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Polyscias flynnii

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Polyscias flynnii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Polyscias
Species:
P. flynnii
Binomial name
Polyscias flynnii
(Lowry & K.R. Wood) Lowry & G. M. Plunkett
Synonyms[1][2]

Tetraplasandra flynnii Lowry & K.R. Wood

Polyscias flynnii (known by the common names Flynn's ʻOhe[4] and ʻOheʻohe) is a plant species endemic to the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is rare, found only in one population covering about 1 km2 in the Kalalau Valley. It is regarded as threatened.[5] It is threatened by feral goats and non-native plant species in its habitat. It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010.[3]

This plant was first discovered in 1988 and described to science as a new species in 2000.[6] There are only five individuals known to exist.[7]

Polyscias flynnii is a tree up to 9 m tall. Leaves are pinnately compound, up to 60 cm long, with reddish-brown hairs on the underside but not on the upper side. Inflorescence is a panicle or umbel hanging from the axils of the leaves, with 10-15 flowers. Flowers are yellow-green, some hermaphroditic (both male and female) but others on the same plant staminate (male only).[6][8]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Tropicos
  2. ^ The Plant List
  3. ^ a b Tetraplasandra flynnii. The Nature Conservancy.
  4. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "​Tetraplasandra flynii​". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  5. ^ Lowry, P.P., & G.M. Plunkett. 2010. Plant Diversity and Evolution 128: 74.
  6. ^ a b Lowry, P. P. and K. R. Wood. (2000). A new, threatened species of Tetraplasandra (Araliaceae) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands, and notes on its conservation status. Novon 10(1) 40-44.
  7. ^ USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010.
  8. ^ photo of isotype at Missouri Botanical Garden