[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 190 (Monday, October 2, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51398-51417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-24336]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AD50
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed
Endangered Status for Twenty-five Plant Species From the Island of
Oahu, Hawaii
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes
endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act), for 25 plant taxa--Chamaesyce herbstii ('akoko),
Chamaesyce rockii ('akoko), Cyanea acuminata (haha), Cyanea
humboldtiana (haha), Cyanea koolauensis (haha), Cyanea longiflora
(haha), Cyanea st.-johnii (haha), Cyrtandra dentata (ha'iwale),
Cyrtandra subumbellata (ha'iwale), Cyrtandra viridiflora (ha'iwale),
Delissea subcordata ('oha), Eragrostis fosbergii (No common name
(NCN)), Gardenia mannii (nanu), Labordia cyrtandrae (kamakahala),
Lepidium arbuscula ('anaunau), Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis
(NCN), Lobelia monostachya (NCN), Melicope saint-johnii (alani),
Myrsine juddii (kolea), Phyllostegia hirsuta (NCN), Phyllostegia
kaalaensis (NCN), Pritchardia kaalae (loulu), Schiedea kealiae (NCN),
Trematolobelia singularis (NCN), and Viola oahuensis (NCN). All 25 taxa
are endemic to the island of Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. The 25 plant taxa
and their habitats have been variously affected or are currently
threatened by one or more of the following--competition, predation, or
habitat degradation from alien species; human impacts; fire; and
natural disasters. This proposal, if made final, would implement the
Federal protection provisions provided by the Act.
DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by
December 1, 1995. Public hearing requests must be received by November
16, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be
sent to Robert P. Smith, Pacific Islands Ecoregion Manager, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 6307, P.O. Box
50167, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850. Comments and materials received will be
available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business
hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert P. Smith, Pacific Islands
Ecoregion Manager (see ADDRESSES section) (telephone: 808/541-2749;
facsimile 808/541-2756).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Chamaesyce herbstii, Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea
humboldtiana, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyanea st.-johnii,
Cyrtandra dentata, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra viridiflora,
Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Gardenia mannii, Labordia
cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis,
Lobelia monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, Myrsine juddii,
Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, Pritchardia kaalae,
Schiedea kealiae, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola oahuensis are
endemic to the island of Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.
The island of Oahu is formed from the remnants of two large shield
volcanoes, the younger Koolau volcano on the east and the older Waianae
volcano to the west (Department of Geography 1983). Their original
shield volcano shape has been lost as a result of extensive erosion,
and today these volcanoes are called mountains or ranges, and consist
of long, narrow ridges. The Koolau Mountains were built by eruptions
that took place primarily along a northwest-trending rift zone
(Macdonald et al. 1983) and formed a range now approximately 60
kilometers (km) (37 miles (mi)) long (Foote et al. 1972). Median annual
rainfall for the Koolau Mountains varies from 130 to 640 centimeters
(cm) (50 to 250 inches (in)), most of which is received at higher
elevations along the entire length of the windward (northeastern) side
(Taliaferro 1959).
Nineteen of the proposed plant taxa occur in the Koolau Mountains--
Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea humboldtiana, Cyanea
koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyanea st.-johnii, Cyrtandra dentata,
Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra viridiflora, Delissea subcordata,
Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.
koolauensis, Lobelia monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, Myrsine
juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola
oahuensis. The vegetation communities of the Koolau Mountains,
especially in the upper elevations to which many of the proposed plant
taxa are restricted, are primarily lowland mesic and wet forests
dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha ('ohi'a) and/or other tree or
[[Page 51399]]
fern taxa. However, the vegetation now covering the Koolau Mountain
Range is mostly alien. The majority of the remaining native vegetation
is restricted to steep valley head walls and inaccessible summit
ridges. The windswept ridges are very steep and are characterized by
grasses, ferns, and low-growing, stunted shrubs (Gagne and Cuddihy
1990).
The Waianae Mountains were built by eruptions that took place
primarily along three rift zones. The two principal rift zones run in a
northwestward and south-southeastward direction from the summit and a
lesser one runs to the northeast. The range is approximately 64 km (40
mi) long. The caldera lies between the north side of Makaha Valley and
the head of Nanakuli Valley (MacDonald et al. 1983). The Waianae
Mountains are in the rain shadow of the parallel Koolau Mountains and
except for Mt. Kaala, the highest point on Oahu (1,225 meters (m)
(4,020 feet (ft)), receive much less rainfall (Wagner et al. 1990). The
median annual rainfall for the Waianae Mountains varies from 51 to 190
cm (20 to 75 in) with only the small summit area of Mt. Kaala receiving
the highest amount. Relative to the Koolau Mountains, the Waianae
Mountains have a greater range of elevations, moisture regimes, and
habitat types. As a result, the Waianae Mountains are the most
biologically diverse region on the island of Oahu.
Thirteen of the proposed plant taxa occur in the Waianae
Mountains--Chamaesyce herbstii, Cyanea longiflora, Cyrtandra dentata,
Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Gardenia mannii, Labordia
cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Melicope saint-johnii, Phyllostegia
hirsuta, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, Pritchardia kaalae, and Schiedea
kealiae. These taxa, with the exception of Lepidium arbuscula and
Schiedea kealiae, are found primarily in mesic forests dominated by
'ohi'a, Acacia koa (koa), Diospyros sandwicensis (lama), or a diverse
mix of trees. Lepidium arbuscula is found primarily in mesic shrublands
on ridges, steep slopes, and cliffs composed of a variety of native
shrubs, herbs, and grasses. Schiedea kealiae is found on dry cliff
communities with a variety of native trees and shrubs (Joel Lau, The
Nature Conservancy of Hawaii (TNCH), pers. comm. 1994).
The known habitat of these 25 plant taxa is owned by the City and
County of Honolulu, the State of Hawaii (including land classified as
Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Natural Area Reserve (NAR) System,
Forest Reserve, and land leased by the Federal government (Department
of Defense (DOD)) for military use), the Federal government, and
private parties. Plants on land owned or leased by the Federal
government are located on portions of Dillingham, Kaena Point, Makua,
and Schofield Barracks Military Reservations; Kawailoa and Kahuku
Training Areas; Lualualei Naval Reservation; and the Omega U.S. Coast
Guard Station. Private lands include Honouliuli Preserve, leased from a
major landowner by TNCH.
Discussion of the 25 Plant Taxa Proposed for Listing
Chamaesyce herbstii was first described by Warren Wagner (1988)
based on a specimen collected by Derral Herbst in 1969 in the Waianae
Mountains of Oahu. Other published names which Wagner considers to be
synonymous with Chamaesyce herbstii include C. rockii var. grandifolia,
Euphorbia clusiaefolia var. grandifolia, and E. forbesii (Hillebrand
1888, Koutnik 1985, Wagner 1988).
Chamaesyce herbstii, a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae),
is a small tree ranging from 3 to 8 m (10 to 26 ft) tall. The thin,
leathery leaves, normally 8 to 19.5 cm (3.1 to 7.7 in) long and 1.8 to
3.8 cm (0.7 to 1.5 in) wide, are narrowly oblong or sometimes more
lance-shaped or elliptic. The leaves are arranged in pairs on the same
plane. The small, petalless flower clusters (cyathia or compact
flowering stalks with small individual flowers, the whole simulating a
single flower) occur in groups of 3 to 15 in branched, open flowering
stalks. The individual flower stalks are 8 to 20 mm (0.3 to 0.8 in)
long. The hairy inflorescence bracts (specialized leaves) are broadly
bell-shaped and contain five to six yellowish green glands. The green
or sometimes reddish purple-tinged, angular capsules (dry fruit that
open at maturity) scarcely protrude from the bracts. This species is
distinguished from others in the genus by the length of the flowering
stalk and the color of the angular fruits (Koutnik 1990).
Historically Chamaesyce herbstii was known from scattered
populations in the northern and central Waianae Mountains on the island
of Oahu (Hawaii Heritage Program (HHP) 1994c1 to 1994c5). Currently
this species is known from four populations in the central and northern
Waianae Mountains--South Ekahanui Gulch, Pahole (Kukuiula) Gulch,
Kapuna Gulch, and West Makaleha-Central Makaleha. These populations are
found on private land in TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve and State land,
including Pahole NAR (HHP 1994c1 to 1994c5). The total number of plants
is estimated to be fewer than 200. Chamaesyce herbstii typically grows
in mesic koa-`ohi`a lowland forests, Pisonia sp. (papala kepau)-
Charpentiera sp. (papala) lowland forests, or diverse mesic forests at
elevations between 530 and 700 m (1,750 to 2,300 ft). Associated plant
taxa include the federally endangered Alectryon macrococcus var.
macrococcus (mahoe), as well as Hibiscus arnottianus var. arnottianus
(koki`o ke`oke`o), Melicope sp. (alani), Pouteria sp. (`ala`a), and
Urera glabra (opuhe) (HHP 1994c1 to 1994c5).
The primary threats to Chamaesyce herbstii are habitat degradation
and/or destruction by feral pigs (Sus scrofa); competition with alien
plant taxa such as Grevillea robusta (silk oak), Passiflora suberosa
(huehue haole), Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava), and Schinus
terebinthifolius (Christmas berry); potential fire; and a risk of
extinction from naturally occurring events (such as hurricanes) and/or
reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of remaining
populations (HHP 1994c1 to 1994c5; Christa Russell, TNCH, pers. comm.
1994).
Joseph F. Rock collected a plant in 1908 in the Koolau Mountains,
Oahu, which was described a year later by Charles Noyes Forbes as
Euphorbia rockii. Leon Croizat and Otto Degener (Degener and Croizat
1936) later transferred the species to Chamaesyce, resulting in the new
combination Chamaesyce rockii, the name accepted in the current
treatment of Hawaiian members of the genus (Koutnik 1990). The specific
epithet honors Rock, an intrepid collector and scholar of the Hawaiian
flora.
Chamaesyce rockii, a member of the spurge family, is usually a
compact shrub or sometimes a small tree typically ranging from 0.5 to 2
m (1.6 to 6.6 ft) tall, but in protected sites it has been known reach
4 m (13 ft) in height. The leathery leaves, generally 8 to 14 cm (3 to
5.5 in) long and 2 to 3.5 cm (0.8 to 1.4 in) wide, are narrowly oblong
to oblong-elliptic or sometimes narrowly elliptic in shape. The leaves
are arranged in two opposite rows along the stem, and have smooth leaf
margins. The cyathia occur in groups of about 3 to 10 in branched, open
to sometimes condensed flowering stalks that are usually 2 to 6 cm (0.8
to 2.4 in) long. The bracts of the flowering stalks are broadly bell-
shaped and contain five to six greenish yellow, green, or red glands.
The fruit is a brilliant red (sometimes pink-tinged red), round,
hairless capsule, 14 to 25 mm (0.6 to 1 in) long. The fruit protrudes
noticeably from the bracts. This species differs
[[Page 51400]]
from others in the genus in that it has large, red, capsular fruit
(Koutnik 1990).
Chamaesyce rockii was known historically from scattered populations
along the Koolau Mountains on the island of Oahu (HHP 1994d1 to
1994d13). Eleven of the thirteen known populations of this species are
extant and are found on private land and State land leased by DOD for
the Kawailoa Training Area, as well as on Federal land on Schofield
Barracks Military Reservation (HHP 1994d1 to 1994d11). Currently the
total number of plants is estimated to be between 300 and 400 plants.
Chamaesyce rockii typically grows in wet `ohi`a-Dicranopteris linearis
(uluhe) forest and shrubland between 640 and 915 m (2,100 and 3,000 ft)
in elevation. Associated plant taxa include Dubautia laxa (na`ena`e pua
melemele), Machaerina sp. (`uki), Psychotria fauriei (kopiko),
Wikstroemia sp. (`akia), and the proposed species Myrsine juddii
(kolea) (HHP 1994d4).
The primary threats to Chamaesyce rockii are habitat degradation
and/or destruction by feral pigs, potential impacts from military
activities, and competition with alien plant taxa such as strawberry
guava and Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse) (HHP 1994d1 to 1994d5,
1994d7, 1994d8).
While a pharmaceutical botanist on the vessel Uranie, Charles
Gaudichaud-Beaupre collected a new lobelioid on Oahu, which he later
described and named Delissea acuminata (Hillebrand 1888). Wilhelm
Hillebrand (1888) transferred this species to the genus Cyanea,
resulting in the new combination Cyanea acuminata. This is the name
accepted in the current treatment of Hawaiian members of the family
(Lammers 1990). Other published names considered synonymous with Cyanea
acuminata include C. acuminata var. calycina, C. acuminata forma
latifolia, C. occultans, Delissea acuminata var. calycina, D. acuminata
forma latifolia, D. acuminata var. latifolia, D. occultans, and Lobelia
acuminata (Degener and Degener 1982, Hosaka and Degener 1938, Lammers
1990, St. John 1981 and 1987b, Wawra 1873).
Cyanea acuminata, a member of the bellflower family
(Campanulaceae), is an unbranched shrub 0.3 to 2 m (1 to 6.6 ft) tall.
The leaves, 11 to 32 cm (4.3 to 12.6 in) long and 3 to 9 cm (1.2 to 3.5
in) wide, are inversely lance-shaped to narrowly egg-shaped or
elliptic. The upper leaf surface is green, whereas the lower surface is
whitish green. The slightly hardened leaf edges contain small,
spreading, pointed teeth. The leaf stalks are 2 to 10 cm (0.8 to 4 in)
long. Six to 20 flowers are arranged on a flowering stalk 15 to 60 mm
(0.6 to 2.4 in) long. The calyx lobes, 2 to 5 mm (0.08 to 0.2 in) long,
are narrowly triangular. The corolla is white and sometimes tinged
purplish, 30 to 35 mm (1.2 to 1.4 in) long and 3 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2
in) wide. The tubular portion of the flower is almost erect to slightly
curved, while the lobes are one-fourth to one-third as long as the tube
and spreading. The yellow to yellowish orange, round berries are
approximately 5 mm (0.2 in) long. This species is distinguished from
others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the color of the petals and
fruit and length of the calyx lobes, flowering stalk, and leaf stalks
(Lammers 1990).
Historically Cyanea acuminata was known from 31 scattered
populations in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1994e1 to 1994e32).
Currently fewer than 100 plants are known from 15 populations on
privately owned land; City and County of Honolulu land; State land,
including land leased by the DOD for the Kawailoa Training Area; and
Federal land on Schofield Barracks Military Reservation and the Omega
Coast Guard Station (HHP 1994e1 to 1994e12, 1994e20, 1994e24, 1994e25).
This species typically grows on slopes, ridges, or stream banks from
305 to 915 m (1,000 to 3,000 ft) elevation. The plants are found in
mesic to wet `ohi`a-uluhe, koa-`ohi`a, or Diospyros sandwicensis
(lama)-`ohi`a forest (HHP 1994e1 to 1994e9, 1994e11, 1994e12, 1994e24,
1994e25; Lammers 1990).
