Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for 11 Plant Species From the Koolau Mountain Range, Island of Oahu, HI

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines

endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as

amended (Act), for 11 plant species: Chamaesyce deppeana ('akoko);

Cyanea truncata (haha); Cyrtandra crenata (ha'iwale); Cyrtandra

polyantha (ha'iwale); Eugenia koolauensis (nioi); Hesperomannia

arborescens (no common name (NCN)); Lobelia oahuensis (NCN); Lycopodium

nutans (wawae'iole); Melicope lydgatei (alani); Rollandia crispa (NCN);

and Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa ('ohe'ohe). All but five of the taxa are

or were endemic to the Koolau Mountain Range on the island of Oahu,

Hawaiian Islands; the exceptions are or were found on the islands of

Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and/or in the Waianae Mountains of Oahu,

as well as the Koolau Mountains. The 11 plant taxa and their habitats

have been variously affected or are currently threatened by one or more

of the following: Habitat degradation by trampling and/or predation by

wild, feral, or domestic animals (pigs, goats, cattle, rats, slugs);

competition for space, light, water, and nutrients by naturalized,

introduced vegetation; habitat loss from fires; trampling due to

military training exercises; and recreational activities. Due to the

small number of existing individuals and their very narrow

distributions, these taxa are subject to a danger of extinction from

stochastic events and/or from reduced reproductive vigor. This final

rule implements the Federal protection provisions provided by the Act.

DATES: This rule takes effect April 27, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this final rule is available for

public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands Office, 300 Ala Moana

Boulevard, room 6307, P.O. Box 50167, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert P. Smith, at the above address

(808/541-2749).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Chamaesyce deppeana, Cyanea truncata, Cyrtandra crenata, Cyrtandra

polyantha, Eugenia koolauensis, Hesperomannia arborescens, Lobelia

oahuensis, Lycopodium nutans, Melicope lydgatei, Rollandia crispa, and

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa are either endemic to or have their largest

or best known populations in the Koolau Mountain Range on the eastern

side of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Five of these taxa are or were

known from regions other than the Koolau Mountains. Eugenia koolauensis

was historically known from the island of Molokai. Hesperomannia

arborescens is known also from the islands of Molokai and Maui. It is

extirpated on the island of Lanai. Lycopodium nutans once grew on the

island of Kauai but is now found only in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu.

Lobelia oahuensis and Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa are restricted to the

island of Oahu, including the Koolau Mountains and one population of

each species in the Waianae Mountains.

The island of Oahu was formed from the remnants of two large shield

volcanoes, the younger Koolau volcano on the east and the older Waianae

volcano to the west (Department of Geography 1983). Their original

shield volcano shape has been lost as a result of extensive erosion,

and today these volcanoes are called mountains or ranges, and consist

of long, narrow ridges. The Koolau Mountains were built by eruptions

that took place primarily along a northwest-trending rift zone

(Macdonald et al. 1983) and formed a range now approximately 37 miles

(mi) (60 kilometers (km)) long (Foote et al. 1972). Median annual

rainfall for the Koolau Mountains varies from 50 to 250 inches (in)

(130 to 640 centimeters (cm)), most of which is received at higher

elevations along the entire length of the windward (northeastern) side

(Taliaferro 1959).

The vegetation communities of the Koolau Mountains, especially in

the upper elevations to which many of the 11 plant taxa are restricted,

are primarily lowland mesic and wet forests dominated by Metrosideros

polymorpha ('ohi'a) and/or other tree or fern taxa. Much of the Koolau

Mountain Range is vegetated with alien plant taxa. Most of the

remaining native vegetation is restricted to steep valley headwalls and

inaccessible summit ridges. The windswept ridges are very steep and are

characterized by grasses, ferns, and low-growing, stunted shrubs (Gagne

and Cuddihy 1990).

The land that supports these 11 plant taxa is owned by the City and

County of Honolulu, the State of Hawaii (including land classified as

natural area reserve and forest reserve), the Federal government, and

various private parties. Plants on Federal land are located on the

boundary of Schofield Barracks Military Reservation, under the

jurisdiction of the U.S. Army, and Lualualei Naval Reserve, under the

jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy. Populations of five taxa grow on land

leased by the U.S. Army from private parties and the State.

Discussion of the 11 Plant Taxa

P.E. Boissier (1862) described Euphorbia deppeana based on a 1835

collection by Ferdinand Deppe that had been erroneously labelled as

being from California (Millspaugh 1916; Sherff 1941, 1944). Otto and

Isa Degener and Leon Croizat accepted the elevation of the section

Chamaesyce to the generic level and published the necessary

combinations for the Hawaiian taxa (Croizat 1943; Degener and Croizat

1936a, 1936b, 1937; Koutnik 1987; Koutnik and Huft 1990). Other names

by which Chamaesyce deppeana has been known are Anisophyllum

californicum (Koutnik 1987), Chamaesyce festiva (Degener and Croizat

1936b), Euphorbia festiva (Sherff 1936), and E. pauciflora (Koutnik and

Huft 1990).

Chamaesyce deppeana, a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae),

is an erect subshrub up to 4 feet (ft) (1.2 meters (m)) tall with fuzzy

branches. The hairless leaves, generally oval-shaped and often notched

at their tips, are between 0.2 and 0.8 in (5 and 20 millimeters (mm))

long and 0.2 and 0.5 in (5 and 12 mm) wide; they are arranged in two

opposite rows along the stem. The leaf margins are usually toothed,

rarely toothless. The small, petalless flower clusters (cyathia), 0.06

to 0.1 in (1.5 to 3 mm) wide, are borne singly in the leaf axils (point

between the stem and leaf stalk) and produce small capsules about 0.1

in (2 mm) long. Seeds have not been observed. This species is

distinguished from others in the genus by the following combination of

characters: leaves arranged in two rows on opposite sides of the

branches; leaves glabrous; leaf apex notched; leaf margin toothed; and

cyathia width (Boissier 1862, Koutnik and Huft 1990, Sherff 1936).

Historically, Chamaesyce deppeana was known only from southern

Oahu. Because the few collections that were made were collected prior

to the 20th century, it was thought to be extinct (Koutnik and Huft

1990). In 1986, Joel Lau and Sam Gon of The Nature Conservancy of

Hawaii (TNCH) rediscovered C. deppeana on State land in the southern

Koolau Mountains of Oahu in Nuuanu Pali Wayside State Park near the

Pali Lookout, a popular tourist attraction (Hawaii Heritage Program

(HHP) 1991a). About 50 to 100 individuals grow near there, with such

plant taxa as 'ohi'a, Bidens sandvicensis (ko'oko'olau), Casuarina

equisetifolia (common ironwood), and Phyllanthus distichus (pamakani

mahu) (Hawaii Plant Conservation Center (HPCC) 1990a; Joel Lau, TNCH,

John Obata and Steve Perlman, HPCC, pers. comms., 1991). The most

visible and accessible plants, comprising about 30 percent of the

population, are confined to a 200 square foot (sq ft) (20 sq m) area,

portions of which extend to within 15 ft (5 m) of the Pali Lookout

parking lot (HHP 1991a). The remaining plants are scattered on an

adjacent steep, exposed, windswept slope growing with grasses and

shrubs (HHP 1991a; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1991). This population is found

at an elevation of approximately 1,000 ft (300 m) (Center for Plant

Conservation (CPC) 1989b, HHP 1991a, HPCC 1990a, Koutnik and Huft

1990). The major threats to the single known population of Chamaesyce

deppeana are competition for water, space, light, and nutrients with

various alien plant taxa (common ironwood, Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo

grass), and Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry)), and stochastic

extinction due to the limited number of individuals and restricted

range. Fire and impact by humans threaten the species as well.

Cyanea truncata was first collected on the Punaluu Valley Trail in

1911 by Joseph Rock and was placed by him in the genus Rollandia (Rock

1913). On further examination, Rock (1917) transferred the species to

the closely related genus Cyanea because of its free staminal column.

