the species 
are estimated to number no more than 100 individuals (See Table 2). All 
of the species in this ruling except Sesbania tomentosa either number 
fewer than 20 populations or total fewer than 200 individuals. The 
reproductive system of Flueggia neowawraea further exacerbates the 
problem of limited numbers. Since each tree bears only male or female 
flowers, they must be cross-pollinated from a different tree (Hayden 
1990). If only a few trees flower at the same time, or if flowering 
trees are too widely separated for pollination by insects, no seed will 
be set. The survival of small, isolated populations, which probably are 
already experiencing depressed reproductive vigor, is therefore further 
threatened.
    The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and 
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and 
future threats faced by these species in determining to make this rule 
final. Based on this evaluation, this rulemaking will list these 12 
species as endangered: Adenophorus periens, Bonamia menziesii, Diellia 
erecta, Flueggea neowawraea, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Mariscus 
pennatiformis, Neraudia sericea, Plantago princeps, Sesbania tomentosa, 
Solanum incompletum, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, and Vigna o-wahuensis. 
These 12 species are threatened by one or more of the following: 
habitat degradation and/or predation by pigs, goats, deer, and cattle; 
competition for space, light, water, and nutrients by alien plants; 
habitat loss from fires; human impacts from recreational activities; 
and insect infestations. Six of the 12 species either number no more 
than about 100 individuals or are known from fewer than 5 populations. 
Small population size and limited distribution make all of these 
species particularly vulnerable to extinction from reduced reproductive 
vigor or from stochastic events. Because these 12 species are in danger 
of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges, 
they fit the definition of endangered as defined in the Act. Therefore, 
the determination of endangered status for these 12 species is 
warranted.
    Critical habitat is not being proposed for the 12 species included 
in this rule, for reasons discussed in the ``Critical Habitat'' section 
of this rule.

Critical Habitat

    Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, requires that, to the 
maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Secretary designate 
critical habitat at the time the species are determined to be 
endangered or threatened. The Service finds that designation of 
critical habitat is not presently prudent for these species. Such a 
determination would result in no known benefit to the species. The 
species have low total populations and/or numbers of individuals and 
face anthropogenic threats. The publication of precise maps and 
descriptions of critical habitat in the Federal Register, as required 
for the designation of critical habitat, would increase the degree of 
threat to these plants from take or vandalism and could contribute to 
their decline. The listing of these species under the Act publicizes 
the rarity of the plants and, thus, can make these plants attractive to 
researchers, curiosity seekers, or collectors of rare plants. All 
involved parties and the major landowners have been notified. 
Protection of the habitat of the species will be addressed through the 
recovery process and through the section 7 consultation process. 
Therefore, the Service finds that designation of critical habitat for 
these species is not prudent at this time, because such designation 
would increase the degree of threat from vandalism, collecting, or 
other human activities and because it is unlikely to aid in the 
conservation of these species.