The major threats to Cyanea acuminata are habitat degradation and/
or destruction by feral pigs; potential impacts from military
activities; potential predation by rats; competition with the noxious
alien plant taxa Christmas berry, Koster's curse, and Ageratina
adenophora (Maui pamakani); and a risk of extinction from naturally
occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small
number of remaining individuals (HHP 1994e1 to 1994e4, 1994e7, 1994e8,
1994e10 to 1994e12, 1994e20; J. Lau, C. Russell, and Joan Yoshioka,
TNCH, pers. comms. 1994).
While a botanist on the vessel La Bonite on his third trip to
Hawaii, Gaudichaud-Beaupre collected a new lobelioid on Oahu which he
later described and named as Rollandia humboldtiana (Lammers 1990).
Other published names considered synonymous with Rollandia humboldtiana
include Delissea racemosa, Rollandia humboldtiana forma albida, R.
pedunculosa, and R. racemosa (Hillebrand 1888, Lammers 1990, Mann 1867-
1868, St. John 1940, Wawra 1873). Recently Lammers, Thomas Givnish, and
Kenneth Sytsma merged the endemic Hawaiian genera Cyanea and Rollandia
under the former name and published the new combination Cyanea
humboldtiana (Lammers et al. 1993). The specific epithet honors the
German naturalist and explorer, Baron Alexander von Humboldt.
Cyanea humboldtiana, a member of the bellflower family, is an
unbranched shrub with woody stems 1 to 2 m (3.2 to 6.6 ft) tall. The
leaves are inversely egg-shaped to broadly elliptic, 18 to 45 cm (7 to
18 in) long and 7 to 16 cm (2.8 to 6.3 in) wide. The leaf edges are
hardened and have shallow, ascending rounded teeth. Five to twelve
flowers are arranged on a hairy, downward bending flowering stalk which
is 8 to 25 cm (3 to 10 in) long. The dark magenta or white petals are 6
to 7.5 cm (2.4 to 3 in) long and hairy. The pale orangish yellow
berries are elliptic to inversely egg-shaped. This species differs from
others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the downward bending flowering
stalk and the length of the flowering stalk (Lammers 1990).
Cyanea humboldtiana was known historically from 17 populations from
the central portion to the southern end of the Koolau Mountains of Oahu
(HHP 1994f1 to 1994f17). Currently between 100 and 220 plants are known
from three populations--Konahuanui summit, Moanalua-Kaneohe summit, and
Lulumahu Gulch. These populations occur on private land, State land,
and Federal land on the Omega U.S. Coast Guard Station (HHP 1994f1,
1994f2, 1994f16). This species is usually found in wet 'ohi'a-uluhe
shrubland from 550 to 960 m (1,800 to 3,150 ft) elevation. Associated
native plant taxa include ferns, alani, 'uki, Ilex anomala (kawa'u),
and Scaevola mollis (naupaka kuahiwi) (HHP 1994f1, 1994f16).
Habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs, potential
predation by rats, competition with the alien plant Koster's curse, and
a risk of extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced
reproductive vigor, due to the small number of remaining populations,
are the major threats to Cyanea humboldtiana. The Konahuanui summit
population is also threatened by trampling by hikers (HHP 1994f1,
1994f2; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).
Cyanea koolauensis was first described by Hillebrand (1888) as
Rollandia longiflora var. angustifolia, based on a specimen he
collected on Oahu. In 1918 Rock elevated the variety to full species
status as Rollandia angustifolia (Rock 1918b). Lammers et al. (1993)
published the new name
[[Page 51401]]
Cyanea koolauensis to replace Rollandia angustifolia when they merged
Cyanea and Rollandia, as the name Cyanea angustifolia had already been
used.
Cyanea koolauensis, a member of the bellflower family, is an
unbranched shrub with woody stems, 1 to 1.5 m (3.5 to 5 ft) tall. The
leaves are linear to narrowly elliptic with a whitish underside, 16 to
36 cm (6.3 to 14.2 in) long and 1.5 to 4 cm (0.6 to 1.6 in) wide. The
leaf edges are hardened with shallow, ascending rounded teeth. The leaf
stalks are 1.5 to 4.5 cm (0.6 to 1.8 in) long. The flowering stalks are
three to six-flowered. The flowering stalk is 15 to 40 mm (0.6 to 1.6
in) long. The hypanthium (basal portion of the flower) is 6 to 12 mm
(0.2 to 0.5 in) long. The calyx lobes are fused into a sheath 2 to 8 mm
(0.08 to 0.3 in) long. The dark magenta petals are 5 to 9 cm (2.0 to
3.5 in) long. The fruit is a round berry. Cyanea koolauensis is
distinguished from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the leaf
shape and width, the whitish green lower leaf surface and, the lengths
of the leaf stalks, calyx lobes, and hypanthium (Lammers 1990).
Cyanea koolauensis was known historically from 27 scattered
populations throughout the Koolau Mountains on Oahu (HHP 1994g1 to
1994g28). Currently 14 populations totalling fewer than 50 plants are
known from the Waimea-Malaekahana Ridge to Hawaii Loa Ridge in the
Koolau Mountains. These populations occur on City and County of
Honolulu land, private land, and State land, including land leased to
the DOD for the Kahuku and Kawailoa Training Areas (HHP 1994g1 to
1994g12, 1994g18, 1994g19, 1994g22). Cyanea koolauensis is usually
found on slopes and ridge crests in wet 'ohi'a-uluhe forest or
shrubland at elevations from 520 to 810 m (1,700 to 2,660 ft).
Associated plant taxa include alani, Antidesma sp. (hame),
Diplopterygium pinnatum, Psychotria sp. (kopiko), and Scaevola sp.
(naupaka) (HHP 1994g1 to 1994g12, 1994g18, 1994g19, 1994g22; Lammers
1990).
Cyanea koolauensis is threatened by habitat destruction by feral
pigs, potential impacts from military activities, potential predation
by rats, competition with the aggressive alien plants Koster's curse
and strawberry guava, trampling by hikers, overcollection, and a risk
of extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced
reproductive vigor due to the small number of remaining individuals
(HHP 1994g1 to 1994g5, 1994g7, 1994g22; Loyal Mehrhoff, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms.
1994).
Cyanea longiflora was first collected by Hillebrand on Oahu and
named in 1873, by Dr. Heinrich Wawra, as Rollandia longiflora
(Hillebrand 1888). Other names considered synonymous with Rollandia
longiflora are R. lanceolata var. brevipes and R. sessilifolia (Degener
1932, Lammers 1990, Wimmer 1953). Recently Lammers et al. (1993)
published the new combination Cyanea longiflora. The specific epithet
refers to the long flowers.
Cyanea longiflora, a member of the bellflower family, is an
unbranched shrub with woody stems 1 to 3 m (3.5 to 10 ft) long. The
leaves are elliptic or inversely lance-shaped, 30 to 55 cm (12 to 22
in) long and 6 to 12 cm (2.4 to 4.7 in) wide. Mature leaves have smooth
or hardened leaf edges with shallow, ascending, rounded teeth. The
flowering stalks are 5 to 10-flowered and 30 to 60 mm (1.2 to 2.4 in)
long. The calyx lobes are fused into an irregularly toothed sheath 2 to
4 mm (0.08 to 0.2 in) long. The petals, 6 to 9 cm (2.4 to 3.5 in) long,
and the hairless staminal column are dark magenta. The berries are
almost pear-shaped. Cyanea longiflora differs from others in this
endemic Hawaiian genus by the fused calyx lobes (Lammers 1990).
Cyanea longiflora was known historically from five populations in
the Waianae Mountains and six populations in the Koolau Mountains of
Oahu (HHP 1994h1, 1994h2 to 1994h14). Currently five populations of
this species are known--Pahole Gulch, Makaha Valley, and Makaha-Waianae
Ridge in the Waianae Mountains and Kawainui Drainage and Opaeula Gulch
in the Koolau Mountains (HHP 1994h1, 1994h3, 1994h11 to 1994h14). These
5 populations total between 220 and 300 plants. The populations are
found on City and County of Honolulu land, private land leased by the
DOD for the Kawailoa Training Area, and State-owned land, including
Pahole NAR. Cyanea longiflora is usually found on steep slopes or ridge
crests in mesic koa-'ohi'a forest in the Waianae Mountains or wet
'ohi'a-uluhe forest in the Koolau Mountains, usually between 620 and
780 m (2,030 and 2,560 ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa in koa-
'ohi'a forest include hame, kopiko, uluhe, Coprosma sp. (pilo), and
Syzygium sp. ('ohi'a ha). In wet 'ohi'a-uluhe forest, associated native
taxa include 'akia, alani, Cibotium sp. (hapu'u), Dubautia sp.
(na'ena'e), Hedyotis sp., and Pittosporum sp. (ho'awa) (HHP 1994h1,
1994h3, 1994h11, 1994h13, 1994h14; Lammers 1990).
The major threats to Cyanea longiflora are habitat degradation and/
or destruction by feral pigs, potential impacts from military
activities, potential predation by rats, competition with the alien
plants strawberry guava and Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry)
in the Waianae Mountains and Koster's curse in the Koolau Mountains,
potential fire, and a risk of extinction from naturally occurring
events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of
remaining, widely dispersed populations (HHP 1994h1, 1994h3, 1994h12 to
1994h14; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).
While hiking in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu, Edward Hosaka
collected a new lobelioid which he later described and named Rollandia
st.-johnii (St. John and Hosaka 1935). Rollandia st.-johnii var.
obtusisepala (Wimmer 1953) is not recognized in the most recent
treatment of Hawaiian members of the family (Lammers 1990). Lammers et
al. (1993) published the new name Cyanea st.-johnii when Cyanea and
Rollandia were merged. The specific epithet honors the late Harold St.
John.
Cyanea st.-johnii, a member of the bellflower family, is an
unbranched shrub with a woody stem 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) long. The
leaves are lance-shaped to inversely lance-shaped, 6 to 13 cm (2.4 to
5.1 in) long and 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 in) wide. The leaf edges are
thickened, smoothly toothed, and curl under. The flowering stalk is 5
to 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 in) long, with 5 to 20 flowers. The hairless,
white petals, 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in) long, are suffused with pale
violet in the inner surface. This species is distinguished from others
in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the length of the leaves, the
distinctly curled leaf margins, and the petal color (Lammers 1990).
Cyanea st.-johnii was known historically from 11 populations in the
central and southern Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1994i1 to 1994i11).
Currently between 40 and 50 plants are known from 5 populations--
Waimano Trail summit to Aiea Trail summit, the summit ridge crest
between Manana and Kipapa trails, between the summit of Aiea and Halawa
trails, Summit Trail south of Poamoho cabin, and Wailupe-Waimanalo
summit ridge. These populations are found on City and County of
Honolulu, private, and State lands (HHP 1994i1, 1994i7, 1994i9 to
1994i11). This species typically grows on wet, windswept slopes and
ridges from 690 to 850 m (2,260 to 2,800 ft) elevation in 'ohi'a mixed
shrubland or 'ohi'a-uluhe shrubland. Associated
[[Page 51402]]
plant taxa include naupaka kuahiwi, 'uki, Bidens sp. (ko'oko'olau), and
Freycinetia arborea ('ie'ie) (HHP 1994i1, 1994i7, 1994i9 to 1994i11).
Cyanea st.-johnii is threatened by habitat degradation and/or
destruction by feral pigs, potential predation by rats, competition
with the noxious alien plant Koster's curse, and a risk of extinction
from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due
to the small number of remaining populations and individuals. The
plants between the summit of Aiea and Halawa Trail are also threatened
by trampling by hikers (HHP 1994i7, 1994i9, 1994i10; J. Lau, C.
Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).
In 1945 St. John collected a plant specimen on Oahu that he and
W.B. Storey named Cyrtandra dentata (St. John and Storey 1950). In the
same paper, St. John and Storey also described Cyrtandra frederickii,
now considered synonymous with Cyrtandra dentata (Wagner et al. 1990).
The specific epithet refers to the toothed margin of the leaf blades.
Cyrtandra dentata, a member of the African violet family
(Gesneriaceae), is a sparingly branched shrub ranging from 1.5 to 5 m
(5 to 16 ft) tall. Papery in texture, the leaves are broadly elliptic
to almost circular or broadly egg-shaped to egg-shaped, 9 to 33 cm (3.5
to 13 in) long, and 3 to 17 cm (1.2 to 6.7 in) wide. Three to nine
white flowers are arranged on an inverse umbrella-shaped flower cluster
which arises from the leaf axil. The main flower stalk is 25 to 50 mm
(1 to 2 in) long and the individual flower stalks are 15 to 33 mm (0.6
to 1.3 in) long. The leaf-like bracts are 12 to 30 mm (0.5 to 1.2 in)
long. The tubular portion of the flower is 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 in)
long and 4 to 9 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in) in diameter. The upper flower lobes
are 2 to 6 mm (0.08 to 0.2 in) long and 3 to 7 mm (0.1 to 0.3 in) wide,
while the lower lobes are 3 to 17 mm (0.1 to 0.7 in) long and 4 to 9 mm
(0.2 to 0.4 in) wide. The round white berries are 1 to 2.6 cm (0.4 to 1
in) long. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the
number and arrangement of the flowers, the length of the bracts and
flower stalks, and the shape of the leaves (Wagner et al. 1990).
Cyrtandra dentata was historically known from six populations in
the Waianae Mountains and three populations in the Koolau Mountains of
Oahu (HHP 1994j1 to 1994j9). Currently this species is found only in
the Waianae Mountains in Pahole Gulch and Kapuna Valley on State land
(within Pahole NAR) and in Ekahanui Gulch on State and private land
(within TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve) (HHP 1994j2, 1994j6, 1994j7). The 3
known populations total fewer than 50 individuals. Cyrtandra dentata
typically grows in gulches, slopes, or ravines in mesic forest with
'ohi'a, 'ohi'a ha, and Aleurites moluccana (kukui) at elevations from
580 to 720 m (1,900 to 2,360 ft) (HHP 1994j2, 1994j6, 1994j7; St. John
1966; Wagner et al. 1990).
Competition with the alien plants Koster's curse and strawberry
guava, potential predation by rats, potential fire, and stochastic
extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor, due to the small number
of extant populations and individuals, are the major threats to
Cyrtandra dentata (HHP 1994j6; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka,
pers. comms. 1994).
Hillebrand (1888) collected a specimen on Oahu that he named
Cyrtandra gracilis var. subumbellata. St. John and Storey (1950)
elevated the variety to full species status. The authors of the current
treatment of the family concur with this designation (Wagner et al.
1990). St. John's (1966) variety intonsa is not currently recognized
(Wagner et al. 1990). The specific epithet refers to the umbrella-like
flowering stalk.
Cyrtandra subumbellata, a member of the African violet family, is a
shrub 2 to 3 m (6.6 to 10 ft) tall. Papery in texture, the leaves are
almost circular to egg-shaped, 12 to 39 cm (4.7 to 15.4 in) long, and 3
to 19 cm (1.2 to 7.5 in) wide. The upper leaf surface is wrinkled,
whereas the lower surface has conspicuously raised net-like veins and
is moderately covered with white glands. Five to 15 white flowers are
densely arranged on an inverse umbrella-shaped flowering stalk which
arises from the leaf axil. The main flower stalk is 2 to 8 mm (0.08 to
0.3 in) long. The style is approximately 10 mm (0.4 in) long. The
round, white berries are 1 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in) long. This species
is distinguished from others in the genus by the number and arrangement
of the flowers, the lengths of the style and main flower stalks, and
the texture of the leaves (Wagner et al. 1990).