Charles N. Forbes (1916) described and named a specimen from Waiahole

Valley C. juddii, which Rock later reduced to synonymy under C.

truncata (Rock 1919). Harold St. John (1939) recognized this taxon at

the varietal level and published the combination C. truncata var.

juddii. In 1987, St. John, questioning the validity of the characters

used to delineate the genus Cyanea, transferred all taxa of Cyanea to

another closely related genus, Delissea (St. John 1987, St. John and

Takeuchi 1987). Few botanists have accepted St. John's taxonomy for

this group; the majority continue to recognize the genus Cyanea, and

the latest revision of the genus recognizes only C. truncata (Lammers

1990). The specific epithet refers to the plant's occasionally truncate

leaf base.

Cyanea truncata, of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is an

unbranched or sparsely branched shrub covered with small sharp

prickles. The oval leaves, which are widest above the middle, are 8 to

24 in (22 to 60 cm) long and 4 to 10 in (10 to 26 cm) wide, and are

lined with hardened teeth along the margins. The upper surface of the

leaf is hairless; the lower surface is hairy, has sparse projections,

and is pale green. Clusters of 8 to 40 white flowers with magenta

stripes are produced on horizontal or hanging stalks between 2 and 12

in (5 to 28 cm) long. Each slightly curved flower is 1.3 to 1.7 in (32

to 42 mm) long and about 0.3 in (7 mm) wide and has spreading corolla

lobes that are one-fourth to one-half as long as the flower. The fruits

are round orange berries about 0.4 in (9 mm) long that contain many

tiny seeds. Cyanea truncata is distinguished from other members of this

genus by the length of the flower cluster stalk and the size of the

flowers and flower lobes (Degener 1932a; Forbes 1916; Lammers 1990;

Rock 1913, 1919; St. John 1939).

Historically, Cyanea truncata was known from Punaluu, Waikane, and

Waiahole in the northern Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1991b2 to

1991b4). These sites have not been recently surveyed due to their

inaccessibility, but it is known that suitable habitat is present. One

population of at least two individuals was known to exist in ``Hidden

Valley,'' a drainage northwest of Kaaawa Valley that terminates at

Kaaawa Point in the Koolau Range (HHP 1991b1, Rock 1962); however, that

population was destroyed by feral pigs (CPC 1989a, 1989b, 1990). In

1991, John Obata of HPCC discovered 20 immature lobeliods growing on

private land along a gully floor further upstream from the site of the

destroyed C. truncata population (HPCC 1991a; J. Obata, pers. comm.,

1991). This was thought to be the only known population of this

species. An individual from this sterile population was salvaged from

pig-damaged areas in 1991 and this individual flowered on June 22,

1993. This individual turned out to be Rollandia crispa (not C.

truncata). A site visit in July 1993 determined that all of the plants

previously thought to be C. truncata were actually R. crispa. No

individuals of C. truncata were located, though it is possible that

juvenile plants could be found in the valley floor (Loyal Mehrhoff,

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pers. comm., 1993).

Cyanea truncata typically grows on windward slopes in mesic to wet

forests at elevations between 800 and 1,300 ft (240 and 400 m) (HHP

1991b1, Lammers 1990). Associated plant taxa include Hibiscus

arnottianus (koki'o ke'oke'o), Diospyros sandwicensis (lama), 'ohi'a,

Aleurites moluccana (kukui), Cyrtandra propinqua (ha'iwale), Neraudia

melastomifolia (ma'aloa), Pisonia umbellifera (papala kepau), and Piper

methysticum ('awa) (HPCC 1991a; Wagner et al. 1990; J. Lau and J.

Obata, pers. comms., 1991; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm., 1993). The major

threats to Cyanea truncata are habitat degradation and predation by

feral pigs, competition with invasive alien plant taxa (Clidemia hirta

(Koster's curse) and Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava)), and

stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the

small number of remaining individuals.

Cyrtandra crenata was first described by Harold St. John and

William Storey (1950) from a specimen that they had collected on the

Waikane-Schofield Trail. The specific name refers to the rounded teeth

of the leaf margin (St. John 1966).

Cyrtandra crenata, a member of the African violet family

(Gesneriaceae), is a shrub 3 to 7 ft (1 to 2 m) tall with few branches.

The leaves are arranged in whorls of three, tufted at the end of

branches; they are generally elliptic or lance-shaped, 4.7 to 11 in (12

to 28 cm) long and 1.6 to 3.1 in (4 to 8 cm) wide, and have toothed

margins. The upper leaf surface is generally hairless and has a

wrinkled texture; the lower surface has only sparse hairs. Dense

clusters of three to seven white flowers, covered with thick brown

hair, arise from the leaf axils. The calyx is bilaterally symmetrical,

with the three upper lobes somewhat longer than the two lower lobes.

The curved, funnel-shaped flowers, about 0.9 in (24 mm) long and 0.2 in

(4 mm) wide, develop into fleshy ellipsoid berries about 0.7 in (1.8

cm) long that contain numerous tiny seeds. The berries, as well as

various other plant parts, are covered with short-stalked, brownish,

hemispherical glands. C. crenata is distinguished from other species in

the genus by the combination of its three-leaf arrangement, bilaterally

symmetrical calyx, and brownish, hemispherical glands (St. John 1966,

St. John and Storey 1950, Wagner et al. 1990).

Historically, Cyrtandra crenata was known from Waikane Valley along

the Waikane-Schofield Trail in the Koolau Mountains (HHP 1991c1, St.

John 1966, St. John and Storey 1950). It now remains below that trail,

about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from its historical location, at the boundary of

private and State lands (HHP 1991c2). This population has not been

observed since 1947 and although the number of remaining individuals is

not known, it is thought to be very low. This species typically grows

in ravines or gulches in mesic to wet forests between elevations of

1,250 and 2,400 ft (380 and 730 m) with associated plant taxa such as

'ohi'a, Dicranopteris linearis (uluhe), and Machaerina angustifolia

('uki) (Wagner et al. 1990; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). The primary

threat to this species is stochastic extinction and/or reduced

reproductive vigor due to the species' restricted range and the small

number of individuals that are thought to exist.

On the basis of a collection by Wilhelm Hillebrand, C.B. Clarke

(1883) described Cyrtandra polyantha, choosing the specific epithet to

refer to the many-flowered clusters (St. John 1966). A description of

C. triflora by Hillebrand (1888) is believed to be, in part, a

description of C. polyantha (Wagner et al. 1990).

Cyrtandra polyantha, a member of the African violet family, is an

unbranched or few-branched shrub 3 to 10 ft (1 to 3 m) in height. Its

leathery, elliptic, unequal leaves are 2 to 6.3 in (5 to 16 cm) long

and 0.7 to 2 in (1.8 to 5.2 cm) wide and attached oppositely along the

stems. The upper surface of the leaves is conspicuously wrinkled and

usually hairless, with the lower surface moderately to densely covered

with pale brown hairs. Seven to 12 flowers are grouped in branched

clusters in the leaf axils. The white petals, fused to form a

cylindrical tube about 0.5 in (12 mm) long, emerge from a radially

symmetrical calyx, 0.2 in (5 mm) long, that is cleft from one-half to

two-thirds its length. Each calyx lobe, narrowly triangular in shape,

is sparsely hairy on the outside and hairless within. The fruits are

white oval berries about 0.6 in (1.6 cm) long that contain many seeds

about 0.02 in (0.5 mm) long. Cyrtandra polyantha is distinguished from

other species in the genus by the texture and hairiness of the leaf

surfaces and the length, shape, and degree of cleft of the calyx. This

species differs from C. crenata by the lack of short-stalked glands and

by its leathery leaves, opposite leaf arrangement, and radially

symmetrical calyx (Clarke 1883, St. John 1966, Wagner et al. 1990).