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition, 
recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions 
against certain activities. Listing can encourage and result in 
conservation actions by Federal, State, and local agencies, and private 
organizations and individuals. The Endangered Species Act provides for 
possible land acquisition and cooperation with the State and requires 
that recovery plans be developed for listed species. The requirements 
for Federal agencies and the prohibitions against certain activities 
involving listed plants are discussed, in part, below.
    Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to 
evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or 
listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical 
habitat, if any is being designated. Regulations implementing this 
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR 
Part 402. Section 7(a)(2) requires Federal agencies to insure that 
activities they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or to destroy or 
adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a 
listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal agency 
must enter into consultation with the Service.
    Two taxa are located on Federal land in a national wildlife refuge 
on three Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: Mariscus pennatiformis ssp. 
bryanii grows only on the island of Laysan and Sesbania tomentosa grows 
on Necker and Nihoa. The national wildlife refuge is under the 
jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On the island of 
Hawaii, two species (Adenophorus periens and Sesbania tomentosa) are 
located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Three populations of 
Plantago princeps var. laxiflora are located in Haleakala National Park 
on Maui. The two national parks on Maui and Hawaii are under the 
jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Federal laws protect all 
plants on the national wildlife refuges, national parks, and national 
historic sites from damage or removal.
    Five of the species in this rule occur on land owned or leased by 
the U.S. Department of Defense. Populations of Bonamia menziesii and 
Flueggea neowawraea are located in the mountains of the Lualualei Naval 
Reservation. No military activities currently affect those populations. 
On the island of Oahu, Flueggea neowawraea is known to grow on lands 
owned by the U.S. Army in Schofield Barracks Military Reservation. One 
population of Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. mokuleianus may possibly 
occur at Schofield Barracks as well. Three of the species are located 
on State-owned land currently leased to the U.S. military: On Oahu, 
Bonamia menziesii and Flueggea neowawraea are located within Makua 
Military Reservation and Spermolepis hawaiiensis is located in Diamond 
Head Reservation, leased by the Department of Defense. Portions of 
Makua Military Reservation are used by the Army and other branches of 
the military for ordnance training. The two species are not located 
inside the impact areas or adjacent buffer zones and, thus, are not 
directly affected by military activities. The Army has constructed 
firebreaks on the Makua Military Reservation to minimize damage from 
unintentional fires that occasionally result from the use of ordnance 
(Herve Messier, U.S. Army, Ft. Shafter, pers. comm., 1990). Plants of 
Spermolepis hawaiiensis are restricted to the outer slope of Diamond 
Head and are not in an area affected by military activities. One 
species, Vigna o-wahuensis, grows on the previously federally owned 
island of Kahoolawe where the Federal government is involved with 
ordnance disposal. Although periodic detonation of ordnance is required 
on the island, the populations of this species found there are at sites 
too remote to sustain impacts from such detonation (J. Lau, pers. 
comm., 1992). There are no other known Federal activities that occur 
within the presently known habitat of these 12 plant species.
    The Act and implementing regulations at 50 CFR 17.61, 17.62, and 
17.63 set forth a series of general prohibitions and exceptions that 
apply to all endangered plant species. With respect to the 12 plant 
species subject to this final rule, all prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) 
of the Act, implemented by 50 CFR 17.61 apply. These prohibitions, in 
part, make it illegal for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States to import or export any endangered plant species to/from 
the United States; transport such species in interstate or foreign 
commerce in the course of a commercial activity; sell or offer for sale 
such species in interstate or foreign commerce; remove and reduce to 
possession any such species from areas under Federal jurisdiction; 
maliciously damage or destroy any such species on any area under 
Federal jurisdiction; or remove, cut, dig up, damage, or destroy any 
such species on any other area in knowing violation of any State law or 
regulation or in the course of any violation of a State criminal 
trespass law. Certain exceptions apply to agents of the Service and 
State conservation agencies. Section 10 of the Act and 50 CFR 17.62 
provide for the issuance of permits under certain circumstances to 
carry out activities involving endangered plants that are otherwise 
prohibited by section 9.
    It is the policy of the Service (59 FR 34272) to identify to the 
maximum extent practicable at the time a species is listed those 
activities that would or would not be likely to constitute a violation 
of section 9 of the Act. Such information is intended to clarify the 
potential impacts of a species' listing on proposed and ongoing 
activities within the species' range. Seven of the twelve species in 
this rule are known to occur on lands under the jurisdiction of the 
Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service or Department of 
Defense. Collection, damage or destruction of these species on these 
lands is prohibited without a Federal endangered species permit. Such 
activities on non-Federal lands would constitute a violation of section 
9 if conducted in knowing violation of Hawaii State law or regulations 
or in violation of State criminal trespass law (see Hawaii State Law 
section below).
    Two of the listed species are of horticultural interest and both 
are currently in commercial trade. Hibiscus brackenridgei is a very 
attractive member of a genus known for its immense horticultural 
popularity and is the official State flower of Hawaii. Sesbania 
tomentosa also is an exceptionally attractive species that grows well 
in low elevation urban areas. Intrastate commerce (commerce within a 
State) is not prohibited under the Act. However, interstate and foreign 
commerce (sale or offering for sale across State or international 
boundaries), will require a Federal endangered species permit. 
(Endangered species may be advertised for sale provided the 
advertisement contains a statement that no sale may be consummated 
until a permit has been obtained from the Service.) Other than possible 
interstate commerce, the Service is not aware of any other activities 
being conducted by the public that will be affected by this listing and 
result in a violation of section 9. Questions regarding whether 
specific activities will constitute a violation of section 9 should be 
directed to the Field Supervisor of the Service's Pacific Islands 
Office (see ADDRESSES section). Requests for copies of the regulations 
concerning listed plants and general inquiries regarding prohibitions 
and permits may be addressed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Ecological Services, Endangered Species Permits, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, 
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (503/231-2063; FAX 503/231-6243).