Historically Cyrtandra subumbellata was known from six scattered
populations in the central Koolau Mountains on the island of Oahu (HHP
1994k1 to 1994k6). This species is now known from three populations in
the central Koolau Mountains--Schofield-Waikane Trail and Puu Ohulehule
on private and State land and Kaukonahua drainage on Federal land
within Schofield Barracks Military Reservation (HHP 1994k2, 1994k5,
1994k6). The total number of plants currently is estimated to be fewer
than 50. This species typically grows on moist, forested slopes or
gulch bottoms dominated by `ohi`a or a mixture of `ohi`a and uluhe,
between 460 and 670 m (1,500 and 2,200 ft) elevation. Associated plant
taxa include `uki, Adiantum raddiantum, Boehmeria grandis (`akolea),
Broussaisia arguta (kanawao), and Thelypteris sp. (HHP 1994k2, 1994k5,
1994k6; St. John 1966; Wagner et al. 1990).
The primary threats to Cyrtandra subumbellata are competition with
the noxious alien plant Koster's curse, potential impacts from military
activities, potential predation by rats, potential fire, and a risk of
extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive
vigor due to the small number of extant populations and individuals
(HHP 1994k6; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).
In 1950, St. John and Storey first described Cyrtandra viridiflora
based on a specimen collected by Joseph Rock in 1911. Other published
names now considered synonyms of this species are Cyrtandra crassifolia
and C. pickeringii var. crassifolia (Hillebrand 1888, Rock 1918a, St.
John 1966, Wagner et al. 1990). The specific epithet refers to the
conspicuous green flowers.
Cyrtandra viridiflora, a member of the African violet family, is a
small shrub 0.5 to 2 m (1.6 to 6.6 ft) tall. The thick, fleshy, heart-
shaped leaves are 6 to 15 cm (2.4 to 6 in) long, 3.5 to 7.5 cm (1.4 to
3 in) wide, and have toothed margins. Both the upper and lower surfaces
have long, velvety, pale hairs. One to five green flowers are arranged
on an inverse umbrella-shaped flowering stalk. The pale green calyx is
12 to 15 mm (0.5 to 0.6 in) long. The round, white berries are 1.3 cm
(0.5 in) or longer. This species is distinguished from others in the
genus by the leaves, which are thick, fleshy, heart-shaped, and densely
hairy on both surfaces (Wagner et al. 1990).
Historically Cyrtandra viridiflora was known from seven scattered
populations in the Koolau Mountains on the island of Oahu (HHP 1994L1
to 1994L7). This species is now known only from four populations in the
northern Koolau Mountains--Kawainui-Laie summit divide, Kawainui-
Kaipapau summit divide, Maakua-Kaipapau Ridge, and the Peahinaia Trail.
A total of fewer than 10 plants is known from these 4 populations on
State land and private land leased by the DOD for Kawailoa Training
Area (HHP 1994L4 to 1994L7). Cyrtandra viridiflora is usually found on
wind-blown ridge tops in cloud-covered wet forest or shrubland at
elevations of 690 to 850 m (2,260 to 2,800 ft). Associated plant taxa
include kanawao,
[[Page 51403]]
`ohi`a, `ohi`a ha, `uki, and uluhe (HHP 1994L4 to 1994L7, Wagner et al.
1990).
The major threats to Cyrtandra viridiflora are habitat degradation
or destruction by feral pigs, potential impacts from military
activities, potential predation by rats, competition with the alien
plants Koster's curse and strawberry guava, and a risk of extinction
from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due
to the small number of remaining populations and individuals (HHP
1994L4 to 1994L6; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms.
1994).
Delissea subcordata was first collected on Oahu by Gaudichaud-
Beaupre over 150 years ago. He later described and named it for its
heart-shaped leaf base (Hillebrand 1888). Lammers considers all
subsequently named varieties to be synonymous with Delissea subcordata,
including D. subcordata var. kauaiensis, D. subcordata var.
obtusifolia, D. subcordata var. waialaeensis, D. subcordata var.
waikaneensis, and Lobelia subcordata (Lammers 1990, St. John 1977,
Wawra 1873).
Delissea subcordata, a member of the bellflower family, is a
branched or unbranched shrub 1 to 3 m (3.5 to 10 ft) tall. The leaves
are egg-shaped or oval lance-shaped, with heart-shaped bases and blades
12 to 30 cm (4.7 to 12 in) long and 6 to 17 cm (2.4 to 6.7 in) wide.
The leaf margins have shallow, rounded to sharply pointed teeth.
Occasionally the leaf margin may be irregularly cut into narrow and
unequal segments with one to six triangular lobes, 10 to 18 mm (0.4 to
0.7 in) long, toward the leaf base. Six to 18 white or greenish white
flowers are arranged on an flowering stalk 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 4 in)
long. The calyx lobes are awl-shaped and 0.5 to 1 mm (0.02 to 0.04 in)
long. The curved corolla is 45 to 60 mm (1.8 to 2.4 in) long and has a
knob on the back side. The anthers are hairless. The fruit is an egg-
shaped berry. This species is distinguished from others in this endemic
Hawaiian genus by the shape and size of the leaves, the length of the
calyx lobes and corolla, and the hairless condition of the anthers
(Lammers 1990).
Historically Delissea subcordata was known from 21 scattered
populations in the Waianae Mountains and 8 populations in the Koolau
Mountains of Oahu. A specimen collected by Mann and Brigham in the
1860's and labeled as from the island of Kauai is believed to have been
mislabeled (HHP 1994m8). Delissea subcordata is now known only from the
Waianae Mountains in nine populations distributed from Kawaiu Gulch in
the Kealia land section in the northern Waianae Mountains to the north
branch of North Palawai Gulch about 20 km (12 mi) to the south. This
species is found on private land (TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve), Federal
land (Schofield Barracks Military Reservation and Lualualei Naval
Reservation), and State land (Pahole and Kaala NARs or leased to the
Federal government (Makua Military Reservation)). The total number of
plants in the 9 remaining populations is estimated to be between 70 and
80. Delissea subcordata typically grows on moderate to steep gulch
slopes in mesic native or alien-dominated forests from 430 to 760 m
(1,400 to 2,500 ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa include a variety
of native trees such as `ala`a, hame, kukui, `ohi`a, papala kepau,
Diospyros hillebrandii (lama), Nestegis sandwicensis (olopua), and
kopiko (HHP 1994m1 to 1994m26; Takeuchi and Shimabukuro (s.n.) 1987;
Takeuchi, Yap, and Paquin (3422) 1987; Takeuchi and Paquin (2734) 1986;
Takeuchi (2410) 1985).
Delissea subcordata is threatened by habitat degradation and/or
destruction by ungulates such as pigs and goats; potential impacts from
military activities, including road construction and housing
development; potential predation by rats; competition with the alien
plants Christmas berry, Koster's curse, strawberry guava, and Lantana
camara (lantana); potential fire; and a risk of extinction from
naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the
small number of remaining individuals (HHP 1994m1, 1994m7; Takeuchi &
Shimabukuro (s.n.) 1987; Takeuchi (2410) 1985; J. Lau, L. Mehrhoff, and
J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).
In 1933, F. Raymond Fosberg collected a plant in the Waianae
Mountains that Leo D. Whitney (1937) named Eragrostis fosbergii. This
species is maintained in the most recent treatment of Hawaiian members
of this genus (O'Connor 1990).
Eragrostis fosbergii is a perennial grass (family Poaceae), with
stout, tufted culms (stems) 60 to 100 cm (24 to 40 in) long, which
usually arise from an abruptly bent woody base. The leathery leaf
blades, 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 in) long and 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in)
wide, are flat but curl inward towards the apex. The small flowers
occur in complex clusters that are somewhat open, pyramidal, and 20 to
40 cm (8 to 16 in) long. The pale to dark green spikelets (ultimate
flower clusters) generally contain three to five flowers, and are about
5 mm (0.2 in) long. The slender glumes (small bracts at the base of the
spikelet) have margins fringed with long hairs. The lemmas (inner
bracts that subtend the flowers) have loosely overlapping margins which
are occasionally fringed with hairs. The fruit is a grain. This species
is distinguished from others in the genus by its stiffly ascending
flowering stalk and the long hairs on the margins of the glumes and
occasionally on the margins of the lemmas (O'Connor 1990).
Historically Eragrostis fosbergii was known only from the Waianae
Mountains of Oahu, from the slopes of Mount Kaala and in Waianae Kai
and its associated ridges (HHP 1994n1 to 1994n6). This species was
thought to be extinct until rediscovered by Joel Lau of TNCH in 1991.
Only six individuals are known to remain in Waianae Kai in four
populations on land owned by the State and the City and County of
Honolulu (HHP 1994n3 to 1994n6). Eragrostis fosbergii typically grows
on ridge crests or moderate slopes in native or alien forests between
720 and 830 m (2,360 and 2,720 ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa
include Christmas berry, koa, `ohi`a, Psydrax odoratum (alahe`e),
Dodonaea viscosa (`a`ali`i), and Eragrostis grandis (kawelu) (HHP
1994n3 to 1994n6).
The major threats to Eragrostis fosbergii include degradation of
habitat by feral pigs and goats; competition with alien plants such as
Christmas berry, silk oak, and strawberry guava; and trampling by
hikers. This species is also threatened by the risk of extinction from
naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the
small number of remaining populations and individuals (HHP 1994n3 to
1994n6; C. Russell, pers. comm. 1994).
Gardenia mannii was first described by St. John and J.R. Kuykendall
in 1949, based on a specimen they had collected a few years earlier in
the Koolau Mountains, Oahu. In the same paper, St. John and Kuykendall
also described Gardenia mannii var. honoluluensis, which is not
currently recognized (Wagner et al. 1990). The specific epithet honors
Horace Mann, Jr., an early collector of Hawaiian plants.
Gardenia mannii, a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae), is a
tree 5 to 15 m (16 to 50 ft) tall. The leaves are inversely lance-
shaped or slightly more elliptic, 6 to 27 cm (2.4 to 10.6 in) long, and
3.5 to 10 cm (1.4 to 4 in) wide. The upper leaf surface is sticky. The
fragrant flowers bloom in the late afternoon, and usually last for 2
days. They are solitary and occur at the branch tips. The cup-shaped
calyx, 3 to 5 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) long, extends into four to six
leathery, long, thin, terminal spurs (hollow appendages). These spurs
are linear
[[Page 51404]]
spatula-shaped, ``S'' shaped, or, rarely, sickle-shaped; 23 to 46 mm
(0.9 to 1.8 in) long; and 5 to 11 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in) wide. The corolla
is cream colored on the outside and white on the inside. The tubular
portion of the flower is 17 to 27 mm (0.7 to 1.1 in) long (when dry),
and the seven to nine lobes are 16 to 22 mm (0.6 to 0.9 in) long (when
dry). The yellow to orange fruit is broadly elliptic. This species is
distinguished from others in the genus by the shape and number of the
calyx spurs (Wagner et al. 1990).
Historically Gardenia mannii was known from 7 widely scattered
populations in the Waianae Mountains and 39 populations distributed
along almost the entire length of the Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP
1994o1 to 1994o46). Currently 22 populations of Gardenia mannii are
distributed along a 42 km (26 mi) length of the Koolau Mountains, from
Kaunala Gulch and Kaunala-Waimea Ridge at the northernmost extent of
its range to Palolo at the southernmost extent (HHP 1994o2, 1994o4,
1994o7, 1994o8, 1994o13, 1994o17, 1994o18, 1994o25, 1994o28 to 1994o30,
1994o33, 1994o34, 1994o37, 1994o39 to 1994o46). In the Waianae
Mountains, this species is found in five extant populations over a 7 km
(4 mi) distance from north Haleauau Valley to Kaluaa Gulch (HHP 1994o1,
1994o14, 1994o21, 1994035, 1994o38). The 27 extant populations occur on
private land, including TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve and land leased by
DOD for Kawailoa and Kahuku Training Areas; City and County of Honolulu
land; State land; and Federal land on Schofield Barracks Military
Reservation. The existing populations total between 70 and 100 plants,
with 23 of the 27 populations each containing 5 or fewer plants. This
species is usually found on moderate to moderately steep gulch slopes
between 300 and 750 m (980 and 2,460 ft) in elevation. 'Ohi'a co-
dominates in mesic or wet forests with a mixture of native plants such
as 'ala'a, koa, and uluhe. Other associated plant taxa include alani,
hame, kanawao, pilo, Alyxia oliviformis (maile), and kopiko (HHP
1994o1, 1994o3 to 1994o11, 1994o14, 1994o15, 1994o17, 1994o18, 1994o20
to 1994o22, 1994o25, 1994o26, 1994o28 to 1994o46).
Gardenia mannii is threatened by habitat degradation and/or
destruction by feral pigs; potential impacts from military activities;
competition with alien plants such as Koster's curse, prickly Florida
blackberry, and strawberry guava; potential fire; and a risk of
extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive
vigor due to the widely dispersed, small number of remaining
individuals. The Kapakahi Gulch population is also threatened by the
black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) (HHP 1994o1, 1994o13, 1994o14,
1994o35, 1994o37 to 1994o44, 1994o46; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994).
Labordia cyrtandrae was first collected by French naturalist and
ethnologist Ezechiel Jules Remy on Oahu in 1855. In 1880, H.E. Baillon
named Remy's collection Geniostoma cyrtandrae in reference to the
resemblance of this plant to the pantropical genus Cyrtandra (St. John
1936). St. John (1936) transferred the species to the endemic Hawaiian
genus Labordia. The authors of the current treatment of Hawaiian
members of the family concur with this designation (Wagner et al.
1990). In 1932 O. Degener described Labordia hypoleuca, which Wagner et
al. (1990) consider to be synonymous with L. cyrtandrae (Degener and
Degener 1957).
Labordia cyrtandrae, a member of the logania family (Loganiaceae),
is a shrub 0.7 to 2 m (2.3 to 6.6 ft) tall. The fleshy, cylindrical to
weakly angled stems, which flatten when dry, are covered with short,
coarse, stiff hairs. The thick leaves, 12 to 30 cm long (4.7 to 12 in)
and 4 to 14 cm (1.6 to 5.5 in) wide, are inversely egg-shaped to
broadly elliptic or rarely inversely lance-shaped. Eight to 80 or more
flowers are arranged on a densely hairy flowering stalk with an erect
stalk up to 10 mm (0.4 in) long. The pale greenish yellow or pale
yellow corolla is 20 to 35 mm (0.8 to 1.4 in) long. The tubular portion
of the flower is urn-shaped; the flower lobes are lance-shaped and 8 to
13 mm (0.3 to 0.5 in) long. The elliptic, lance-shaped fruits are two-
valved capsules 32 to 35 mm (1.3 to 1.4 in) long. This species is
distinguished from others in the genus by its fleshy, hairy,
cylindrical stem which flattens upon drying, the shape and length of
the floral bracts, and the length of the corolla tube and lobes (Wagner
et al. 1990).
