Geniostoma helleri, the Nā Pali coast labordia or Heller's labordia, is a rare species of flowering plant in the Loganiaceae family. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is found only on Kauai. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. Like other labordias, this plant is known as Kamakahala.USFWS. Species List: Endangered Plants.
This is a shrub growing up to 4.5 meters tall. It may have climbing stems. The inflorescence is a cyme of 3 to 9 white or greenish yellow flowers.Labordia helleri. The Nature Conservancy.
This species was once found throughout Kauai, but today there are only 10 populations totalling no more than 550 plants.USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010. Most are within the Nā Pali Kona Forest Reserve and Kuia Natural Area Reserve.
This plant is threatened by feral ungulates, such as wild boars, which damage habitat by causing erosion. The habitat is also experiencing the introduction of invasive species of plants.
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