Historically, Cyrtandra polyantha was known from the Kalihi region

and from Kulepiamoa Ridge above Niu Valley on the leeward (southwest)

side of the southern Koolau Mountains (HHP 1991d2, 1991d3; St. John

1966). Two populations, located farther south on Kuliouou summit ridge

and at the northwest head of Hahaione Valley (HHP 1991d1, 1991d4), are

approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) apart on private and State land. One of the

populations has not been visited within the past 50 years; it is not

known how many individuals remain. The most recently observed

population, last seen in 1953, consists of one individual. The total

number of extant individuals is not known, although only a few are

believed to remain on ridges of disturbed mesic valleys in 'ohi'a

forests at elevations between 1,600 to 2,000 ft (490 and 610 m) (HHP

1991d1, 1991d2, 1991d4). Cyrtandra polyantha probably grows in

association with 'uki, uluhe, Broussaisia arguta (kanawao), Coprosma

foliosa (pilo), and Psychotria (kopiko), taxa commonly found in the

'ohi'a-dominated forests of the Koolau Mountains (S. Perlman, pers.

comm., 1991). The primary threat to C. polyantha is stochastic

extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of

remaining individuals and their restricted distribution.

Eugenia koolauensis was first described by Otto Degener (1932b)

from a specimen that he and K.K. Park collected from Kaipapau Valley in

the Koolau Mountains; it is named after its type locality. In 1957,

Kenneth Wilson and Joseph Rock described a new species, E.

molokaiensis, based upon a collection made by Rock in 1918 from

Maunaloa on the island of Molokai (Wilson 1957). Current classification

synonymizes the two species (Wagner et al. 1990).

Eugenia koolauensis, a member of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), is

a small tree or shrub between 7 and 23 ft (2 and 7 m) tall with branch

tips covered with dense brown hairs. The leathery, oval or elliptic

leaves, 0.8 to 2 in (2 to 5 cm) long and 0.4 to 1.3 in (1 to 3.3 cm)

wide, are densely hairy on the lower surface and have margins that

curve under the leaves. One or two flowers grow from the leaf axils on

stalks 0.04 to 0.3 in (1 to 8 mm) long. The hypanthium (basal portion

of the flower) is cone-shaped, about 0.1 in (3 mm) long, and hairy. The

four sepals of unequal length that comprise the hypanthium are attached

to a circular nectary disk (fleshy, nectar-producing structure). The

four white petals, which are oval or elliptic and 0.2 to 0.3 in (4 to 8

mm) long, enclose numerous white stamens and are also attached to the

nectary disk. The fruits are fleshy, yellow to red, oval berries, 0.3

to 0.8 in (0.8 to 2 cm) long, that usually contain one round seed.

Eugenia koolauensis is one of two species in the genus that are native

to Hawaii. It differs from the other species in having leaves that are

densely hairy on the lower surface and leaf margins that curve under

the leaves (Degener 1932b, Wagner et al. 1990, Wilson 1957).

Eugenia koolauensis was historically known from Maunaloa on western

Molokai and from Kaipapau Valley, Hanaimoa and Kahawainui gulches, and

a gully southeast of Kahuku on Oahu (HHP 1991e1, 1991e2, 1991e4,

1991e6, 1991e7; Wilson 1957). This species is no longer believed to be

extant on the island of Molokai because the region where the first two

individuals were found has been converted to pineapple fields (CPC

1990). On Oahu, five populations now remain on State and private land

in Papali Gulch, the north fork of Kamananui Stream, in the regions of

Pupukea and Paumalu in the northern Koolau Mountains, and at Hawaiiloa,

a disjunct population in the southeastern Koolau Mountains (Garnett

1990; HHP 1991e3, 1991e5, 1991e8; HPCC 1991b1, 1991b2; J. Obata and S.

Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). A total of fewer than 60 individuals of

this species remain in dry gulches and ridges in mesic forests

dominated by 'ohi 'a and/or lama at 350 to 1,000 ft (100 to 300 m) in

elevation (HHP 1991e3, 1991e5, 1991e8; Wagner et al. 1990). Other

associated plant taxa include Myrsine lessertiana (kolea), Nestegis

sandwicensis (olopua), Pleomele halapepe (hala pepe), and Psydrax

odoratum (alahe'e) (HHP 1991e5 to 1991e8; HPCC 1991b1, 1991b2; J. Lau,

pers. comm., 1991). Habitat degradation by feral pigs and competition

with alien plant taxa (Christmas berry, Koster's curse, strawberry

guava, Lantana camara (lantana)) are the major threats to Eugenia

koolauensis. The limited numbers of this species make it vulnerable to

stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the

small number of individuals and limited gene pool.

The first specimen of Hesperomannia was collected by Horace Mann,

Jr. on the summit of the island of Lanai in 1864 (Brigham 1868, Degener

1932c). Asa Gray (1865) named the genus after its discoverer and also

gave it the specific name arborescens for its tree-like habit (Brigham

1868). Other names which refer to this species are H. bushiana (Degener

1935), H. swezeyi (Degener 1933), and H. bushiana var. fosbergii

(Degener 1937). According to Warren L. Wagner and others (1990), the

last treatment of Hesperomannia (Carlquist 1957), which designates

three subspecies (subspecies arborescens, bushiana, and swezeyi) based

on leaf shape, achene (dry, one-seeded fruit) size, and number of

heads, does not seem to delimit geographical or ecological entities,

and therefore these subspecies do not warrant formal recognition.

Hesperomannia arborescens is a small shrubby tree of the aster

family (Asteraceae) that usually stands 5 to 16 ft (1.5 to 5 m) tall.

Its typically hairless leaves, 4 to 8 in (10 to 20 cm) long and 1 to 3

in (3 to 8 cm) wide, range from oval to lance-shaped and are about two

to four times as long as they are wide. The flower heads, which are

about 2.4 in (6 cm) long, are either erect or ascending, and grow

singly or in clusters of 2 to 10. They grow on thick fuzzy stalks 0.2

to 0.6 in (4 to 15 mm) long and about 0.1 in (3 mm) in diameter. The

involucre (set of bracts) that surrounds each flower head is between

0.8 and 1.4 in (2 and 3.5 cm) high, the longest individual bracts

growing to 1.1 in (2.8 cm). The yellow to yellowish brown florets that

comprise each head are about 0.9 to 1.2 in (2.4 to 3 cm) long and

develop into 0.5 in (1.3 cm) long achenes (dry, one-seeded, fruits)

topped with yellowish brown or purple-tinged bristles. This member of

an endemic Hawaiian genus differs from other Hesperomannia species in

having the following combination of characters: Erect to ascending

flower heads; thick flower head stalks; and usually hairless and

relatively narrow leaves (Brigham 1868; Carlquist 1957; Degener 1932c,

1933, 1935; Gray 1865; Hillebrand 1888; Marticorena and Parra 1975;

Rock 1913; Wagner et al. 1990).

Hesperomannia arborescens was formerly known from locations on

three islands: Kaiholena and Kukui on Lanai; Pelekunu Trail on Molokai;

and scattered populations throughout the Koolau Mountains, from

Koolauloa and Pupukea at its northern extreme to Konahuanui at the

southern end (Forbes 1920; HHP 1991f1 to 1991f10, 1991f12 to 1991f16,

1991f22). This species is now known from 18 populations totalling fewer

than 70 plants on the islands of Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. On Oahu, 15

populations, which total about 50 to 60 individuals, have been observed

since 1958 on private, Honolulu City and County, State, and Federal

lands at a few disjunct locations over a distance of about 27 mi (43

km). Locations include: upslope of Kahuku, Laie, and Malaekahana; along

Poamoho Trail above Poamoho Stream; along Waikane-Schofield Trail near

the ridge summit; at Kipapa Gulch; on Halawa Ridge; and upper Palolo

Valley to Niu Valley (HHP 1991f1, 1991f3, 1991f5, 1991f7, 1991f8,

1991f10, 1991f17 to 1991f21, 1993a1 to 1993a4; HPCC 1990b1; Marticorena

and Parra 1975; Derral Herbst, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and S.

Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). The Waikane-Schofield population occurs

on the boundary of State (Ewa Forest Reserve) and Federal (Schofield

Barracks Military Reservation) lands. On Molokai, one population of

three individuals was found on State land in Olokui Natural Area

Reserve (NAR) (HHP 1991f11; HPCC 1991c; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991).