Historically Labordia cyrtandrae was known from both the Waianae
and Koolau Mountains of Oahu. In the Koolau Mountains, this species
ranged from Kawailoa Trail to Waialae Iki, extending almost the entire
length of the mountain range (HHP 1994p1, 1994p3 to 1994p13). This
species currently is known only from 10 individuals in 3 populations in
Haleauau Gulch and North Mohiakea Gulch, Waianae Mountains (HHP 1994p2,
1994p14 to 1994p16). These three populations are on Federal land in
Schofield Barracks Military Reservation (HHP 1994p2, 1994p14 to
1994p16). Labordia cyrtandrae typically grows in shady gulches in mesic
to wet forests dominated by 'ohi'a, Diplopterygium pinnatum, and/or koa
between the elevations of 730 and 780 m (2,400 and 2,560 ft) (HHP
1994p2, 1994p14 to 1994p16). Associated plant taxa include 'ala'a,
Diplazium sandwichianum, Pipturus albidus (mamaki), Perrottetia sp.
(olomea), and kopiko (HHP 1994p2, 1994p14 to 1994p16).
Habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs; potential
impacts from military activities; competition with the alien plants
Christmas berry, Koster's curse, prickly Florida blackberry, and
strawberry guava; potential fire; and a risk of extinction from
naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor, due to
the small number of remaining individuals and populations, are the
primary threats to Labordia cyrtandrae (HHP 1994p14 to 1994p16; C.
Russell, pers. comm. 1994).
Over 100 years ago, Hillebrand collected a plant in the Waianae
Mountains that he named Lepidium arbuscula for its tree-like habit
(Hillebrand 1888). This species has been maintained in the most recent
treatment of Hawaiian members of the genus (Wagner et al. 1990).
Lepidium arbuscula, a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae),
is a gnarled shrub 0.6 to 1.2 m (2 to 3.9 ft) tall. The leathery,
hairless leaves, 2.6 to 6 cm (1 to 2.4 in) long and 0.8 to 1.8 cm (0.3
to 0.7 in) wide, are spatula-shaped to oblong-elliptic or elliptic, and
have toothed margins. The unbranched flowering stalk contains one to
three erect flowers. The white, pale yellow, or greenish petals are 2
to 2.5 mm (0.08 to 0.1 in) long. The fruit is a capsule which is
broadly egg-shaped to almost circular. This species is distinguished
from others in the genus by its height (Wagner et al. 1990).
Historically Lepidium arbuscula was known from 11 populations in
the Waianae Mountains (HHP 1994q1 to 1994q11). It now remains at all
but one of those populations on Federal (Lualualei Naval Reservation,
Makua Military Reservation, and Schofield Barracks Military
Reservation), State, and City and County of Honolulu land. Populations
range from Kuaokala in the northern Waianae Mountains to Lualualei-
Nanakuli Ridge in the southern Waianae Mountains (HHP 1994q2 to
1994q11). Fewer than 900 individuals of this species remain. Lepidium
arbuscula generally grows on exposed ridge tops and cliff faces in
mesic vegetation communities between 230 and 915 m (755 and 3,000 ft)
[[Page 51405]]
elevation. This species is typically associated with native and non-
native plant taxa such as 'a'ali'i, Christmas berry, kawelu, Ageratina
spp. (pamakani), ko'oko'olau, Carex meyenii, and Melinis minutiflora
(molasses grass) (HHP 1994q2 to 1994q8, 1994q10, 1994q11).
The primary threats to Lepidium arbuscula are habitat degradation
and/or destruction by feral goats; potential impacts from military
activities; competition with alien plants including Christmas berry,
lantana, Maui pamakani, molasses grass, silk oak, strawberry guava,
Ageratina riparia (Hamakua pamakani), and Myrica faya (firetree); and
potential fire. The population at the head of Kapuhi Gulch is also
threatened by its proximity to a road (HHP 1994q4, 1994q5, 1994q7 to
1994q11).
In 1937 Fosberg and Hosaka collected a specimen of Lobelia
gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis on Oahu which they described the
following year as a variety of Lobelia gaudichaudii and named it for
the Koolau Mountains (Fosberg and Hosaka 1938). Lammers (1988, 1990)
has elevated the variety to a subspecies.
Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis, a member of the bellflower
family, is an unbranched, woody shrub 0.3 to 1 m (1 to 3.5 ft) tall.
The leaves are inversely lance-shaped to rectangular, 8 to 19 cm (3 to
7.5 in) long, and 1.3 to 2.8 cm (0.5 to 1.1 in) wide. The leaf edges
are thickened or curled under, fringed with hairs toward the base, and
sharp-pointed at the tip. The flowering stalk is two to six-branched
and 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in) long. The hairless bracts are lance-
shaped to egg-shaped and 18 to 32 mm (0.7 to 1.3 in) long. The calyx
lobes are triangular, lance-shaped or egg-shaped, and 10 to 15 mm (0.4
to 0.6 in) long. The corolla is greenish or yellowish white and 50 to
75 mm (2 to 3 in) long. The tubular portion of the flower is curved,
with spreading lobes. The fruit is an egg-shaped capsule. The
subspecies koolauensis is distinguished by the greenish or yellowish
white petals and the branched flowering stalks. The species is
distinguished from others in the genus by the length of the stem, the
length and color of the corolla, the leaf width, the length of the
floral bracts, and the length of the calyx lobes (Lammers 1990).
Historically Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis was known from
only two populations in the central Koolau Mountains on Oahu (HHP
1994s1, 1994s2). Currently this subspecies is known from a single
population on the Manana Ridge system in the central Koolau Mountains
on privately owned land (HHP 1994s1). The total number of plants is
estimated to be less than 250. Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis
typically grows on moderate to steep slopes in 'ohi'a or 'ohi'a-uluhe
lowland wet shrublands at elevations between 640 and 730 m (2,100 and
2,400 ft). Associated plant taxa include alani, ko'oko'lau, naupaka,
'uki, and kanawao (HHP 1994s1, 1994s2).
The primary threats to the single remaining population of Lobelia
gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis are habitat degradation and/or
destruction by feral pigs, competition with the noxious alien plant
Koster's curse, trampling by hikers, potential overcollection,
landslides, and a risk of extinction from naturally occurring events
and/or reduced reproductive vigor of the one remaining population (HHP
1994s1; L. Mehrhoff and C. Russell, pers. comms. 1994).
In 1919 Rock described a new variety of Lobelia hillebrandii based
on a specimen collected by Hillebrand in the 1800's. Rock (1919) named
this variety Lobelia hillebrandii var. monostachya. Degener elevated
this variety to the species level and transferred it to a new genus as
Neowimmeria monostachya (Degener 1974). Lammers (1988) transferred the
species back to the original genus as Lobelia monostachya.
Lobelia monostachya, a member of the bellflower family, is a
prostrate woody shrub with stems 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in) long. The
leaves are stalkless, linear, hairless, 7 to 15 cm (2.8 to 6 in) long,
and 0.4 to 0.7 cm (0.2 to 0.3 in) wide. The flowering stalk is
unbranched. The corolla is pale magenta, 15 to 18 mm (0.6 to 0.7 in)
long, and approximately 5 mm (0.2 in) wide. The lobes of the corolla
overlap spirally. The species is distinguished from others in the genus
by the narrow, linear leaves without stalks and the short pink flowers
(Lammers 1990).
Historically Lobelia monostachya was known only from the Koolau
Mountains and had not been seen since its original discovery in the
1800's in Niu Valley and in the 1920's in Manoa Valley (HHP 1991a1,
1991a2). In 1994 Joel Lau discovered one individual in a previously
unknown location in Wailupe Valley on State-owned land. Since then a
total of eight plants has been found. This species occurs on steep,
sparsely vegetated cliffs in mesic shrubland at an elevation of about
290 m (950 ft). Associated plant taxa include Artemisia sp.
(ahinahina), Carex meyenii, Psilotum nudum (moa), and Eragrostis sp.
(kawelu) (HHP 1994ff).
The major threats to Lobelia monostachya are predation by rats;
competition with the alien plants Christmas berry, Hamakua pamakani,
Kalanchoe pinnata (air plant), and molasses grass; and a risk of
extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive
vigor due to the low number of individuals in the only known population
(HHP 1994ff).
E.P. Hume first described Melicope saint-johnii as Pelea saint-
johnii based on a specimen he collected with E. Christophersen and G.
Wilder at Mauna Kapu on Oahu (St. John 1944). Thomas Hartley and the
late Benjamin Stone (1989) transferred Hawaiian Pelea species to the
Pacific genus Melicope. The new combination, Melicope saint-johnii, was
published in the same paper (Hartley and Stone 1989). Other published
names that refer to this taxon are Evodia elliptica var. elongata,
Pelea elliptica var. elongata, P. elongata, and P. saint-johnii var.
elongata (Hillebrand 1888, St. John 1944, Stone 1966, Stone et al.
1990).
Melicope saint-johnii, a member of the rue family (Rutaceae), is a
slender tree 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite or
occasionally occur in threes on young lateral branches. The leaves, 6
to 16 cm (2.4 to 6.3 in) long and 3 to 8.5 cm (1.2 to 3.3 in) wide, are
narrowly to broadly elliptic, sometimes elliptic egg-shaped or rarely
lance-shaped. Three to 11 flowers are arranged on an flowering stalk 9
to 22 mm (0.4 to 0.9 in) long. The flowers are usually functionally
unisexual, with staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers. The
staminate flowers have broadly egg-shaped sepals which are hairless to
sparsely covered with hair. The triangular petals, 6 to 8 mm (0.2 to
0.3 in) long, are densely covered with hair on the exterior. The
pistillate flowers are similar in hairiness to staminate flowers, but
are slightly smaller in size. The dry fruit, 7 to 12 mm (0.3 to 0.5 in)
long, splits at maturity. The exocarp (outermost layer of the fruit
wall) is hairless, whereas the endocarp (innermost layer) is hairy.
This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the
combination of the hairless exocarp, the hairy endocarp, the densely
hairy petals, and the sparsely hairy to smooth sepals (Stone et al.
1990).
Historically Melicope saint-johnii was known from both the Waianae
and Koolau Mountains--Makaha to Mauna Kapu in the Waianae Mountains and
Papali Gulch in Hauula, Manoa-Aihualama, Wailupe, and Niu Valley in the
Koolau Mountains (HHP 1994t1 to 1994t15, 1994ee; Takeuchi 1992). Today
eight populations of this species are found on Federal (Lualualei Naval
Reservation), State, and private land from the region between Puu Kaua
and Puu Kanehoa to Mauna Kapu in the
[[Page 51406]]
southern Waianae Mountains. Fewer than 150 individuals of this species
are currently known (HHP 1994t1 to 1994t4, 1994t7, 1994t14, 1994t15,
1994ee; Takeuchi 1992; Takeuchi and Paquin (s.n.) 1985; J. Lau, pers.
comm. 1994). This species typically grows on mesic forested ridges from
500 to 853 m (1,640 to 2,800 ft) elevation. Associated native plant
taxa include mamaki, 'ohi'a, Coprosma longifolia (pilo), Hedyotis
schlechtendahliana (kopa), Labordia kaalae (kamakahala), and Psychotria
hathewayi (kopiko) (HHP 1994t1 to 1994t4, 1994t7, 1994t14, 1994t15,
1994ee; Takeuchi 1992; Takeuchi and Paquin (s.n.) 1985).
The primary threats to Melicope saint-johnii are habitat
degradation and/or destruction by feral goats and pigs; potential
predation by the black twig borer; potential fire; and competition with
alien plants such as Christmas berry, firetree, Hamakua pamakani,
huehue haole, lantana, Maui pamakani, and silk oak (HHP 1994t3, 1994t4,
1994t13, 1994t14, 1994ee; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994).
Myrsine juddii was first described by Hosaka in 1940, based on a
specimen he collected with Fosberg in the Koolau Mountains. In an
action not supported by other taxonomists, Otto and Isa Degener (1971,
1975) transferred this species from Myrsine to the genus Rapanea.
Hosaka's concept of Myrsine is currently followed (Wagner et al. 1990).
The specific epithet honors Albert Judd, who had a keen interest in
conservation of the native Hawaiian flora.
Myrsine juddii, a member of the myrsine family (Myrsinaceae), is a
many branched shrub ranging from 1 to 2 m (3.5 to 6.6 ft) tall. The
leathery leaves, 4 to 12 cm (1.6 to 4.7 in) long and 1.5 to 3.2 cm (0.6
to 1.3 in) wide, are narrowly inverse lance-shaped or more elliptic.
The upper leaf surface is hairless, whereas the lower surface is
sparsely to moderately covered with short, coarse, stiff, whitish or
brownish hairs toward the base and along the midrib. The leaf base is
broadly wedge-shaped to heart-shaped, and the margins are smooth and
curl under. The flowers are unisexual and the plants are dioecious
(male and female flowers are on separate plants). Flowers occur in
groups of four to eight in tight clusters surrounded by small bracts.
The yellowish green petals are narrowly inverse lance-shaped, 2.8 to
3.2 mm (0.1 in) long. The fleshy, round fruit contains a single seed.
This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the hairiness
of the lower leaf surface and the shape of the leaf base (Wagner et al.
1990). In addition, the hairy leaves distinguish this species from all
other species of Myrsine on Oahu (Environmental Impact Study
Corporation 1977).
Myrsine juddii has been reported from only three populations in the
central Koolau Mountains--the North Kaukonahua-Kahana Summit divide;
Peahinaia Trail; and Puu Kainapuaa to Poamoho Trail. These populations
are found on private and State land leased by DOD for Kawailoa Training
Area (HHP 1994u1 to 1994u3). The total number is between 500 and 3,000
individuals, with all but 5 to 10 of these in a single, poorly defined
population (HHP 1994u2). Myrsine juddii typically grows in wet forests
dominated by 'ohi'a or a mixture of 'ohi'a and uluhe at elevations
between 580 and 860 m (1,900 and 2,820 ft) (HHP 1994u1 to 1994u3).
Associated plant taxa include 'uki, Cheirodendron trigynum ('olapa),
Melicope clusiifolia (kolokolo mokihana), Psychotria mariniana
(kopiko), Syzygium sandwicensis ('ohi'a ha), and the proposed species
Chamaesyce rockii (HHP 1994u2).
The primary threats to Myrsine juddii are habitat degradation and/
or destruction by feral pigs, potential impacts from military
activities, competition with alien plants such as Koster's curse and
strawberry guava, and a risk of extinction from naturally occurring
events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of
extant populations (HHP 1994u2, 1994u3; C. Russell, pers. comm. 1994).
In 1825, James Macrae, botanist on H.M.S. Blonde, collected a plant
on Oahu that George Bentham described and named Phyllostegia hirsuta
(Wagner et al. 1990). This species has been maintained in the current
treatment of the Hawaiian members of the genus (Wagner et al. 1990).
