Ko'oloa 'ula
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| Abutilon menziesii | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Abutilon |
| Species: |
A. menziesii
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| Binomial name | |
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Abutilon menziesii | |
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Abutilon menziesii, known as Koʻoloaʻula in Hawaiian, is an endangered species of flowering shrub in the mallow family, Malvaceae, that is endemic to Hawaii. It is a sprawling shrub that can reach up to 10 feet in height. The leaves, which range from an inch in width to about five inches, vary in their shapes. They have a velvety feel to them. The small hibiscus-shaped flowers generally hang downward. Though charming up close, the flowers can be hidden by the much larger leaves and not often visible at a distance. Although the Hawaiian name ʻula refers to the more commonly seen red color, koʻoloa ʻula flowers are known in a range of colors: pink, pink and white, pale red, maroon, deep purplish-red (wine), salmon, and blond or butter. The center or staminal column is yellowish.[2][3]
The plant is typically propagated by seeds. The seed capsules are pale brown, fuzzy, and about 3/8" long, typically containing 18-24 small, dark brown seeds.[4]
It inhabits dry forests on the islands of Lānaʻi, Maui, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi.[5] It is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List; only about 450–500 plants remain in fewer than ten naturally occurring populations throughout the islands.[3] The rarity of this plant can be attributed to the alteration of its habitat for agricultural and urban development, overgrazing by livestock and feral animals, and competition from invasive weeds. A conservation plan is being implemented by federal and state agencies to protect remaining habitat, establish new populations, and conserve genetic material in seed banks and botanical gardens.[6]
References
- ^ Bruegmann, M.; Caraway, V.L. (2003). "Abutilon menziesii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2003: e.T44060A10847191. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2003.RLTS.T44060A10847191.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Abutilon menziesii". Native Plants Hawaii. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
- ^ a b "The Critically Endangered Abutilon Menziesii (Ko'oloa'ula) Plant: Endemic to Hawaii and Declining". Owlcation. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
- ^ "Abutilon menziesii (Ko'oloa 'ula)". www.ctahr.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2021-03-17.
- ^ "Abutilon menziesii". Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
- ^ "Habitat Conservation Plan for Abutilon mensiesii". Wildlife Programs. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
External links
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Media related to Abutilon menziesii at Wikimedia Commons -
Data related to Abutilon menziesii at Wikispecies - United States Botanic Garden
- Abutilon menziesii information from the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR)
- Barboza, Rick (2006-08-04). "Flowers make shrub stand out". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. 11 (216).
- "Abutilon menziesii". Meet the Plants. National Tropical Botanical Garden. Archived from the original on 2010-06-13.
- "Abutilon menziesii". Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
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