A recent discovery in 1989 by Joel Lau of TNCH extends this species'

range to the island of Maui, where two colonies totalling three

individuals were discovered about 0.3 mi (0.5 km) apart on State land

in West Maui NAR between Lanilili and Keahikauo (HHP 1991f23; HPCC

1990b2; J. Lau and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). Hesperomannia

arborescens, often found on slopes or ridges in association with

'ohi'a, olopua, uluhe, Antidesma platyphyllum (hame), kopiko, Syzygium,

and common Melicope species, typically grows in lowland wet forests and

occasionally in scrub vegetation between 1,200 and 2,500 ft (360 and

750 m) in elevation (HHP 1991; HHP 1991f1 to 1991f3, 1991f5 to 1991f10,

1991f13 to 1991f18, 1991f20, 1991f22, 1991f23, 1993a1 to 1993a4; HPCC

1991c; Wagner et al. 1990; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1991). The Molokai

population grows in lama- and/or 'ohi'a-dominated lowland mesic forest

habitat within the same elevational range (HHP 1991f11; HPCC 1991c).

The major threats to Hesperomannia arborescens are habitat degradation

by feral pigs and goats, competition with alien plant taxa (Hilo grass,

Koster's curse, strawberry guava, Tibouchina herbacea), fire, and

impact by humans. Stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive

vigor due to this species' limited numbers are significant threats as

well.

Lobelia oahuensis, named by Rock (1918, 1919) for the island on

which the type specimen was collected, was transferred to the genus

Neowimmeria by the Degeners in 1974; a genus not accepted by current

authorities (Lammers 1990).

Lobelia oahuensis, a member of the bellflower family, is a stout,

erect, unbranched shrub 3 to 10 ft (1 to 3 m) tall. The elliptic

leaves, which are 16 to 24 in (40 to 60 cm) long and 1.6 to 2.4 in (4

to 6 cm) wide, are typically stalkless and form a very dense rosette at

the end of the stem. The upper surface of the leaves is hairless and

the lower surface is covered with rather coarse grayish or greenish

hairs. The inflorescence is branched 3 to 5 times from its base, with

each erect spike 3 to 5 ft (0.1 to 1.5 m) tall and comprised of 50 to

200 flowers. Each flower measures 1.7 to 1.8 in (42 to 45 mm) long and

about 0.2 in (5 mm) wide, with a 1.2 in (3 cm) long bract just below

it. The linear calyx lobes are about 0.6 in (16 mm) long and 0.1 in (3

mm) wide. The fruits are hairy, oval capsules 0.4 to 0.7 in (10 to 17

mm) long and about 0.4 in (9 mm) wide that contain numerous brownish

seeds. Lobelia oahuensis differs from other members of the genus in

having the following combination of characters: Erect stems 3 to 10 ft

(1 to 3 m) long; dense rosettes of leaves at the end of stems; lower

leaf surfaces covered with coarse grayish or greenish hairs; and

flowers 1.7 to 1.8 in (42 to 45 mm) long (Lammers 1990; Rock 1918,

1919; St. John and Hosaka 1935).

Historically, Lobelia oahuensis was known from Kahana Ridge, Kipapa

Gulch, and the southeastern Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1991g1,

1991g4 to 1991g7; St. John and Hosaka 1935). Nine populations totalling

between 100 and 200 individuals are located on private and State land

or on the boundary of private, State, City and County, and Federal

lands. Lobelia oahuensis grows on steep slopes along Koolau Mountain

ridgetops from Waikane and Halawa to Mount Olympus and the summit

ridges above Kuliouou and Waimanalo, a distance of about 17 mi (27 km)

(HHP 1991g1 to 1991g3, 1991g6, 1991g8 to 1991g10; HPCC 1991d; J. Obata

and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). Ken Wood of HPCC and Joel Lau of

TNCH recently discovered a single mature individual of L. oahuensis on

the boundary between State land and Schofield Barracks Military

Reservation, extending the distribution of this species to the Waianae

Mountain Range of Oahu (J. Lau and Kenneth Wood, HPCC, pers. comms.,

1993). These nine populations are located between elevations of 2,800

and 3,000 ft (850 and 920 m) on summit cliffs in cloudswept wet forests

or in areas of low shrub cover that are frequently exposed to heavy

wind and rain (HHP 1991g1 to 1991g3, 1991g6 to 1991g10; HPCC 1991d;

Lammers 1990). Associated plant taxa include 'ohi'a, uluhe, 'uki,

Cheirodendron trigynum (olapa), Dubautia laxa (na'ena'e pua melemele),

and Labordia hosakana (kamakahala) (HHP 1991g1, 1991g2, 1991g7, 1991g8,

1991g10; HPCC 1991d; J. Obata, pers. comm., 1991). The noxious alien

plant Koster's curse is the primary threat to Lobelia oahuensis because

it effectively competes with this species for water, space, light, and

nutrients.

Lycopodium nutans was described by William D. Brackenridge in 1854

from a specimen collected from the ``high mountains'' of Oahu by

Charles Wilkes, commander of the U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1840 on

which Brackenridge was the horticulturist (Ollgaard 1989). The specific

epithet is probably in reference to the species' ``nodding'' or pendant

spikes. Other names by which this species has been known include

Huperzia nutans, Lycopodium phyllanthus var. nutans, and Urostachys

nutans, which are not accepted by current authorities (Ollgaard 1989).

Lycopodium nutans is an erect or pendulous herbaceous epiphyte

(plant growing above ground on other plants) of the clubmoss family

(Lycopodiaceae). Its stiff, light green branches, 10 to 16 in (25 to 40

cm) long and about 0.2 in (6 mm) thick, are covered with stiff, flat,

leathery leaves, 0.5 to 0.6 in (12 to 16 mm) long and about 0.1 in (2.5

mm) wide that overlap at acute angles. The leaves are arranged in six

rows and arise directly from the branches. The branches end in thick,

2.8 to 5.1 in (7 to 13 cm) long fruiting spikes that are unbranched or

branch once or twice, and taper toward a downward-curving tip. Bracts

on the fruiting spikes, between 0.1 and 0.2 in (3 to 5 mm) long, are

densely layered and conceal the spore capsules. This species can be

distinguished from others of the genus in Hawaii by its epiphytic

habit, simple or forking fruiting spikes, and larger and stiffer leaves

(Degener 1934, Hillebrand 1888, Wagner and Wagner 1987).

Historically, Lycopodium nutans was known from the island of Kauai

and from scattered locations in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu bounded by

Kaluanui Valley to the north, Paalaa to the west, and Mount Tantalus to

the south (HHP 1991h1 to 1991h9; Skottsberg 1936). This species is now

known from only two sites within its historical range: Kaluanui Valley;

and along Waikane-Schofield Trail on Oahu. One population, located on

State land, was described as ``scarce'' when last observed in 1965 (HHP

1991h3). The other population, located about 5 mi (8 km) away on the

boundary of State (Ewa Forest Reserve) and Federal lands (Schofield

Barracks Military Reservation), grew in ``several places'' according to

its collector in 1961 (HHP 1991h4).

Two individuals of this population were observed in 1993 by Joel

Lau, TNCH (HHP 1993b1, 1993b2). The entire species totals fewer than 50

known individuals. Lycopodium nutans grows on tree trunks, usually on

open ridges and slopes in 'ohi'a-dominated wet forests and occasionally

mesic forests (HHP 1991h5 to 1991h7, Hosaka 1937) between 2,000 and

3,500 ft (600 and 1,070 m) in elevation (Robinson 1914, Selling 1946).

The vegetation in those areas typically includes kanawao, uluhe, 'uki,

Hibiscus sp., hame, and kopiko (HHP 1993b1, 1993b2; S. Perlman, pers.

comm., 1991). The primary threat to L. nutans is stochastic extinction

and/or reduced reproductive vigor because of the small number of

remaining individuals and limited distribution. Additional threats to

L. nutans are the noxious alien plants Koster's curse and strawberry

guava.

Hillebrand (1888) described Pelea lydgatei based on a collection by

John M. Lydgate from Palolo Valley, Oahu. In an action not accepted by

other taxonomists, Emmanuel Drake del Castillo (1890) transferred the

species to the genus Evodia. In 1944, St. John described two new

species, P. descendens and P. semiternata, which he later determined

were synonymous (St. John 1979). Current authorities, however, do not

accept St. John's species as being sufficiently different from P.

lydgatei to maintain them as distinct taxa. Thomas G. Hartley and

Benjamin C. Stone (1989, Stone et al. 1990, Wagner et al. 1990)

synonymized the genus Pelea with Melicope, resulting in the present

combination.