Phyllostegia hirsuta, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is
an erect subshrub or vine with stems densely covered with coarse or
stiff hairs. The wrinkled leaves are egg-shaped, generally 17 to 30 cm
(6.7 to 12 in) long, and 7.3 to 18 cm (2.9 to 7 in) wide. Both leaf
surfaces are moderately covered with long, flat hairs. The upper
surface is inconspicuously dotted with glands, while the lower surface
is more densely glandulose. The egg-shaped floral bracts are 3 to 6 mm
(0.1 to 0.2 in) long. The flowers have two lips--the upper one is
approximately 3 mm (0.1 in) long and the lower one is 5 to 7 mm (0.2 to
0.3 in) long. The tubular portion of the flower is slightly curved. The
corolla is white and usually purple-tinged on the upper lip. The fruit
is a nutlet about 3 mm (0.1 in) long. This species is distinguished
from others in the genus by the texture, hairiness, and size of the
leaves and the length of the upper bracts (Wagner et al. 1990).
Historically Phyllostegia hirsuta was known from widespread
populations in the Waianae and Koolau Mountains on Oahu. In the Waianae
Mountains, this species ranged from the head of Kukuiula (Pahole) Gulch
to North Palawai Gulch (HHP 1994v1 to 1994v3, 1994v6, 1994v16, 1994v18
to 1994v20, 1994v22, 1994v31, 1994v33 to 1994v36). In the Koolau
Mountains, this species ranged from Pupukea-Kahuku Trail to Palolo,
almost the entire length of the Koolau Mountains (HHP 1994v4, 1994v5,
1994v7 to 1994v15, 1994v17, 1994v21, 1994v23 to 1994v30, 1994v32). The
distribution of this species in the Waianae Mountains is now restricted
to ten populations in the southern part of the historical range--from
the ridge between Makaha and Waianae Kai to the south fork of North
Palawai Gulch (HHP 1994v2, 1994v3, 1994v6, 1994v19, 1994v20, 1994v31,
1994v33 to 1994v36). The current distribution in the Koolau Mountains
is six populations scattered over a 10 km (6 mi) length of the summit--
from Kawainui Gulch in Kawailoa Training Area to South Kaukonahua
drainage (HHP 1994v26 to 1994v30, 1994v32). Approximately 150 to 200
individuals remain in the 16 populations. These populations occur on
Federal land in Lualualei Naval Reservation and Schofield Barracks
Military Reservation; State land, including Mount Kaala NAR; and
private lands, including TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve and land leased by
DOD for Kawailoa Training Area. Phyllostegia hirsuta is usually found
on steep, shaded slopes in mesic to wet forests dominated by 'ohi'a or
a mixture of 'ohi'a and uluhe between 600 and 1,100 m (1,970 and 3,610
ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa include 'ala'a, kanawao, mamaki,
pilo, Hedyotis terminalis (manono), Myrsine lessertiana (kolea lau
nui), and native and alien ferns (HHP 1994v2, 1994v3, 1994v6, 1994v19,
1994v20, 1994v26 to 1994v36).
The primary threats to Phyllostegia hirsuta are habitat degradation
and/or destruction by feral pigs; potential impacts from military
activities; and competition with Christmas berry, huehue haole,
Koster's curse, lantana, prickly Florida blackberry, and strawberry
guava (HHP 1994v2, 1994v3, 1994v19, 1994v27, 1994v29 to 1994v31,
1994v34 to 1994v36).
Based upon a specimen collected in 1977 by John Obata, Gerald Carr,
and Daniel Palmer on Oahu, St. John (1987a) described Phyllostegia
kaalaensis,
[[Page 51407]]
naming it for Mt. Kaala where it was first collected. Publishing
deadlines did not allow the authors of the current treatment of the
family to review the more than 70 new species of Phyllostegia published
by St. John in 1987 (Wagner et al. 1990). Warren Wagner, however,
concurs that Phyllostegia kaalaensis is a valid, taxonomically distinct
species (Warren Wagner, Smithsonian Institution, pers. comm. 1994).
Phyllostegia kaalaensis, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae),
is an herb. The egg-shaped leaves are 5 to 13 cm (2 to 5 in) long.
Usually six flowers are arranged along a flowering stalk. The calyx is
glabrous and 5 mm (0.2 in) long. The hairless corolla tube is 11 mm
(0.4 in) long and the lower lip is 7 mm (0.3 in) long (St. John 1987a).
The species is distinguished from others of the genus by the spreading,
pointed teeth on the leaf edges and by the hairs along the margins of
the calyx and bracts (Wagner et al. 1990).
Phyllostegia kaalaensis has been known from only five scattered
populations in the Waianae Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1994w1 to 1994w6).
Fewer than 50 plants are known from 5 populations in Waianae Kai,
Pahole Gulch, Ekahanui Gulch, and Palikea Gulch. These populations
occur on State land, including Pahole and Mt. Kaala NARs and private
land, including TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve (HHP 1994w1 to 1994w6). This
species is found in mesic mixed (native/alien) forest or papala kepau-
Sapindus oahuensis (aulu) forest from 490 to 760 m (1,610 to 2,500 ft)
in elevation. Associated plant taxa include huehue haole, 'ie'ie,
opuhe, Claoxylon sandwicense (po'ola), and Hibiscus sp. (koki'o) (HHP
1994w2 to 1994w4, 1994w6).
Habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs; potential
fire; competition with the alien plants Christmas berry, huehue haole,
Koster's curse, and strawberry guava; and a risk of extinction from
naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor, due to
the small number of populations and individuals, are the major threats
to Phyllostegia kaalaensis (HHP 1994w3 to 1994w5; C. Russell, pers.
comm. 1994).
More than 75 years ago, Rock collected a specimen from a palm on
Mt. Kaala that he later named Pritchardia kaalae (Beccari and Rock
1921). Edward Caum (1930) later described Pritchardia kaalae var.
minima, which is not recognized in the current treatment of Hawaiian
members of the family (Read and Hodel 1990).
Pritchardia kaalae, a member of the palm family (Arecaceae), is a
single-stemmed palm up to 5 m (16 ft) tall. The waxy, hairless leaves
are thin and papery or thick and leathery. Sometimes small points,
dots, or linear, rusty scales are scattered on the lower leaf surface.
The flowering stalks are composed of one or more branches. The round
fruits are approximately 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter. Pritchardia kaalae
is distinguished from other members of the genus by the hairless or
scaly leaves (Read and Hodel 1990).
Historically Pritchardia kaalae was known from scattered
populations in the central and north-central Waianae Mountains of Oahu
(Beccari and Rock 1921, HHP 1994aa1 to 1994aa5). Currently 5
populations are known between the Waianae Kai-Haleauau summit divide
and the Makua-Keaau Ridge, totalling about 130 individuals. These
populations are located on State land, including Mt. Kaala NAR and land
leased to DOD for Makua Military Reservation, and on Federal land on
Schofield Barracks Military Reservation (HHP 1994aa1 to 1994aa5).
Pritchardia kaalae is typically found on steep slopes and gulches in
mesic forest or shrubland between elevations of 460 and 945 m (1,500
and 3,100 ft). Associated plant taxa include 'a'ali'i, kolea,
ko'oko'olau, mamaki, na'ena'e, 'ohi'a, Eragrostis sp. (kawelu), and
Tetraplasandra sp. ('ohe) (HHP 1994aa1, 1994aa2, 1994aa4, 1994aa5; Read
and Hodel 1990).
Habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats; fruit predation by
rats; potential impacts from military activities; the alien plants
Christmas berry, Maui pamakani, and prickly Florida blackberry;
potential fire; and a risk of extinction from naturally occurring
events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of
populations are major threats to Pritchardia kaalae (HHP 1994aa1,
1994aa4, 1994aa5; C. Russell, pers. comm. 1994).
In 1936, Hosaka collected a specimen of Schiedea kealiae on Oahu
that he named for Kealia where it was collected (Caum and Hosaka 1936).
Schiedea gregoriana is considered synonymous with S. kealiae by the
authors of the current treatment of the family (Degener 1936, Sherff
1945, Wagner et al. 1990).
Schiedea kealiae, a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is
a subshrub with weakly ascending to sprawling stems 0.2 to 0.5 m (0.7
to 1.6 ft) long that form loose clumps. The lower stems are smooth
while the upper stems and flowering stalk bear glands. The opposite
leaves, 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 4 in) long and 0.3 to 1.5 cm (0.1 to 0.6 in)
wide, are lance-shaped to elliptic lance-shaped and conspicuously
three-veined with a prominent midrib. The flowering stalk is 3 to 11 cm
(1.2 to 4.3 in) long, with numerous unisexual flowers in crowded
clusters. The green sepals of the male flowers are approximately 2.5 mm
(0.1 in) long. The sepals of the female flowers, 1.5 to 2.2 mm (0.06 to
0.09 in) long, are slightly shorter. The nectaries, about 0.5 to 1 mm
(0.02 to 0.04 in) long, are inconspicuous. The capsular fruit is 2 to
2.5 mm (0.08 to 0.1 in) long. The species is distinguished from others
of this endemic Hawaiian genus by the length of the sepals and
nectaries and the flowering stalk exclusively with stalkless glands
(Wagner et al. 1990).
Historically Schiedea kealiae was known from the northern Waianae
Mountains and one collection from the Palikea area, near the southern
end of the same mountain range (HHP 1994bb1 to 1994bb6). Currently 3
populations totalling between 300 and 500 plants are located on the
cliffs above Dillingham Airfield and Camp Erdman and at Kaena Point at
the northern end of the Waianae Mountains. These populations occur on
private land; State land, including land leased by DOD (Kaena Military
Reservation); and Federal land on Dillingham Military Reservation (HHP
1994bb1, 1994bb2, 1994bb4, 1994bb6; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994). Schiedea
kealiae is usually found on steep slopes and cliff faces at elevations
from 60 to 305 m (200 to 1,000 ft), in dry remnant Erythrina
sandwicensis (wiliwili) or aulu forest. Associated plant taxa include
alahe`e, ko`oko`olau, Leucaena leucocephala (koa haole), Myoporum
sandwicense (naio), and Sida fallax (`ilima) (HHP 1994bb1, 1994bb2,
1994bb4, 1994bb6; Wagner et al. 1990).
The major threats to Schiedea kealiae are competition with alien
plants (Christmas berry and koa haole) and a risk of extinction from
naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the
small number of existing populations. The Kaena Point population is
additionally threatened by naturally occurring rock slides and fire
(HHP 1994bb1, 1994bb2, 1994bb4, 1994bb6; C. Russell, pers. comm. 1994).
St. John (1982) described Trematolobelia singularis based on a
specimen collected by John Obata in 1974. This species has been
maintained in the most recent treatment of this endemic Hawaiian genus
(Lammers 1990). The specific epithet refers to the solitary flowering
stalk.
Trematolobelia singularis, a member of the bellflower family, is an
unbranched shrub with stems 0.6 to 1.5 m (2 to 5 ft) long. The long and
narrow
[[Page 51408]]
leaves are 10 to 18 cm (4 to 7 in) long and 1 to 1.8 cm (0.4 to 0.7 in)
wide. The unbranched, erect flowering stalk is 20 to 42 cm (8 to 16.5
in) long. The violet petals are about 5 cm (0.2 in) long and
collectively form a three-lobed tube. The largest lobe is curved
downward and the other two are bent backward, giving the appearance of
two lips. The capsules are almost round and contain numerous small,
wind-dispersed seeds. This species differs from others of this endemic
Hawaiian genus by the unbranched, erect flowering stalk (Lammers 1990).
Trematolobelia singularis has been reported only from the southern
Koolau Mountains (HHP 1994cc1 to 1994cc4). Approximately 165 plants are
known from three populations--Moanalua-Tripler Ridge summit to Puu
Keahiakahoe, Konahuanui, and Puu Lanipo. These populations are found on
private, City and County of Honolulu, State, and Federal land (Omega
Coast Guard Station) (HHP 1994cc1 to 1994cc4, Lammers 1990). This
species usually grows on steep, windswept cliff faces or slopes in
`ohi`a-uluhe lowland wet shrubland from 700 to 960 m (2,300 to 3,150
ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa include `akia, hapu`u, kanawao,
and na`ena`e pua melemele (HHP 1994cc1 to 1994cc3, Lammers 1990, Obata
1988, St. John 1982).
Habitat degradation by feral pigs, potential predation by rats,
competition with the aggressive alien plant Koster's curse, and a risk
of extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced
reproductive vigor due to the small number of extant populations are
serious threats to Trematolobelia singularis (HHP 1994cc1, 1994cc2,
1994cc4; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).
Forbes described Viola oahuensis in 1909, based on a specimen he
collected with Rock in the Koolau Mountains. This species has been
maintained in the most recent treatment of Hawaiian members of this
genus (Wagner et al. 1990).
Viola oahuensis, a member of the violet family (Violaceae), is
usually an erect, unbranched subshrub 6 to 40 cm (2.4 to 16 in) tall.
The papery-textured leaves are usually 3 to 12 cm (1.2 to 4.7 in) long,
2.5 to 5.8 cm (1 to 2.3 in) wide, and elliptic-egg-shaped to elliptic.
The leaf stalks are typically 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in) long. The
narrowly triangular stipules are usually 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in)
long, 3.5 to 6 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) wide, and have fringed edges. One to
two flowers are borne on stalks typically 25 to 60 mm (1 to 2.4 in)
long. The petals are pale yellow, the upper ones 8 to 13 mm (0.3 to 0.5
in) long, the lateral ones 10 to 13.5 mm (0.4 to 0.5 in) long, and the
lower one 12 to 16 mm (0.5 to 0.6 in) long. The capsules are 9 to 16 mm
(0.4 to 0.6 in) long. This species is distinguished from other Hawaiian
members of the genus by the stipule characters, the length of the leaf
stalks, and the length and papery texture of the leaves (Wagner et al.
1990).
Historically Viola oahuensis was known from 17 populations in the
Koolau Mountains of Oahu scattered over about a 37 km (23 mi) distance
from Puu Kainapuaa to Palolo (HHP 1994dd1 to 1994dd16; L. Mehrhoff,
pers. comm. 1994). The 8 extant populations, which total fewer than 180
individuals, are now found from the Kawainui-Koloa summit divide to the
Waimalu-Koolaupoko divide over a 20 km (12 mi) distance. These
populations are found on Federal land; State land, including land
leased by DOD for Kawailoa Training Area; City and County of Honolulu
land; and private land, including land leased by DOD for Kawailoa
Training Area (HHP 1994dd5, 1994dd9 to 1994dd13, 1994dd15, 1994dd16).
Further to the south, at the summit of Moanalua, a single plant last
seen alive in 1991 has since died (L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994).
Viola oahuensis is generally found on exposed, windswept ridges of
moderate to steep slope in wet `ohi`a-uluhe shrublands from 700 to 850
m (2,300 to 2,800 ft) elevation. This species typically grows among
wind-stunted na`ena`e pua melemele, `uki, Sadleria sp. (`ama`u), `ohi`a
ha, and Vaccinium sp. (`ohelo) (HHP 1994dd5, 1994dd9 to 1994dd16).
The primary threats to Viola oahuensis are habitat degradation and/
or destruction by feral pigs; potential impacts from military
activities; competition with Koster's curse, strawberry guava, Paspalum
conjugatum (Hilo grass), and Sacciolepis indica (Glenwood grass); and a
risk of extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced
reproductive vigor due to the small number of populations (HHP 1994dd5,
1994dd9, 1994dd12, 1994dd13).
