State celebrates rediscoveries of rare plants across islands

April designated Native Hawaiian Plant Month

The Maui News

On Maui, a sedge known as Cyperus prescottianus that had not been seen for more than 100 years was rediscovered along a West Maui stream bank. On Kauai, botanists rappelling in Waimea Canyon found a small shrub, Silene lanceolata, also thought to be extinct.

They were among several plant species that were previously thought extinct until they were rediscovered through field surveys last year, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. This month, the state is celebrating the roughly 1,400 native plants that make Hawaii special, as well as the work of the rare plant biologists who manage more than 420 endangered plant species statewide, as part of Native Hawaiian Plant Month.

Recently, an annual report detailing a series of rediscoveries and rebounds in rare plant populations across the archipelago was released by the Plant Extinction Prevention Program, a collaboration of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the University of Hawaii and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In addition to the plant species rediscovered through field surveys, other species that have been present in low numbers saw their populations rebound over the past year, with staff either transplanting seedlings or finding new individuals that germinated on their own, according to DLNR. Rebounding species included three extremely rare Cyanea species, found respectively on Kauai, Molokai and Hawaii island; the coastal shrub naupaka papa on Molokai; and uhiuhi on Lanai.

The report also highlighted growing threats to native plants across Hawaii, including wildlife and the expanding population of the coconut rhinoceros beetle on Oahu. Work is now underway to collect seeds from five native species of loulu in order to safeguard the species from potential impacts by the invasive beetle, DLNR said.

"These plants are part of what makes Hawai'i a special place," Matt Keir, Rare Plant Program coordinator for DLNR, said in a news release Wednesday. "For Hawai'i to thrive, its native plant species have to thrive.

"We're thrilled that our teams saw successes over the past year, and that we as a community can celebrate these species for Native Hawaiian Plant Month."

To view the Rare Plant Program's 2022 highlights, visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2023/02/Rare-Plant-Program-Highlights-2022_FINAL.pdf.