Melicope lydgatei is a small shrub of the citrus family (Rutaceae)

that has leaves arranged oppositely or in threes. The glossy, papery

leaves, which are 1.6 to 5.1 in (4 to 13 cm) long and 0.6 to 2.6 in

(1.5 to 6.5 cm) wide, vary from lance-shaped to oblong. Flowers are

usually functionally unisexual, with both unisexual and bisexual

flowers growing on the same plant. Its aromatic, greenish white flowers

are about 0.2 to 0.3 in (4 to 7 mm) long and arise singly or in

clusters of two or three. The four-lobed capsules, which have sections

fused for one-fourth to one-third their length, are between 0.6 and 0.9

in (14 and 22 mm) wide, and contain one or two glossy black seeds,

about 0.2 in (5 mm) long, in each section. Both the exocarp and

endocarp (outermost and innermost layers of the fruit wall,

respectively) are hairless. The species' leaf arrangement (opposite or

in groups of three), the amount of fusion of the fruit sections, and

the hairless exocarp and endocarp distinguish it from others in the

genus (Hillebrand 1888; St. John 1944, 1979; Stone 1969; Wagner et al.

1990).

Melicope lydgatei was formerly known throughout the Koolau

Mountains of Oahu from Hauula to Kahana, Kipapa Gulch to Waimano, and

Kalihi Valley to Wailupe Valley (HHP 1991i1 to 1991i8, 1991i10 to

1991i12, 1993c). Only three populations totalling fewer than 10

individuals, distributed over a 7.5 mi (12 km) distance, remain within

its historical range: Along Poamoho Trail near the boundary of State

(Ewa Forest Reserve) and private lands; along Manana Trail, growing on

State land in Ewa Forest Reserve; and along Peahinaia Trail on private

lands (HHP 1991i9, 1991i13, 1993c). This species typically grows in

association with Acacia koa (koa), 'ohi'a, uluhe, kopiko, and Bobea

elatior ('ahakea lau nui) on open ridges in mesic forests and

occasionally in wet forests at elevations between 1,350 and 1,800 ft

(410 and 550 m) (HHP 1991i2, 1991i4 to 1991i6, 1991i8 to 1991i10,

1991i12, 1991i13, 1993c; Stone et al. 1990). The primary threat to M.

lydgatei is stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor

because the few individuals that remain are restricted in distribution.

In 1826, Charles Gaudichaud-Beaupre described Rollandia crispa from

a fragmentary specimen of a leaf he collected. Gaudichaud-Beaupre

probably assigned it the specific epithet based on the crisp or crimped

leaf margin (Rock 1919). Names to which this species have been referred

are Lobelia crispa (Endlicher 1836), R. crispa var. muricata (Rock

1919), R. grandifolia (Hillebrand 1888), and the illegitimate name,

Cyanea rollandia (Gray 1861).

Rollandia crispa, a member of the bellflower family, is an

unbranched shrub with leaves clustered at the ends of succulent stems.

The broad oval leaves, 12 to 30 in (30 to 75 cm) long and 3.5 to 6.3 in

(9 to 16 cm) wide, have undulating, smooth or toothed leaf margins.

Each leaf is on a stalk 0.3 to 1.6 in (0.8 to 4 cm) long. Clusters of

three to eight fuzzy flowers grow on stalks 0.8 to 1.2 in (2 to 3 cm)

long, with each flower borne on a stalk 0.4 to 0.8 in (1 to 2 cm) long.

The calyx lobes are oval or oblong, 0.2 to 0.5 in (6 to 12 mm) long,

and often overlapping at their base. The fused petals, 1.6 to 2.4 in (4

to 6 cm) long and fuzzy, are pale magenta with darker longitudinal

stripes. The fruits are spherical berries 0.4 in (1 cm) in diameter,

that contain many minute, dark seeds. Rollandia crispa is distinguished

from other species in this endemic Hawaiian genus by its leaf shape,

distinct calyx lobes, and the length of the flowers and stalks of

flower clusters (de Candolle 1839, Hillebrand 1888, Lammers 1990, Rock

1919, Wawra 1873).

Historically, Rollandia crispa was known from scattered locations

throughout the upper elevations of the Koolau Mountains of Oahu from

Kaipapau Valley to the north to Waialae Iki Ridge to the southeast (HHP

1991j1 to 1991j15, 1991j17 to 1991j19; Skottsberg 1926). This species

is now known from State and private lands in Hidden Valley (26 plants),

Palolo Valley (1 plant), Kapakahi Gulch (1 plant), and Pia Valley (1

plant) (HHP 1991j8, 1991j16, 1991j17; HPCC 1990c; Lammers 1990; D.

Herbst, J. Obata, K. Nagata, B.P. Bishop Museum, S. Perlman, pers.

comms., 1991; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm., 1993). The four populations are

scattered over a distance of about 19 mi (31 km). Three of the

populations contain a single, mature, flowering individual. The other

population (Hidden Valley) contains 7 mature, flowering plants and 19

juvenile plants, giving a total of fewer than 30 individuals for the

entire species. Rollandia crispa is found in habitats ranging from

steep, open mesic forests to gentle slopes or moist gullies of closed

wet forests, at elevations between 600 and 2,400 ft (185 and 730 m)

(HHP 1991j2, 1991j5, 1991j8, 1991j9, 1991j12, 1991j13, 1991j16; HPCC

1990c). Associated plant taxa include ke'oke'o, Cyanea acuminata

(haha), Microsorum spectrum (NCN), common Cyrtandra species, Pisonia,

Touchardia latifolia (olona), and the introduced strawberry guava,

'awa, kukui, and Cordyline fruticosa (ti) (HHP 1991j8, 1991j16; J.

Obata, pers. comm., 1991; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm., 1993). The major

threats to R. crispa are habitat alteration and predation by feral

pigs, competition with noxious alien plant taxa (Koster's curse and

strawberry guava), and stochastic extinction and/or reduced

reproductive vigor due to the small number of remaining individuals,

their limited gene pool, and restricted distribution.

Based on a specimen collected by Lydgate in Niu Valley on Oahu,

Hillebrand described Pterotropia gymnocarpa, the specific epithet

referring to its entirely free and naked (lacking a covering) fruit

(Hillebrand 1888). Sherff (1952) renamed the species Tetraplasandra

gymnocarpa and split the species into four varieties (varieties

pupukeensis, leptocarpa, megalocarpa, and gymnocarpa) (Sherff 1952,

1953) that are considered synonymous in the latest treatment of the

genus (Lowrey 1990). Other names by which this species has been known

include Pterotropia gymnocarpa var. pupukeensis (Degener 1938),

Heptapleurum gymnocarpum (Drake del Castillo 1890), and Dipanax

gymnocarpa (Heller 1897).

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa, a member of the ginseng family

(Araliaceae), is a tree 8 to 33 ft (2.5 to 10 m) tall, either hairless

or with fuzzy, short-lived hairs on the young leaves and flower

clusters. The leaves are 12 to 22 in (30 to 55 cm) long with 7 to 21

leathery, oval to elliptic leaflets per leaf. Each leaflet is 2.8 to

7.1 in (7 to 18 cm) long and 1.2 to 3.1 in (3 to 8 cm) wide, and is

folded upward along the midvein. The flowers are usually arranged in

threes or in an umbrella-shaped arrangement. Petals are 0.2 to 0.3 in

(4 to 8 mm) long and usually number 5 or 6 per flower, with an equal

number of stamens. The ovary, which usually has 3 or 4 sections,

appears placed atop the receptacle (base of the flower) in a superior

position, due to the expansion of the ovary disk (outgrowth of the

receptacle) and the reduction of the hypanthium (basal portion of the

flower). Fruits are purplish, oval or top-shaded drupes, 0.2 to 0.5 in

(6 to 12 mm) long, that enclose a papery endocarp and single seeds.

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa is distinguished from all other species in

the genus in that its ovary appears fully superior (Degener 1938;

Degener and Degener 1962a, 1962b; Hillebrand 1888; Lowrey 1990; Sherff

1952, 1955).