Hawaii State Law

    Federal listing would automatically invoke listing under Hawaii 
State law. Hawaii's Endangered Species Act (HRS, Sect. 195D-4(a)) 
states, ``Any species of aquatic life, wildlife, or land plant that has 
been determined to be an endangered species pursuant to the [Federal] 
Endangered Species Act shall be deemed to be an endangered species 
under the provisions of this chapter and any indigenous species of 
aquatic life, wildlife, or land plant that has been determined to be a 
threatened species pursuant to the [Federal] Endangered Species Act 
shall be deemed to be a threatened species under the provisions of this 
chapter.'' The State law prohibits cutting, collecting, uprooting, 
destroying, injuring, or possessing any listed species of plant, or 
attempting to engage in any such conduct. The State law also encourages 
conservation by State agencies and triggers other State regulations to 
protect the species (HRS, sect. 195-4 and 5). The State may enter into 
agreements with Federal agencies to administer and manage any area 
required for the conservation, management, enhancement, or protection 
of endangered species (HRS, Sect. 195D-5(c)).

National Environmental Policy Act

    The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that an Environmental 
Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement, as defined under the 
authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be 
prepared in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section 
4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice 
outlining the Service's reasons for this determination was published in 
the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited herein is available upon 
request from the Pacific Islands Office (see ADDRESSES above).

Authors

    The authors of this final rule are Joan E. Canfield, Derral R. 
Herbst, and Adam Asquith of the Pacific Islands Office (see ADDRESSES 
section) (808/541-3441).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.

Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C. 
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.

    2. Section 17.12(h) is amended by adding the following, in 
alphabetical order under the plant families indicated, to the List of 
Endangered and Threatened Plants:


Sec. 17.12  Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Species                                                                                                                           
---------------------------------------------------      Historic range             Family name           Status     When listed    Critical    Special 
     Scientific name             Common name                                                                                        habitat      rules  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                        
    Flowering Plants                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Spermolepis hawaiiensis.  None....................  U.S.A.(HI)..............  Apiaceae...............  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Diellia erecta..........  Asplenium-leaved diellia  U.S.A. (HI).............  Aspleniaceae...........  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Bonamia menziesii.......  None....................  U.S.A. (HI).............  Convolvulaceae.........  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Mariscus pennatiformis..  None....................  U.S.A. (HI).............  Cyperaceae.............  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Flueggea neowawraea.....  Mehamehame..............  U.S.A. (HI).............  Euphorbiaceae..........  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Sesbania tomentosa......  'Ohai...................  U.S.A. (HI).............  Fabaceae...............  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Vigna o-wahuensis.......  None....................  U.S.A. (HI).............  Fabaceae...............  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Adenophorus periens.....  Pendant kihi fern.......  U.S.A. (HI).............  Grammitidaceae.........  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Hibiscus brackenridgei..  Ma'o hau hele...........  U.S.A. (HI).............  Malvaceae..............  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Plantago princeps.......  Laukahi kuahiwi.........  U.S.A. (HI).............  Plantaginaceae.........  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Solanum incompletum.....  Popolo ku mai...........  U.S.A. (HI).............  Solanaceae.............  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Neraudia sericea........  None....................  U.S.A. (HI).............  Urticaceae.............  E                     559           NA         NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dated: September 12, 1994.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 94-27302; Filed 11-9-94; 8:45 am]