Lipochaeta lobata
| Lipochaeta lobata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Heliantheae |
| Genus: | Lipochaeta |
| Species: | L. lobata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lipochaeta lobata | |
Lipochaeta lobata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, also known by the common name shrubland nehe. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it can be found in coastal dry shrublands and dry forests[2] on Oʻahu, Maui, and Niʻihau.[1]
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Lipochaeta
- Species: Lipochaeta lobata
- Authority: (Gaudich.) DC., first described in 1836.[3]
The genus Lipochaeta comprises around 20 species, all native to Hawaii, reflecting the high level of plant diversification on the islands. There are two varieties of this Lipochaeta lobata.[1]
- Lipochaeta lobata var. leptophylla is listed as an endangered species in the United States.[4]
- Lipochaeta lobata var. lobata.[1][3]
Habitat
The species is native to the Hawaiian Islands, where it occurs mainly on:
- O'hau
- Maui
- Ni'ihau
Typical habitats include coastal dry shrublands, dry forests, rocky slopes, and open landscapes with high sunlight.[5] The endangered variety (var. leptophylla) occurs mainly in dry shrubland habitats elevated at around 457-610 m (1500-2000 ft).
Conservation Status
Conservation efforts to preserve var. leptophylla include its federal listing as endangered in the United States[6]. Threats to its safety include:
- Habitat destruction.
- Competition with invasive species.
- Grazing and disturbance by feral animals.
- Fire and human activity.[6]
Cultural Significance
Plants of the genus Lipochaeta have historical significance in Hawaii. Yellow or brightly colored flowers, such as the ones on nehe, were used historically in lei making, a traditional Hawaiian floral craft.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d "Lipochaeta lobata - (Gaud.) DC. Nehe". NatureServe Explorer. NatureServe. Retrieved 2013-05-15.
- ^ "Lipochaeta lobata Nehe". Oahu Planting Guide. Board of Water Supply City and County of Honolulu. Archived from the original on 2012-11-06. Retrieved 2013-05-15.
- ^ a b "Plants of Hawai'i | Bishop Museum". www.plantsofhawaii.org. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
- ^ USFWS. L. lobata var. leptophylla Species Profile. Listed Plants.
- ^ a b "Nehe (Lipochaeta lobata var. leptophylla) | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
- ^ a b "Centralized Library of Servicewide Policies & Guidance | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service". www.fws.gov. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
External links
Media related to Lipochaeta lobata at Wikimedia Commons Data related to Lipochaeta lobata at Wikispecies