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa was historically known from Punaluu,

Waikakalaua Gulch, Mount Olympus, and the region between Niu and

Wailupe, all in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu (Degener 1938; HHP 1991k3,

1991k12 to 1991k14). Fifteen populations are now scattered along the

summit ridges of the Koolau Mountains over a distance of 28 mi (45 km),

from the region of Paumalu at the northern extreme to Kuliouou and

Waimanalo at the southeasternmost point (HHP 1991k1, 1991k2, 1991k4 to

1991k11, 1991k15 to 1991k18, 1993c1, 1993d2; HPCC 1991e; S. Perlman,

pers. comm., 1991). One population in the Waianae Mountains, located on

Palikea ridge on the border of Federal and private lands, was last

visited in 1954; it is not known whether it still exists (HHP 1991k8).

Most populations contain between one and six individuals, giving a

total of fewer than 40 individuals for the entire species. However,

because T. gymnocarpa is difficult to distinguish from other species

when infertile, the total number of individuals may be as high as ``a

few hundred'' (J. Obata, pers. comm., 1991). Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa

is typically found on windswept summit ridges or in gullies in wet or

sometimes mesic forests between elevations of 820 and 2,790 ft (250 and

850 m) with such associated plant taxa as 'ohi'a, olapa, uluhe, kopiko,

Labordia tinifolia (kamakahala), and Myrsine fosbergii (kolea) (HHP

1991k1, 1991k2, 1991k4 to 1991k7, 1991k9, 1991k11, 1991k14, 1991k15,

1991k17, 1991k18, 1993d1; HPCC 1991e; Lowrey 1990). The major threats

to T. gymnocarpa are competition with the alien plant taxon Koster's

curse, feral pigs, and reduced reproductive vigor due to the limited

gene pool because of the small number of extant individuals.

Previous Federal Action

Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of

the Act, which directed the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to

prepare a report on plants considered to be endangered, threatened, or

extinct in the United States. This report, designated as House Document

No. 94-51, was presented to Congress on January 9, 1975. In that

document, Cyrtandra crenata, Cyrtandra polyantha, Hesperomannia

arborescens (as H. arborescens ssp. bushiana and ssp. swezeyi), Lobelia

oahuensis, Melicope lydgatei (as Pelea lydgatei and P. descendens), and

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa (as T. gymnocarpa var. pupukeensis) were

considered to be endangered. Huperzia nutans (as Lycopodium nutans) was

considered to be threatened, and Chamaesyce deppeana (as Euphorbia

deppeana) and Eugenia koolauensis (as Eugenia molokaiana) were

considered to be extinct. On July 1, 1975, the Service published a

notice in the Federal Register (40 FR 27823) of its acceptance of the

Smithsonian report as a petition within the context of section 4(c)(2)

(now section 4(b)(3)) of the Act, and giving notice of its intention to

review the status of the plant species named therein. As a result of

that review, on June 16, 1976, the Service published a proposed rule in

the Federal Register (41 FR 24523) to determine endangered status

pursuant to section 4 of the Act for approximately 1,700 vascular plant

species, including all of the above taxa considered to be endangered or

threatened or thought to be extinct. The list of 1,700 plant species

was assembled on the basis of comments and data received by the

Smithsonian Institution and the Service in response to House Document

No. 94-51 and the July 1, 1975, Federal Register publication.

General comments received in response to the 1976 proposal are

summarized in an April 26, 1978, Federal Register publication (43 FR

17909). In 1978, amendments to the Act required that all proposals over

two years old be withdrawn. A one-year grace period was given to

proposals already over two years old. On December 10, 1979, the Service

published a notice in the Federal Register (44 FR 70796) withdrawing

the portion of the June 16, 1976, proposal that had not been made

final, along with four other proposals that had expired. The Service

published updated notices of review for plants on December 15, 1980 (45

FR 82479), September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39525), and February 21, 1990 (55

FR 6183). In at least one of these notices, eight of the species

(including synonymous taxa) that had been in the 1976 proposed rule

were treated as category 1 candidates for Federal listing. Category 1

species are those for which the Service has on file substantial

information on biological vulnerability and threats to support

preparation of listing proposals. Other than Chamaesyce deppeana (as

Euphorbia deppeana), Huperzia nutans (as Lycopodium nutans), Melicope

lydgatei (as Pelea lydgatei and P. descendens) and Tetraplasandra

gymnocarpa (as T. gymnocarpa var. pupukeensis), all the aforementioned

species that were either proposed as endangered or threatened or

thought to be extinct in the June 16, 1976, proposed rule were

considered category 1 candidates in all three notices of review.

Melicope lydgatei (as Pelea lydgatei and P. descendens), a category 1

species in the 1980 and 1985 notices, was conferred category 1* status

in the 1990 notice. Category 1* species are those which are possibly

extinct; however, because new information regarding this species'

existence has become available, it was proposed for listing. In the

1980 and 1985 notices, Huperzia nutans (as Lycopodium nutans) was

considered a category 2 species and Chamaesyce deppeana (as Euphorbia

deppeana) a category 3A species. Category 2 species are those for which

there is some evidence of vulnerability, but for which there are not

enough data to support listing proposals at the time. Category 3A

species are those for which the Service has persuasive evidence of

extinction. For those two species, because new information provided

support for listing or indicated their current existence, they were

conferred category 1 status in the 1990 notice. Tetraplasandra

gymnocarpa var. pupukeensis appeared as a category 3B species in the

1980 and 1985 notices; in the 1990 notice, it was considered synonymous

with T. gymnocarpa, a category 1 species. Category 3B species are those

which, on the basis of current taxonomic understanding, do not

represent distinct taxa meeting the Act's definition of ``species.''

Cyanea truncata and Rollandia crispa first appeared in the 1990 notice,

as a category 1 species.

Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Secretary to make

findings on petitions that present substantial information indicating

the petitioned action may be warranted within 12 months of their

receipt. Section 2(b)(1) of the 1982 amendments further requires all

petitions pending on October 13, 1982, be treated as having been newly

submitted on that date. On October 13, 1983, the Service found that the

petitioned listing of these species was warranted, but precluded by

other pending listing actions, in accordance with section

4(b)(3)(B)(iii) of the Act; notification of this finding was published

on January 20, 1984 (49 FR 2485). Such a finding requires the Service

to consider the petition as having been submitted, pursuant to section

4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act. The finding was reviewed in October of 1984,

1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991. Publication of the

proposal constituted the final one-year finding for these 11 plant

taxa.

On October 14, 1992, the Service published in the Federal Register

(57 FR 47028) a proposal to list 11 plant taxa from the Koolau Mountain

Range, island of Oahu, as endangered. This proposal was based primarily

on information supplied by the Hawaii Heritage Program, the Hawaii

Plant Conservation Center, and observations by botanists and

naturalists. The Service now determines 11 species primarily from the

Koolau Mountain Range to be endangered with the publication of this

rule.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

In the October 14, 1992, proposed rule and associated

notifications, all interested parties were requested to submit factual

reports or information that might contribute to the development of a

final rule. The public comment period ended on December 14, 1992.

Appropriate State agencies, county governments, Federal agencies,

scientific organizations, and other interested parties were contacted

and requested to comment. A newspaper notice inviting public comment

was published in the ``Honolulu Advertiser'' on October 23, 1992. Only

one letter of comment was received, from a conservation organization,

supporting the listing of these taxa from the Koolau Mountain Range,

island of Oahu, but raising no specific issues.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

After a thorough review and consideration of all information

available, the Service has determined that Chamaesyce deppeana (Boiss.)

