Ischaemum byrone, commonly known as Hilo murainagrass or Hilo ischaemum, is a species of grass native to the Pacific Islands, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawaiian Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Society Islands, Tonga, Tubuai Islands, and Wallis and Futuna. In Hawaii it is found on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii but has unfortunately been extirpated from Oahu, where it was once known to grow.I. byrone. The Nature Conservancy. There are perhaps 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants remaining in total.
This grass is perennial, spreading via stolons, with stems reaching up to in maximum height. It usually grows at the coastline, often in cracks in the lava cliffs.I. byrone. Colorado State.
On the island of Hawaii, there are at least four populations and perhaps more scattered occurrences. At least one large occurrence has been recently destroyed by a lava flow at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.USFWS. I. byrone Five-year Review. August 2010. There are at least five occurrences on Kauai and six on Maui with up to several thousand plants existing. On Molokai, a 1994 count estimated about 1000 individuals.
Threats to this species include volcanism, development, trampling, non-native plants, fire, and off-road vehicles.
References
External links USDA Plants Profile