Previous Federal Action
Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of
the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), which directed the
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on plants
considered to be endangered or threatened in the United States. This
report, designated as House Document No. 94-51, was presented to
Congress on January 9, 1975. Twelve of the 25 proposed taxa were
considered to be endangered in that document--Cyanea humboldtiana (as
Rollandia humboldtiana), Cyanea longiflora (as Rollandia sessilifolia),
Cyanea st.-johnii (as Rollandia st.-johnii), Cyrtandra dentata (also as
C. frederickii), Cyrtandra subumbellata (as C. subumbellata var.
intonsa), Delissea subcordata (as D. subcordata var. subcordata and
var. obtusifolia), Eragrostis fosbergii, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.
koolauensis (as L. gaudichaudii var. koolauensis), Melicope saint-
johnii (as Pelea saint-johnii var. elongata), Pritchardia kaalae (as P.
kaalae var. kaalae and var. minima), Schiedea kealiae, and Viola
oahuensis. Two of the 25 taxa were considered to be threatened--Lobelia
monostachya (as L. hillebrandii var. monostachya) and Phyllostegia
hirsuta (as P. hirsuta var. hirsuta and var. laxior). 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 intent 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. 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
two years old be withdrawn. A one-year grace period was given to
proposals already over two 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, along with four other proposals that had expired. The Service
published an updated notice of review for plants on December 15, 1980
(45 FR 82479), September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39525), February 21, 1990 (55
FR 6183), and September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144). Sixteen of the taxa in
this proposal (including synonymous taxa) have at one time or another
been considered Category 1 or Category 2 candidates for Federal
listing. Category
[[Page 51409]]
1 species are those for which the Service has on file substantial
information on biological vulnerability and threats to support
preparation of listing proposals but for which listing proposals have
not yet been published because they are precluded by other listing
activities. Category 2 species are those for which listing as
endangered or threatened is possibly appropriate, but for which
sufficient data on biological vulnerability and threats are not
currently available to support proposed rules. Cyanea humboldtiana (as
Rollandia humboldtiana), Cyanea longifolia (as Rollandia sessilifolia),
Cyanea st.-johnii (as Rollandia st.-johnii), Cyrtandra dentata (also as
C. frederickii), Cyrtandra subumbellata (as C. subumbellata var.
intonsa), Eragrostis fosbergii, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis
(as L. gaudichaudii var. koolauensis), Melicope saint-johnii (as Pelea
saint-johnii), and Viola oahuensis were considered Category 1 species
in the 1980 and 1985 notices of review. One taxon, Phyllostegia
hirsuta, was considered a Category 1 species in the 1980 notice and a
Category 2 species in the 1985 notice. Three taxa, Delissea subcordata
(as D. subcordata ssp. subcordata and ssp. obtusifolia), Pritchardia
kaalae (as P. kaalae var. kaalae and var. minima), and Schiedea
kealiae, were considered Category 3C taxa in the 1980 and 1985 notices.
Category 3C species are those that have proven to be more abundant or
widespread than previously believed and/or are not subject to any
identifiable threat. Lobelia monostachya (as Lobelia hillebrandii var.
monostachya) was considered a Category 1 species and Lepidium arbuscula
(misspelled as Lepidium arbusculum) was considered a Category 1*
species in the 1985 notice. Category 1* species are those which are
possibly extinct.
In the 1990 and 1993 notices, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Labordia
cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola
oahuensis were considered Category 2 species. Eragrostis fosbergii was
considered a Category 1* species in the 1990 notice, a category which
was redefined as 2* in the 1993 notice. Lobelia monostachya was
considered a Category 3A species in 1990. Category 3A species are those
for which the Service has persuasive evidence of extinction. Five
species, Cyanea humboldtiana (as Rollandia humboldtiana), Cyanea st.-
johnii (as Rollandia st.-johnii), Cyrtandra dentata, Melicope saint-
johnii, and Phyllostegia hirsuta, were considered more abundant than
previously thought and moved to Category 3C in the 1990 notice. In the
1990 notice, Rollandia sessilifolia was considered a Category 3B
species because it was merged with Cyanea longiflora (as Rollandia
longiflora), a taxon not considered to warrant listing. Category 3B
species are those that do not represent distinct taxa. Lobelia
gaudichaudii var. koolauensis was elevated to Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.
koolauensis and considered a Category 3B species in the 1990 notice.
Cyrtandra viridiflora and Myrsine juddii were considered Category 2
species in the 1993 notice. Since the 1993 notice, new information
suggests that the above Category 2, Category 3A, and Category 3C
species, as well as eight additional taxa (Chamaesyce herbstii,
Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea
longiflora, Gardenia mannii, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis, and
Phyllostegia kaalaensis), are sufficiently restricted in numbers and
distribution and imminently threatened and therefore warrant listing.
Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Secretary to make
findings on petitions that present substantial information indicating
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 taxa 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 finding was reviewed in October of 1984 through 1993.
Publication of the present proposal constitutes the final one-year
finding for these taxa.
Summary of Factors Affecting the Species
Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act and regulations (50 CFR
part 424) promulgated to implement the listing provisions of 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 the 25 taxa in this
proposed rule are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1.--Summary of Threats
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alien mammals
Species ------------------------------------ Alien Substrate Fire Human Insects Limited
Goats Pigs Rats plants loss impacts Nos.*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chamaesyce herbstii......................... .......... X .......... X......... .......... P .......... .......... X1
Chamaesyce rockii........................... .......... X .......... X......... .......... .......... P ..........
Cyanea acuminata............................ .......... X P X......... .......... .......... P .......... X3
Cyanea humboldtiana......................... .......... X P x......... .......... .......... X .......... X1
Cyanea koolauensis.......................... .......... X P X......... .......... .......... X .......... X3
Cyanea longiflora........................... .......... X P X......... .......... P P .......... X1
Cyanea st.-johnii........................... .......... X P X......... .......... .......... X......... .......... X1.3
Cyrtandra dentata........................... .......... .......... P X......... .......... P .......... .......... X1.3
Cyrtandra subumbellata...................... .......... .......... P X......... .......... P P .......... X1.3
Cyrtandra viridiflora....................... .......... X P X......... .......... .......... P .......... X1.2
Delissea subcordata......................... X X P X......... .......... P X .......... X3
Eragrostis fosbergii........................ X X .......... X......... .......... .......... X .......... X1.2
Gardenia mannii............................. .......... X .......... X......... .......... P P X X3
Labordia cyrtrandrae........................ .......... X .......... X......... .......... P P .......... X1.2
Lepidium arbuscula.......................... X .......... .......... X......... .......... P X ..........
Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis....... .......... X P X......... X .......... X .......... X1
Lobelia monostachya......................... .......... .......... X X......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X1.2
Melicope saint-johnii....................... X......... X .......... X......... .......... P .......... P
[[Page 51410]]
Myrsine juddii.............................. .......... X .......... X......... .......... .......... P .......... X1
Phyllostegia hirsuta........................ .......... X .......... X .......... P P .......... ..........
Phyllostegia kaalaensis..................... .......... X .......... X......... .......... P .......... .......... X1.3
Pritchardia kaalae.......................... X X X X......... .......... P P .......... X1
Schiedea kealiae............................ .......... .......... .......... X......... X P .......... .......... X1
Trematolobelia singularis................... .......... X P X......... .......... .......... .......... .......... X1
Viola oahuensis............................. .......... X .......... X......... .......... .......... P X1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key
X=Immediate and significant threat.
P=Potential threat.
*=No more than 100 individuals and/or no more than 5 populations.
1=No more than 5 populations.
2=No more than 10 individuals.
3=No more than 100 individuals.
The factors and their application to Chamaesyce herbstii W.L.
Wagner (`akoko), Chamaesyce rockii (C. Forbes) Croizat & Degener
(`akoko), Cyanea acuminata (Gaud.) Hillebr. (haha), Cyanea humboldtiana
(Gaud.) Lammers, Givnish & Sytsma (haha), Cyanea koolauensis Lammers,
Givnish & Sytsma (haha), Cyanea longiflora (Wawra) Lammers, Givnish &
Sytsma (haha), Cyanea st.-johnii (Hosaka) Lammers, Givnish & Sytsma
(haha), Cyrtandra dentata St. John & Storey (ha`iwale), Cyrtandra
subumbellata (Hillebr.) St. John & Storey (ha`iwale), Cyrtandra
viridiflora St. John & Storey (ha`iwale), Delissea subcordata Gaud.
(`oha), Eragrostis fosbergii Whitney (No common name (NCN)), Gardenia
mannii St. John & Kuykendall (nanu), Labordia cyrtandrae (Baill.) St.
John (kamakahala), Lepidium arbuscula Hillebr. (`anaunau), Lobelia
gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis (Hosaka & Fosb.) Lammers (NCN), Lobelia
monostachya (Rock) Lammers (NCN), Melicope saint-johnii (E. Hume) T.
Hartley & B. Stone (alani), Myrsine juddii Hosaka (kolea), Phyllostegia
hirsuta Benth. (NCN), Phyllostegia kaalaensis St. John (NCN),
Pritchardia kaalae Rock (loulu), Schiedea kealiae Caum & Hosaka (NCN),
Trematolobelia singularis St. John (NCN), and Viola oahuensis C. Forbes
(NCN) are as follows:
A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or
curtailment of its habitat or range. Native vegetation on Oahu has
undergone extreme alteration because of past and present land
management practices including ranching, deliberate alien animal and
plant introductions, agricultural development, military use, and
recreational use (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Wagner et al. 1985). The
primary threats facing the 25 plant taxa proposed for listing are
ongoing and threatened destruction and adverse modification of habitat
by feral animals and competition with alien plants (see Factor E).
Twenty-one of the 25 proposed taxa are variously threatened by
feral animals (see Table 1). Animals such as pigs (Sus scrofa) and
goats (Capra hircus) were introduced by the early Hawaiians (pigs) or
more recently by European settlers (goats) 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 (Cuddihy and Stone 1990).
Pigs, which were originally native to Europe, northern Africa, Asia
Minor, and Asia, were introduced into Hawaii by the Polynesians.
European pigs, introduced to Hawaii by Captain James Cook in 1778,
escaped domestication and invaded primarily wet and mesic forests and
grasslands of the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii.
The pigs introduced by the Polynesians were apparently smaller and less
destructive to native plants than the European pigs. In addition, it
appears that Polynesian pigs were maintained in domestication and were
not allowed to establish feral populations. 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). Pigs are a major vector in the spread of Psidium cattleianum
(strawberry guava) and Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry), and
enhance populations of Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry),
which threaten several of the proposed taxa (Cuddihy and Stone 1990,
Smith 1985, Stone 1985). Feral pigs also feed on the starchy interiors
of tree ferns (Cibotium sp.) and other succulent-stemmed plants (see
Factor C). Feral pigs pose an immediate threat to one or more
populations of 20 of the proposed taxa, including the only known
population of Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis (see Table 1) (HHP
1994c2, 1994c3, 1994d1 to 1994d5, 1994d7, 1994d8, 1994d11, 1994e1 to
1994e4, 1994e7, 1994e10 to 1994e12, 1994f1, 1994f2, 1994g1 to 1994g4,
1994g22, 1994h1, 1994h12 to 1994h14, 1994i7, 1994i10, 1994L5, 1994L6,
1994m20, 1994m22, 1994n3, 1994n5, 1994o1, 1994o13, 1994o35, 1994o37,
1994o38, 1994o43, 1994o44, 1994o46, 1994p14, 1994p16, 1994s1, 1994t3,
1994t4, 1994t13, 1994u2, 1994u3, 1994v27, 1994v29, 1994v30, 1994v34 to
1994v36, 1994w3 to 1994w5, 1994aa4, 1994cc1, 1994dd5, 1994dd12,
1994dd13, 1994ee; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994).
Goats, originally native to the Middle East and India, were
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, which may include the proposed taxa
(see Factor C), trample roots and seedlings, accelerate erosion, and
promote the invasion of alien plants (Stone 1985, van Riper and van
Riper 1982). On Oahu, the goat population in the Waianae Mountains area
is apparently increasing, becoming an even greater threat to the rare
plants that grow there (J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994).
[[Page 51411]]
One or more populations of five of the proposed taxa, including
Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, one of the largest
populations of Lepidium arbuscula, the largest population of Melicope
saint-johnii, and more than half of the individuals of Pritchardia
kaalae, are currently threatened by direct damage from feral goats,
such as trampling of plants and seedlings and erosion of substrate
(Culliney 1988; HHP 1994m20, 1994n5, 1994n6, 1994q5, 1994q8, 1994q9,
1994q11, 1994t14, 1994aa2, 1994aa4, 1994ee; Scott et al. 1986; van
Riper and van Riper 1982).
Habitat disturbance caused by human activities may pose a threat to
rare plant populations that grow on lands on which military training
exercises and ground maneuvers are occasionally conducted. However, as
most of the proposed taxa grow on moderate to steep slopes, ridges, and
gulches, habitat disturbance is probably restricted to foot and
helicopter traffic. Trampling by ground troops associated with training
activities, and construction, maintenance, and utilization of
helicopter landing and drop-off sites could affect populations of 14 of
the proposed taxa (Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea
koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra
viridiflora, Delissea subcordata, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae,
Lepidium arbuscula, Myrsine juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Pritchardia
kaalae, and Viola oahuensis) that occur on land leased or owned by the
U.S. Army (HHP 1994d2, 1994d4, 1994d5, 1994e2 to 1994e5, 1994e7, 1994g1
to 1994g3, 1994g22, 1994h12 to 1994h14, 1994k6, 1994L4, 1994L6, 1994L7,
1994m7, 1994m9 to 1994m11, 1994o1, 1994o2, 1994o4, 1994o13, 1994o18,
1994o37 to 1994o40, 1994o43, 1994o44, 1994p2, 1994p14 to 1994p16,
1994q7 to 1994q9, 1994u1 to 1994u3, 1994v2, 1994v19, 1994v26, 1994v30,
1994v32, 1994v33, 1994aa2, 1994aa5, 1994dd5, 1994dd9, 1994dd10,
1994dd12, 1994dd15, 1994dd16; Wagner et al. 1985).
B. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or
educational purposes. Overutilization is not a known factor, but
unrestricted collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes and
excessive visits by individuals interested in seeing rare plants could
seriously impact all of the proposed taxa, but especially Cyanea
koolauensis, C. st.-johnii, Eragrostis fosbergii, and Lobelia
gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis, which have populations close to trails
or roads and are thus easily accessible to collectors, and therefore
possibly threatened by overcollection, trampling, and/or road
maintenance (HHP 1994g22, 1994i9, 1994n3 to 1994n6; L. Mehrhoff, pers.
comm. 1994).
C. Disease and predation. Disease is not known to be a significant
threat to any of the proposed taxa. However, a tiny beetle, the black
twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus), is known to infest a wide variety
of common plant taxa, including Melicope in the Koolau Mountains (Davis
1970). The black twig borer burrows into branches, introduces a
pathogenic fungus as food for its larvae, and lays its eggs. Twigs,
branches, and even entire plants can be killed from an infestation. In
the Hawaiian Islands, the black twig borer has many hosts, disperses
easily, and is probably present at most elevations up to 670 m (2,500
ft) (Howarth 1985). In the Koolau Mountains, the black twig borer is
known to threaten the Kapakahi Gulch population of Gardenia mannii. The
black twig borer occurs throughout the Waianae Mountains and therefore
may pose a threat to all Melicope saint-johnii plants that occur there
(HHP 1994o41, 1994t1 to 1994t4, 1994t7, 1994t13, 1994t14; J. Lau, pers.
comm. 1994).