Millsp. ('akoko), Cyanea truncata (Rock) Rock (haha), Cyrtandra crenata

St. John and Storey (ha'iwale), Cyrtandra polyantha C.B. Clarke

(ha'iwale), Eugenia koolauensis Degener (nioi), Hesperomannia

arborescens A. Gray (no common name (NCN)), Lobelia oahuensis Rock

(NCN), Lycopodium nutans Brack. (wawae'iole), Melicope lydgatei

(Hillebr.) Hartley and Stone (alani), Rollandia crispa Gaud. (NCN), and

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa (Hillebr.) Sherff ('ohe'ohe) should be

classified as endangered species. Procedures found at section 4(a)(1)

of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1533 et seq.) and regulations

(50 CFR part 424) promulgated to implement the listing provisions of

the Act were followed. Threats to the 11 plant taxa are summarized in

Table 1. A species may be determined to be an endangered or threatened

species due to one or more of the five factors described in section

4(a)(1). These factors and their application to the 11 plant taxa in

this rule are as follows:

Table 1.--Summary of Threats

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alien animals

Species --------------------------------------------- Alien plants Fire Human impacts Limited Nos.*

Pigs Goats Rodents

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chamaesyce deppeana............................ ............. ............. ............. X X X X1,3

Cyanea truncata................................ X ............. P X P ............. X1,2

Cyrtandra crenata.............................. ............. ............. P............ ............. P P X1,2

Cyrtandra polyantha............................ ............. ............. P ............. P P X1,2

Eugenia koolauensis............................ X ............. ............. X P P X1,3

Hesperomannia arborescens...................... X X ............. X X X X3

Lobelia oahuensis.............................. P ............. P X ............. P .............

Lycopodium nutans.............................. ............. ............. ............. X P P X1,3

Melicope lydgatei.............................. ............. ............. ............. ............. P P X1,2

Rollandia crispa............................... X ............. P X P P X1,3

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa...................... X ............. ............. X P P X3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

X = Immediate and significant threat.

P = Potential threat.

*No more than 100 individuals and/or no more than 5 populations.

\1\No more than 5 populations.

\2\No more than 10 individuals.

\3\No more than 100 individuals.

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment

of Its Habitat or Range

The native vegetation of the Koolau Mountains and adjacent areas

has undergone extreme alterations because of past and present land

management practices, including deliberate alien plant and animal

introductions, agricultural development, military use, and recreational

use (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Wagner et al. 1985). Degradation of

habitat by feral pigs and competition with alien plants are considered

the greatest present threats to the 11 plant taxa in this final rule.

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) have been in the Koolau Mountains for about

150 years and are known to be one of the major modifiers of wet forest

habitats (Stone 1985). Pigs damage the native vegetation by rooting and

trampling the forest floor, which encourages the spread of alien plant

taxa that are better able to exploit the newly tilled soils than are

native taxa (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Stone 1985). Feral pigs also feed

on the starchy interior of tree ferns (Cibotium) and other succulent-

stemmed plants (See Factor C). The last known population of three

individuals of Cyanea truncata in Hidden Valley was destroyed in recent

years by feral pigs (CPC 1989a, 1989b, 1990; HHP 1991b1). The continued

impact of pigs poses an immediate and severe threat to any plants of

Cyanea truncata that may remain (L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm., 1993).

Habitat degradation and predation of Rollandia crispa by pigs has been

observed at the Hidden Valley population (L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm.,

1993). Feral pigs are known to frequent regions of the Koolau Mountains

and threaten to destroy the habitat of Eugenia koolauensis,

Hesperomannia arborescens, Lobelia oahuensis, Rollandia crispa, and

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa (HHP 1991f10, 1991g5, 1991j16, 1993a3,

1993d2; HPCC 1990b1, 1990c; K. Nagata and S. Perlman, pers. comms.,

1991). The only population of Hesperomannia arborescens on Maui is

threatened by pigs as well (HHP 1991f23, HPCC 1990b2).

Goats (Capra hircus) have become established on the island of

Molokai as well as other major Hawaiian islands (Kauai, Maui, and

Hawaii) (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, van Riper and van Riper 1982). Goats

are managed in Hawaii as a game animal, but are able to forage in

extremely rugged terrain and populate inaccessible areas where hunting

has little effect on their numbers (Culliney 1988, HHP 1990). Feral

goats eat native vegetation, trample roots and seedlings, cause

erosion, and promote the invasion of alien plants. On Molokai, goats

degrade dry forests at low elevations and they are expanding their

range (Cuddihy and Stone 1990; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1991). Goats browse

on introduced and native plants, especially in dry, open ecosystems

similar to that found between Wailau and Waiehu on the island of

Molokai. In 1989, it was observed that numerous goats occupied the

Wailau-Waiehu area and threatened the survival of the only population

of Hesperomannia arborescens on the island (HHP 1991f11). Although

there is no longer a large feral goat population on Oahu, the effects

of the goat trade in the early 1820s, which allowed goats to

proliferate without being confined by fences, and resultant damage by

goats to the native flora have permanently altered Oahu's native

ecosystems (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Culliney 1988, Tomich 1986). Today,

little of the original forests of the Koolau Mountains remain (Wagner

et al. 1985).

Like goats, cattle (Bos taurus) were once abundant on Oahu. Because

of past restrictions on hunting, widespread ranching, and ineffective

confinement of the animals, the goat and cattle population boomed and

spread to many parts of the island (Culliney 1988). The impact of

cattle on the native vegetation was similar to that described for goats

(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Scott et al. 1986, Tomich 1986). It was not

until local land managers recognized the extent of destruction of

native vegetation by these animals that their numbers were controlled.

However, by then much of the plant cover on cattle-grazing land on Oahu

and other islands was already degraded. Such areas remained grassland

for many years following the removal of cattle (Culliney 1988).

Although not a current threat to the taxa in this rule, cattle that

once roamed through the Koolau Mountains contributed to the reduction

in the range of many native plants, probably including at least some of

the 11 plant taxa.

Fire immediately threatens 2 of the 11 plant taxa (See Table 1) and

poses a possible threat to 8 other taxa. Because Hawaii's native plants

have evolved with only infrequent, naturally occurring episodes of fire

(lava flows, infrequent lightning strikes), most species are not

adapted to fire and are unable to recover well after recurring human-

set fires. Alien plants are often more fire-adapted than native taxa

and will quickly exploit suitable habitat after a fire (Cuddihy and

Stone 1990). Species that grow in dry and mesic vegetation communities

(including all of the 11 plant taxa except the wet forest and shrubland

species, Lobelia oahuensis) may be susceptible to accidentally or

maliciously set fires, especially near areas of habitation from which

fires could easily spread. In the past 14 or 15 years, approximately 8

to 10 fires occurred in conservation districts under the jurisdiction

of the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife in the low elevation

slopes of the Koolau Mountains (Earl Pawn, State Division of Forestry

and Wildlife, pers. comm., 1991). Although the fires were contained

within small areas, the possibility remains for such fires to spread

upslope into habitat occupied by the endangered species, especially

during the dry summer months. Fires have been reported from dry and

mesic regions in the Koolau Mountains, threatening Hesperomannia

arborescens and Chamaesyce deppeana (HHP 1991a, 1991f1). A fire in the

vicinity of the population spread fueled by alien and naturalized

grasses and brisk updrafts typical of the area, although the extent of

the fire on Nuuanu Pali is not known.

Although the northern Koolau Mountains are mostly State or

privately owned, large parcels are leased to the U.S. Army (Wagner et

al. 1985). Military training exercises and ground maneuvers are

occasionally conducted in those areas, especially along the summit

ridges and in various locations above Kahuku. Because of the steep

terrain, training areas are restricted to foot travel; tanks and other

off-road vehicles are not utilized. Vehicles are only used on roads or

trails (Alton Kanno, Environmental Management Office, U.S. Army Support

Command, Hawaii, pers. comm., 1991), but the potential for affecting

one population of Hesperomannia arborescens that grows along a jeep

trail exists (HHP 1991f10). Trampling by ground troops associated with

training activities could also affect other endangered species,

including populations of Eugenia koolauensis, Hesperomannia

arborescens, Lobelia oahuensis, Lycopodium nutans, Melicope lydgatei,

and Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa that occur on land leased or owned by the

Army (HHP 1991e3, 1991e8, 1991f1, 1991f10, 1991f17, 1991f20, 1991f21,

1991h4, 1991i9, 1991k4, 1991k6, 1991k9).