Of the ungulates introduced to Oahu, pigs are currently the most
significant modifiers of native forests (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Stone
1985). Not only do they destroy native vegetation through their rooting
activities and dispersal of alien plant seeds (see Factor A), but pigs
also feed on plants, preferring the pithy interior of large tree ferns
and fleshy-stemmed plants from the bellflower family (Stone 1985, Stone
and Loope 1987). Although there is no conclusive evidence of predation
on the eight members of the bellflower family included in this
proposal, none of them are known to be unpalatable to pigs. Pigs have
definitely eaten federally endangered Cyanea crispa plants immediately
adjacent to Cyanea acuminata plants. Predation is therefore a probable
threat to Cyanea acuminata, C. humboldtiana, C. koolauensis, C.
longiflora, C. st.-johnii, Delissea subcordata, Lobelia gaudichaudii
ssp. koolauensis, Lobelia monostachya, and Trematolobelia singularis in
areas where pigs have been reported (J. Lau and J. Yoshioka, pers.
comm. 1994).
Predation of Hawaii's native vegetation by goats and the extensive
damage caused by them have been well documented (Tomich 1986, van Riper
and van Riper 1982). Although there is no evidence of predation on
Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Lepidium arbuscula, Melicope
saint-johnii, and Pritchardia kaalae, all of which occur in areas where
goats have been reported, none of those plants are known to be
unpalatable. Direct predation by goats is therefore a possible threat
to those five taxa (HHP 1994m20, 1994n5, 1994n6, 1994q5, 1994q8,
1994q11, 1994t14, 1994aa2, 1994aa4, 1994ee).
Two rat species, the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the Polynesian
rat (Rattus exulans), and to a lesser extent other introduced rodents,
eat large, fleshy fruits and strip the bark of some native plants,
particularly fruits of the native palms (Pritchardia) and plants in the
bellflower and African violet families that have fleshy stems and
fruits (Cuddihy and Stone 1990; Tomich 1986; Wagner et al. 1985; J.
Lau, pers. comm. 1994). Rat predation on fruits threatens the largest
population of Pritchardia kaalae, as indicated by the lack of
reproduction and seedlings (HHP 1994aa2). Rat damage has also been
observed in the only known population of Lobelia monostachya (HHP
1994ff). It is possible that rats eat the fruits of 11 other proposed
taxa, all of which produce fleshy fruits and stems, and grow in areas
where rats occur--Cyanea acuminata, C. humboldtiana, C. koolauensis, C.
longiflora, C. st.-johnii, Cyrtandra dentata, C. subumbellata, C.
viridiflora, Delissea subcordata, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.
koolauensis, and Trematolobelia singularis (J. Lau and Joan Yoshioka,
pers. comms. 1994).
D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. Of the 25
proposed taxa, 20 have populations located on private land, 22 on State
land, 10 on City and County of Honolulu land, and 18 on land under
Federal jurisdiction. Of those under Federal jurisdiction, 14 taxa have
populations that occur on land owned by the Federal government and 15
have populations on land leased to the Federal government by State,
City and County of Honolulu, and/or private parties. While 22 of the
taxa occur in more than one of those 3 ownership categories, the other
3 taxa are restricted to a single category--Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.
koolauensis is found only on private land, Lobelia monostachya is found
only on State land, and Labordia cyrtandrae is found only on Federal
land.
There are no State laws or existing regulatory mechanisms at the
present time to protect or prevent further decline of these plants on
private land. However, Federal listing would automatically invoke
listing under Hawaii State law. Hawaii's Endangered Species Act states,
``Any species of aquatic life, wildlife, or land plant that has been
determined to be an endangered species pursuant to the
[[Page 51412]]
[Federal] Endangered Species Act shall be deemed to be an endangered
species under the provisions of this chapter * * *'' (Hawaii Revised
Statutes (HRS), sect. 195D-4(a)). The State law prohibits taking a
listed species on private and State lands and encourages conservation
by State government agencies. In addition, State regulations
specifically prohibit the removal, destruction, or damage of plants
found on State lands. However, the regulations are difficult to enforce
because of limited personnel.
Seven of the proposed taxa have one or more populations in NARs,
which have rules and regulations for the protection of resources (HRS,
sect. 195-5). Almost all populations of the 25 proposed taxa are
located on land classified within conservation districts and owned by
the State of Hawaii or private companies or individuals. Regardless of
the owner, lands in these districts, among other purposes, are regarded
as necessary for the protection of endemic biological resources and the
maintenance or enhancement of the conservation of natural resources.
Activities permitted in conservation districts must not be detrimental
to a multiple use conservation concept and shall conserve threatened or
endangered plants (HRS, sect. 205-2). Some uses, such as maintaining
animals for hunting, are based on policy decisions, while others, such
as preservation of endangered species, are mandated by both Federal and
State laws. Requests for amendments to district boundaries or variances
within existing classifications can be made by government agencies and
private landowners (HRS, sect. 205-4). Before decisions about these
requests are made, the impact of the proposed reclassification on
``preservation or maintenance of important natural systems or habitat''
(HRS, sects. 205-4, 205-17) as well as the maintenance of natural
resources is required to be taken into account (HRS, sects. 205-2, 205-
4). Before any proposed land use that will occur on State land, is
funded in part or whole by county or State funds, or will occur within
land classified as conservation district, an environmental assessment
is required to determine whether or not the environment will be
significantly affected (HRS, chapt. 343). If it is found that an action
will have a significant effect, preparation of a full Environmental
Impact Statement is required. Hawaii environmental policy, and thus
approval of land use, is required by law to safeguard ``* * * the
State's unique natural environmental characteristics * * *'' (HRS,
sect. 344-3(1)) and includes guidelines to ``protect endangered species
of individual plants and animals * * *'' (HRS, sect. 344-4(3)(A)).
Federal listing, because it automatically invokes State listing, would
also implement these other State regulations protecting the plants.
State laws relating to the conservation of biological resources
allow for the acquisition of land as well as the development and
implementation of programs concerning the conservation of biological
resources (HRS, sect. 195D-5(a)). The State also 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)). If listing were to occur,
funds for these activities could be made available under section 6 of
the Act (State Cooperative Agreements). The Hawaii Department of Land
and Natural Resources is mandated to initiate changes in conservation
district boundaries to include ``the habitat of rare native species of
flora and fauna within the conservation district'' (HRS, sect. 195D-
5.1).
Twenty-one of the proposed taxa are threatened by four plants
considered by the State of Hawaii to be noxious weeds--Ageratina
adenophora (Maui pamakani), Ageratina riparia (Hamakua pamakani),
Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), and Myrica faya (firetree). The State
has provisions and funding available for eradication and control of
noxious weeds on State and private land in conservation districts and
other areas (HRS, chapt. 152; Hawaii Department of Agriculture (DOA)
1981).
Listing of these 25 plant taxa would reinforce and supplement the
protection available under the State Act and other laws. The Federal
Act would offer additional protection to these 25 taxa because, if they
were to be listed as endangered or threatened, it would be a violation
of the Act for any person to remove, cut, dig up, damage, or destroy
any such plant in an area not under Federal jurisdiction in knowing
violation of State law or regulation or in the course of any violation
of a State criminal trespass law.
E. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued
existence. All of the 25 taxa being proposed for listing are threatened
by competition with 1 or more alien plant species (see Table 1). The
most significant of these appear to be Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse),
Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava), Schinus terebinthifolius
(Christmas berry), Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani), Ageratina
riparia (Hamakua pamakani), Passiflora suberosa (huehue haole), Rubus
argutus (prickly Florida blackberry), Lantana camara (lantana), and
Grevillea robusta (silk oak).
Koster's curse, a noxious shrub native to tropical America, is
found in mesic to wet forests on at least six islands in Hawaii (Almeda
1990, DOA 1981, Smith 1992). Koster's curse was first reported on Oahu
in 1941 and had spread through much of the Koolau Mountains by the
early 1960's. Koster's curse spread to the Waianae Mountains around
1970 and is now widespread throughout the southern half of that
mountain range. This noxious pest forms a dense understory, shading out
other plants and hindering plant regeneration, and is considered the
major alien plant threat in the Koolau Mountains (Cuddihy and Stone
1990). At present, Koster's curse threatens populations of 18 of the
proposed taxa--Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea
humboldtiana, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyanea st.-johnii,
Cyrtandra dentata, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra viridiflora,
Delissea subcordata, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lobelia
gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis, Myrsine juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta,
Phyllostegia kaalaensis, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola oahuensis
(HHP 1994d1 to 1994d5, 1994d7, 1994d8, 1994d11, 1994e1 to 1994e4,
1994e7, 1994e8, 1994e10 to 1994e12, 1994e20, 1994f1, 1994f2, 1994g1 to
1994g4, 1994g22, 1994h12 to 1994h14, 1994i7, 1994i9, 1994i10, 1994j6,
1994k6, 1994L4 to 1994L6, 1994m1, 1994o1, 1994o13, 1994o14, 1994o35,
1994o38 to 1994o40, 1994o42 to 1994o44, 1994o46, 1994p14, 1994s1,
1994u2, 1994u3, 1994v19, 1994v27, 1994v29, 1994v30, 1994w3, 1994cc2,
1994cc4, 1994dd9, 1994dd12, 1994dd13; Takeuchi & Shimabukuro (s.n.)
1987; Takeuchi (2410) 1985).
Strawberry guava, a tree native to tropical America, has become
widely naturalized on all of the main islands, forming dense stands
that exclude other plant species in disturbed areas (Cuddihy and Stone
1990). Strawberry guava grows primarily in mesic and wet habitats and
is dispersed mainly by feral pigs and fruit-eating birds (Smith 1985,
Wagner et al. 1990). Strawberry guava is considered to be one of the
greatest alien plant threats to Hawaiian rain forests and threatens
populations of 15 of the proposed taxa--Chamaesyce herbstii, Chamaesyce
rockii, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyrtandra dentata,
Cyrtandra viridiflora, Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii,
Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Myrsine
juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, and Viola
oahuensis (HHP 1994c2, 1994c3,
[[Page 51413]]
1994d5, 1994g1, 1994g5, 1994h1, 1994h12 to 1994h14, 1994j6, 1994L4 to
1994L6, 1994m7, 1994n4, 1994o1, 1994o13, 1994o37, 1994o38, 1994o44,
1994o46, 1994p15, 1994p16, 1994q7, 1994q11, 1994u2, 1994u3, 1994v27,
1994v36, 1994w3, 1994dd9, 1994dd12; Smith 1985).
Christmas berry, introduced to Hawaii before 1911, is a fast-
growing tree or shrub that invade mesic to wet lowland areas of the
major Hawaiian Islands (Wagner et al. 1990). Christmas berry is
distributed mainly by feral pigs and fruit-eating birds and forms dense
thickets that shade out and displace other plants (Cuddihy and Stone
1990, Smith 1985, Stone 1985). It is a pervasive threat in the Koolau
and Waianae Mountains and threatens one or more populations of
Chamaesyce herbstii, Cyanea acuminata, Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis
fosbergii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Lobelia
monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia
kaalaensis, Pritchardia kaalae, and Schiedea kealiae (HHP 1994c1,
1994c2, 1994c4, 1994e11, 1994m1, 1994m7, 1994n4, 1994p16, 1994q4,
1994q5, 1994q7, 1994q9 to 1994q11, 1994t3, 1994t4, 1994t13, 1994t14,
1994v19, 1994v31, 1994v34, 1994v35, 1994w3, 1994w4, 1994aa2, 1994bb4,
1994bb6, 1994ff).
Maui pamakani and Hamakua pamakani, both native to tropical
America, have naturalized in dry areas to wet forest on Oahu and four
other islands (Wagner et al. 1990). These two noxious weeds form dense
mats with other alien plants and prevent regeneration of native plants
(Anderson et al. 1992). Five of the proposed taxa in both Oahu mountain
ranges are threatened by competition with Maui pamakani and/or Hamakua
pamakani--Cyanea acuminata, Lepidium arbuscula, Lobelia monostachya,
Melicope saint-johnii, and Pritchardia kaalae (HHP 1994e1, 1994q5,
1994q9 to 1994q11, 1994t14, 1994aa2, 1994ff).
Huehue haole, a vine native to tropical America, is found in
dryland habitats and mesic forest on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii, where it
thrives in the subcanopy layers and smothers shrubs, small trees, and
the ground layer (Escobar 1990, Smith 1985, Wester 1992). Huehue haole
threatens one or more populations of four of the proposed taxa, all in
the Waianae Mountains--Chamaesyce herbstii, Melicope saint-johnii,
Phyllostegia hirsuta, and Phyllostegia kaalaensis (HHP 1994c1, 1994t3,
1994t4, 1994t13, 1994t14, 1994v31, 1994v34, 1994v35, 1994w3, 1994w4).
Prickly Florida blackberry was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands
in the late 1800's from the continental U.S. (Haselwood and Motter
1983). The fruits are easily spread by birds to open areas such as
disturbed mesic or wet forests, where the species forms dense,
impenetrable thickets (Smith 1985). In the Waianae Mountains,
populations of five of the proposed taxa are threatened by this noxious
weed--Cyanea longiflora, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae,
Phyllostegia hirsuta, and Pritchardia kaalae (HHP 1994h1, 1994o1,
1994p14, 1994p15, 1994v2, 1994v3, 1994aa5).
Lantana, native to the West Indies, is an aggressive, thicket-
forming shrub that produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of other
plant species. Lantana is now found on all of the main Hawaiian islands
in mesic forests, dry shrublands, and other dry, disturbed habitats
(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). In the
Waianae Mountains, lantana negatively affects populations of four of
the proposed taxa--Delissea subcordata, Lepidium arbuscula, Melicope
saint-johnii, and Phyllostegia hirsuta (HHP 1994q5, 1994q10, 1994t13,
1994v19, 1994v31; Takeuchi and Shimabukuro (s.n.) 1987).
Silk oak, native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, was
planted extensively in Hawaii for timber and is now naturalized on most
of the main islands (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). Silk oak
negatively affects populations of four of the proposed taxa that grow
exclusively in the Waianae Mountains--Chamaesyce herbstii, Eragrostis
fosbergii, Lepidium arbuscula, and Melicope saint-johnii (HHP 1994c1,
1994n4, 1994q10, 1994q11, 1994t14).
Kalanchoe pinnata (air plant) is an herb that occurs on all the
main islands except Niihau and Kahoolawe, especially in dry to mesic
areas (Wagner et al. 1990). Air plant poses a significant threat to the
only population of Lobelia monostachya (HHP 1994ff).
Leucaena leucocephala (koa haole), a naturalized shrub which is
sometimes the dominant species in low elevation, dry, disturbed areas
on all of the main Hawaiian islands, is a major threat to Schiedea
kealiae (Geesnick et al. 1990; HHP 1994bb1, 1994bb4, 1994bb6).
Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass), a perennial grass brought to
Hawaii for cattle fodder, is now naturalized in dry to mesic, disturbed
areas on most of the main Hawaiian Islands. The mats it forms smother
other plants and fuel more intense fires than would normally affect an
area (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, O'Connor 1990, Smith 1985). Molasses
grass threatens Lepidium arbuscula and the only known population of
Lobelia monostachya (HHP 1994q4, 1994q5, 1994q11, 1994ff).
Myrica faya (firetree), native to the Azores, Madeira, and the
Canary Islands, was introduced to Hawaii before 1900 for wine-making,
firewood, or as an ornamental. Firetree was planted in forest reserves
in the 1920's. By the mid-1980's, firetree had infested over 34,000
hectares (84,000 acres) throughout the State, with the largest
infestations on the island of Hawaii. It is now considered a noxious
weed (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, DOA 1981). Firetree can form a dense
stand with no ground cover beneath the canopy. This lack of ground
cover may be due to dense shading or to chemicals released by firetree
that prevent other species from growing. Firetree also fixes nitrogen
and increases nitrogen levels in Hawaii's typically nitrogen-poor
volcanic soils. This may encourage the invasion of alien plants that
would not otherwise be able to grow as well as native species in
Hawaii's low-nitrogen soils (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). Firetree
threatens Melicope saint-johnii and one of the largest populations of
Lepidium arbuscula (HHP 1994q11, 1994t14).
The perennial grass Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo grass) has become
naturalized in moist to wet, disturbed areas on most Hawaiian Islands.
It produces a dense ground cover, even on poor soil (Cuddihy and Stone
1990). Sacciolepis indica (Glenwood grass) is an annual or perennial
grass naturalized on five islands in Hawaii in open, wet areas (Wagner
et al. 1990). Hilo grass and Glenwood grass threaten the largest
population of Viola oahuensis (HHP 1994dd13).
Fire does not pose an immediate threat to the 25 proposed taxa,
although species that grow in dry and mesic shrubland and forest may be
susceptible to fire (see Table 1). Because Hawaii's native plants have
evolved with only infrequent naturally occurring episodes of fire (lava
flows, infrequent lightning strikes), most species are not adapted to
fire and are unable to recover well after recurring fires. Alien plants
are often more fire-adapted than native taxa and will quickly exploit
suitable habitat after a fire (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). Unintentionally
ignited fires have resulted from ordnance training practices in Makua
Military Reservation and Schofield Barracks Military Reservation and
from other military training practices in Kawailoa and Kahuku Training
Areas and pose a possible threat to the five proposed species that
occur on those military installations--Cyrtandra subumbellata, Delissea
subcordata, Gardenia mannii,
[[Page 51414]]
all known populations of Labordia cyrtandrae, and Pritchardia kaalae
(Environment Impact Study Corp. 1977; HHP 1993, 1994a, 1994b, 1994k2,
1994k5, 1994k6, 1994m7, 1994m9 to 1994m11, 1994o1, 1994o2, 1994o4,
1994o13, 1994o18, 1994o37 to 1994o40, 1994o43, 1994o44, 1994p2, 1994p14
to 1994p16, 1994aa2, 1994aa5; Yoshioka et al. 1991). Accidentally or
intentionally set fires in areas of habitation near the Lualualei Naval
Reservation and the Makua Military Reservation could easily spread and
pose a possible threat to more than half of the individuals of Lepidium
arbuscula that occur on both reservations and one population of
Melicope saint-johnii (HHP 1994q3, 1994q5, 1994q8, 1994q10, 1994q11,
1994t15; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994). Fire is also a potential threat to
Chamaesyce herbstii, Cyanea longiflora, Cyrtandra dentata, Phyllostegia
hirsuta, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, and Schiedea kealiae, which occur in
dry or mesic habitats with adequate conditions for the spread of fire,
at least seasonally (HHP 1994c1 to 1994c5, 1994h1, 1994h3, 1994h11,
1994j2, 1994j6, 1994j7, 1994v6, 1994v34 to 1994v36, 1994w2 to 1994w4,
1994w6, 1994bb3).
Erosion, landslides, and rockslides due to natural weathering
result in the death of individual plants as well as habitat
destruction. This especially affects the continued existence of taxa or
populations with limited numbers and/or narrow ranges on cliffs, such
as the only known population of Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis
and the Kaena Point population of Schiedea kealiae (HHP 1994bb3; L.
Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994).
People are more likely to come into contact with species that have
populations near trails or roads or in recreational areas. Alien plants
may be introduced into such areas as seeds on footwear, or people may
cause erosion, trample plants, or start fires (Cuddihy and Stone 1990).
The following proposed taxa have populations in recreational areas or
close to roads or trails and are potentially threatened by human
disturbance--Cyanea humboldtiana, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea st.-
johnii, Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Lepidium arbuscula,
and Lobelia gaudichaudii (HHP 1994f1, 1994g22, 1994i7, 1994i9, 1994i10,
1994n3 to 1994n6, 1994q4; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994).
The small number of populations and individuals of most of these
taxa increases the potential for extinction from naturally occurring
events. The small 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 extant
population. Two of the proposed plant taxa, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.
koolauensis and Lobelia monostachya, are known from a single
population. An additional 15 of the proposed taxa have 5 or fewer
populations. Twelve of the taxa are estimated to number no more than
100 individuals and 4 of those taxa (Cyrtandra viridiflora, Eragrostis
fosbergii, Labordia cyrtandrae, and Lobelia monostachya) are estimated
to number no more than 10 individuals (see Table 1).
The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and
future threats faced by these taxa in determining to propose this rule.
Based on this evaluation, this rulemaking proposes to list these 25
species as endangered--Chamaesyce herbstii, Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea
acuminata, Cyanea humboldtiana, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora,
Cyanea st.-johnii, Cyrtandra dentata, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra
viridiflora, Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Gardenia
mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Lobelia gaudichaudii
ssp. koolauensis, Lobelia monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, Myrsine
juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, Pritchardia
kaalae, Schiedea kealiae, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola
oahuensis. The 25 taxa are threatened by one or more of the following--
habitat degradation and/or predation by pigs, goats, and rats; insect
infestations; competition for space, light, water, and nutrients by
alien plants; habitat loss from fires; and human impacts from military
training practices and from recreational activities. Twenty-one of the
25 taxa either number no more than 100 individuals or are known from no
more than 5 populations. Small population size and limited distribution
make these taxa particularly vulnerable to extinction from reduced
reproductive vigor or from naturally occurring events. Because the 25
taxa 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 25 taxa appears warranted.
Critical habitat is not being proposed for the 25 taxa included in
this rule for reasons discussed in the ``Critical Habitat'' section of
this proposal.
Critical Habitat
Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as--(i) the
specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at
the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found
those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation
of the species and (II) that may require special management
consideration or protection; and (ii) specific areas outside the
geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon
a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of
the species. ``Conservation'' means the use of all methods and
procedures needed to bring the species to the point at which listing
under the Act is no longer necessary.
Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing
regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent
and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time
the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. The Service
finds that designation of critical habitat is not prudent for the 25
taxa proposed in this rule. Service regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1))
state that designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or
both of the following situations exist--(1) The species is threatened
by taking or other human activity, and identification of critical
habitat can be expected to increase the degree of threat to the
species, or (2) such designation of critical habitat would not be
beneficial to the species. The Service finds that designation of
critical habitat is not presently prudent for these 25 taxa. As
discussed under Factor B, these taxa are potentially threatened by
overcollection due to their low population size. The publication of
precise maps and descriptions of critical habitat in the Federal
Register and local newspapers as required in a proposal for critical
habitat would increase the degree of threat to these plants from take
or vandalism and, therefore, could contribute to their decline. The
listing of these taxa as endangered 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 of the location of these taxa.
Additional protection of the habitat of these taxa will be addressed
through the recovery process and through the Section 7 consultation
process. The Service finds that designation of critical habitat for
these 25 taxa is not prudent at this time. Such a designation would
increase the degree of threat from vandalism, collecting, or other
human activities and
[[Page 51415]]
is unlikely to aid in the conservation of these taxa.
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. Recognition through listing results in
public awareness and conservation actions by Federal, State, and local
agencies, private organizations, and individuals. The Act provides for
possible land acquisition and cooperation with the State and requires
that recovery plans be developed for listed species. The protection
required of 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)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to
confer informally with the Service on any action that is likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of a species proposed for listing or
result in destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical
habitat. If a species is listed subsequently, 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 the
species or 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 formal consultation with the
Service.
Eighteen of the proposed taxa occur on land under Federal
jurisdiction, including the following agencies--U.S. Army, U.S. Navy,
and U.S. Coast Guard. Of those, 15 taxa are found on federally owned
land and 14 taxa occur on land leased by the Federal government from
the State, City and County of Honolulu, and private parties. Activities
carried out by the U.S. Army include ordnance training practices,
ground troop training activities, and construction, maintenance, and
utilization of helicopter landing and drop-off sites. The Army is
coordinating with TNCH to develop management plans for Schofield
Barracks Military Reservation, Kawailoa Training Area, and Kahuku
Training Area to limit the impact of these activities on endangered
species and their habitats. Twelve of the 25 proposed taxa occur within
an area that is being considered for inclusion in the proposed Oahu
Forest National Wildlife Refuge. One of the taxa, Myrsine juddii, which
is found only on land leased by DOD for Kawailoa Training Area, would
fall within the planned refuge.
The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of
general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered
plants. 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, transport in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of
a commercial activity, sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign
commerce, or remove and reduce the species to possession from areas
under Federal jurisdiction. In addition, for plants listed as
endangered, the Act prohibits the malicious damage or destruction on
areas under Federal jurisdiction and the removal, cutting, digging up,
or damaging or destroying of such plants in knowing violation of any
State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. Certain
exceptions to the prohibitions apply to agents of the Service and State
conservation agencies.
The Act and 50 CFR 17.62 provide for the issuance of permits to
carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving endangered plant
species under certain circumstances. Such permits are available for
scientific purposes and to enhance the propagation or survival of the
species. It is anticipated that few permits would ever be sought or
issued because these 25 taxa are not common in cultivation or in the
wild. Requests for copies of the regulations concerning listed plants
and inquiries regarding prohibitions and permits may be addressed to
the Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Permits Branch, 911
N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (telephone: 503/231-6241;
facsimile: 503/231-6243).
Public Comments Solicited
The Service intends that any final action resulting from this
proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore,
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested
party concerning this proposed rule are hereby solicited. Comments
particularly are sought concerning:
(1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning
any threat (or lack thereof) to these 25 taxa;
(2) The location of any additional populations of these taxa and
the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be
critical habitat as provided by section 4 of the Act;
(3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and
population size of these taxa; and
(4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their
possible impacts on these taxa.
The final decision on this proposal will take into consideration
the comments and any additional information received by the Service,
and such communications may lead to a final regulation that differs
from this proposal.
The Endangered Species Act provides for one or more public hearings
on this proposal, if requested. Requests must be received within 45
days of the date of publication of the proposal in the Federal
Register. Such requests must be made in writing and addressed to the
Pacific Islands Ecoregion Manager (see ADDRESSES section).
National Environmental Policy Act
The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that Environmental
Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements, 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 Ecoregion (see ADDRESSES section).
Author
The author of this proposed rule is Marie M. Bruegmann, Pacific
Islands Ecoregion Office (see ADDRESSES section). Substantial data were
contributed by the Hawaii Heritage Program.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.
Proposed Regulation Promulgation
Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes to amend part 17,
subchapter
[[Page 51416]]
B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 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 FLOWERING PLANTS, to the List of Endangered
and Threatened Plants to read as follows:
Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species
---------------------------------- Historic range Family Status When Critical Special
Scientific name Common name listed habitat rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flowering Plants
* * * * * *
*
Chamaesyce `Akoko......... U.S.A. (HI).... Euphorbiaceae-- E ......... NA NA
herbstii. Spurge.
* * * * * *
*
Chamaesyce `Akoko......... U.S.A. (HI).... Euphorbiaceae-- E ......... NA NA
rockii. Spurge.
* * * * * *
*
Cyanea acuminata Haha........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E ......... NA NA
Bellflower.
* * * * * *
*
Cyanea Haha........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E ......... NA NA
humboldtiana. Bellflower.
* * * * * *
*
Cyanea Haha........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E ......... NA NA
koolauensis. Bellflower.
* * * * * *
*
Cyanea Haha........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E ......... NA NA
longiflora. Bellflower.
* * * * * *
*
Cyanea st.- Haha........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E ......... NA NA
johnii. Bellflower.
* * * * * *
*
Cyrtandra Ha`iwale....... U.S.A. (HI).... Gesneriaceae--A E ......... NA NA
dentata. frican violet.
* * * * * *
*
Cyrtandra Ha`iwale....... U.S.A. (HI).... Gesneriaceae--A E ......... NA NA
subumbellata. frican violet.
* * * * * *
*
Cyrtandra Ha`iwale....... U.S.A. (HI).... Gesneriaceae--A E ......... NA NA
viridiflora. frican violet.
* * * * * *
*
Delissea `Oha........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E ......... NA NA
subcordata. Bellflower.
* * * * * *
*
Eragrostis None........... U.S.A. (HI).... Poaceae--Grass. E ......... NA NA
fosbergii.
* * * * * *
*
Gardenia mannii. Nanu........... U.S.A. (HI).... Rubiaceae--Coff E ......... NA NA
ee.
* * * * * *
*
Labordia Kamakahala..... U.S.A. (HI).... Loganiaceae--Lo E ......... NA NA
cyrtandrae. gania.
* * * * * *
*
Lepidium `Anaunau....... U.S.A. (HI).... Brassicaceae--M E ......... NA NA
arbuscula. ustard.
[[Page 51417]]
* * * * * *
*
Lobelia None........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E NA ......... NA
gaudichaudii Bellflower.
ssp.
koolauensis.
* * * * * *
*
Lobelia None........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E ......... NA NA
monostachya. Bellflower.
* * * * * *
*
Melicope saint- Alani.......... U.S.A. (HI).... Rutaceae--Rue.. E ......... NA NA
johnii.
* * * * * *
*
Myrsine juddii.. Kolea.......... U.S.A. (HI).... Myrsinaceae--My E ......... NA NA
rsine.
* * * * * *
*
Phyllostegia None........... U.S.A. (HI).... Lamiaceae--Mint E ......... NA NA
hirsuta.
* * * * * *
*
Phyllostegia None........... U.S.A. (HI).... Lamiaceae--Mint E ......... NA NA
kaalaensis.
* * * * * *
*
Pritchardia Loulu.......... U.S.A. (HI).... Arecaceae--Palm E ......... NA NA
kaalae.
* * * * * *
*
Schiedea kealiae None........... U.S.A. (HI).... Caryophyllaceae E ......... NA NA
-Pink.
* * * * * *
*
Trematolobelia None........... U.S.A. (HI).... Campanulaceae-- E ......... NA NA
singularis. Bellflower.
* * * * * *
*
Viola oahuensis. None........... U.S.A. (HI).... Violaceae--Viol E ......... NA NA
et.
* * * * * *
*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: September 20, 1995.
John G. Rogers,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 95-24336 Filed 9-29-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P