B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or

Educational Purposes

Unrestricted collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes

and excessive visits by individuals interested in seeing rare plants

are potential threats to all of the endangered species, but especially

to Cyanea truncata, Cyrtandra crenata, Cyrtandra polyantha, and

Melicope lydgatei, each of which has a total of 10 or fewer

individuals. Any collection of whole plants or reproductive parts of

any of these four species would cause an adverse impact on the gene

pool and threaten the survival of the species. The proximity of

approximately 30 percent of the known individuals of Chamaesyce

deppeana to a major scenic lookout, some within 15 ft (5 m) of heavy

pedestrian traffic, poses a threat to a significant proportion of the

entire species (J. Lau and J. Obata, pers. comms., 1991). Its

accessibility also may make the plants attractive to collectors. One

population of Hesperomannia arborescens is located close to a trail

and, thus, is easily accessible to visitors (HHP 1991f1). Populations

of Chamaesyce deppeana, Lobelia oahuensis, and Tetraplasandra

gymnocarpa are on the boundary of a game mammal hunting area and are

potentially threatened by trampling as hunters use the area (Buck

1991).

C. Disease and Predation

Disease is not known to be a significant threat to any of the

endangered species. However, a tiny beetle, black twig borer

(Xylosandrus compactus), is known to infest common taxa of Melicope in

the Koolau Mountains (Davis 1970). Black twig borers burrow into

branches and introduce a pathogenic fungus that kills twigs, reduces

plant vigor, and often destroys entire plants. Populations of Melicope

lydgatei that grow in the Koolau Mountains may be affected by these

insects (Davis 1970, Hara and Beardsley 1979).

Of the ungulates introduced to Oahu, pigs have become the primary

modifiers of wet forests in the Koolau Mountains. Not only do they

destroy native vegetation through their rooting activities and

dispersal of alien plant seed (See Factor A), but pigs also feed on

plants, preferring the pithy interior of large tree ferns and fleshy-

stemmed plants from the bellflower family (Stone 1985; Stone and Loope

1987; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). Predation of Cyanea truncata and

Rollandia crispa by pigs has been observed and is believed to be one of

the primary causes of the decline or extirpation of populations (L.

Mehrhoff, pers. comm., 1993). Although the Service lacks conclusive

evidence of predation on the other fleshy-stemmed plant taxa in this

final rule, none of them are known to be unpalatable to pigs. Predation

is, therefore, a probable threat to Lobelia oahuensis in areas where

pigs have been reported.

Predation of Hawaii's native vegetation by goats and the extensive

damage caused by them have been well documented (Tomich 1986, van Riper

and van Riper 1982). Although browsing by goats is not confirmed for

the Hesperomannia arborescens population on Molokai, such activity

probably occurs, owing to the large number of goats in the vicinity.

Two rat taxa, Rattus rattus (black rat) and R. exulans (Polynesian

rat), and to a lesser extent other introduced rodents, eat large,

fleshy fruits and strip the bark of some native plants (Cuddihy and

Stone 1990, Tomich 1986, Wagner et al. 1985). Predation of plants in

the bellflower and African violet families that have fleshy stems and

fruits has been reported (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1991). Rats probably eat

the fruits of Cyanea truncata, Cyrtandra crenata, Cyrtandra polyantha,

Lobelia oahuensis, and Rollandia crispa, all of which produce fleshy

fruits and stems and grow in areas where rats occur (J. Lau and J.

Obata, pers. comms., 1991).

Little is known about the predation of certain rare Hawaiian plants

by slugs, particularly Milax gagantes, which is found in wet montane

habitats (Howarth 1985). Indiscriminate predation by slugs on plant

parts of Lobelia oahuensis and particularly the fruits of Rollandia

crispa has been observed; field botanists believe that the effect of

slugs on the decline of these and related taxa may be significant (S.

Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). Slugs pose a serious threat to these two

species because they chew through the stems and eat the fruit, reducing

the vigor of the plant and limiting the number of seeds for

germination.

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

Of the 11 plant taxa in this final rule, a total of 8 have

populations located on privately owned land, 10 on State land, and 4 on

Federal land. One taxon is located exclusively on private land and one

is found only on State land. No State laws or existing regulatory

mechanisms at the present time effectively protect or prevent further

decline of these plant taxa on private land. However, Hawaii State laws

relating to the conservation of biological resources allow for the

acquisition of land as well as the development and implementation of

programs concerning the conservation of biological resources (HRS, sec.

195D-5(a)). State regulations prohibit the removal, destruction, or

damage of plants found on State lands. Despite the existence of State

laws and regulations which give protection to Hawaii's native plants,

their enforcement is difficult due to limited funding and personnel.

Federal listing automatically invokes listing under Hawaii State law,

which prohibits taking of endangered plants in the State and encourages

conservation by State agencies (HRS, sec. 195D-4). Hawaii's Endangered

Species Act states, ``Any species of aquatic life, wildlife, or land

plant that has been determined to be an endangered species pursuant to

the (Federal) Endangered Species Act shall be deemed to be an

endangered species under the provisions of this chapter * * *'' (HRS,

sec. 195D-4(a)). Further, the State may enter into agreements with

Federal agencies to administer and manage any area required for the

conservation, management, enhancement, or protection of endangered

species (HRS, sec. 195D-5(c)). Funds for these activities could be made

available under section 6 of the Federal Endangered Species Act (State

Cooperative Agreements). Listing of these 11 plant taxa reinforces and

supplements the protection available under the State Endangered Species

Act and other laws. The Federal Endangered Species Act also offers

additional protection to these 11 plant taxa because it is a violation

to remove, cut, dig up, damage, or destroy any such plant in an area

not under Federal jurisdiction in knowing violation of State law or

regulation or in the course of any violation of a State criminal

trespass law.

E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence

The small number of populations and individuals of most of these

taxa increases the potential for extinction from stochastic events. The

limited gene pool may depress reproductive vigor, or a single human-

caused or natural environmental disturbance could destroy a significant

percentage of the individuals or the only known extant population.

Three of the plant taxa in this final rule, Chamaesyce deppeana, Cyanea

truncata, and Cyrtandra crenata, are known from a single population.

Five other taxa are known from only two to five populations (See Table

1). Ten of the 11 plant taxa are estimated to number no more than 100

known individuals. Four of those taxa, Cyanea truncata, Cyrtandra

crenata, Cyrtandra polyantha, and Melicope lydgatei, are estimated to

number no more than 10 individuals.

Eight of the 11 endangered plant taxa are threatened by competition

with one or more alien plant taxa (See Table 1). Naturalized taxa

compete with native plants for space, light, water, and nutrients

(Cuddihy and Stone 1990). Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), a noxious

shrub first cultivated in Wahiawa on Oahu, spread to the Koolau

Mountains prior to 1941, where it is now rapidly displacing native

vegetation (Wagner et al. 1985). Koster's curse spread to the Waianae

Mountains around 1970 and is now widespread throughout the southern

half of that mountain range (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith 1985, Wagner

et al. 1985). This pest forms a dense understory, shading out other

plants and hindering plant regeneration, and is considered the major

alien plant threat in the Koolau Mountains (HHP 1987; Smith 1989; S.

Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). At present, Koster's curse threatens

Cyanea truncata, Eugenia koolauensis, Hesperomannia arborescens,

Lobelia oahuensis, Lycopodium nutans, Rollandia crispa, and

Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa (HHP 1993a1, 1993a2, 1993b2, 1993d1, 1993d2;

HPCC 1990b1; J. Lau, K. Nagata, J. Obata, and S. Perlman, pers. comms.,

1991).

Tibouchina herbacea, a relative of Koster's curse, first became

established on the island of Hawaii in the late 1970s and, by 1982, was

collected in Lanilili on West Maui (Almeda 1990). Although the

disruptive potential of this alien plant is not fully known, Tibouchina

herbacea appears to be rapidly invading mesic and wet forests of Maui,

and is considered the primary alien plant threat to the only population

of Hesperomannia arborescens on that island (Cuddihy and Stone 1990;

HPCC 1990b2; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1991).

Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava) has become widely

naturalized on all the main islands of Hawaii. Found in mesic and wet

forests in the Koolau Mountains, strawberry guava develops into dense

stands in which few other plants can grow, displacing natural

vegetation. Strawberry guava is eaten by pigs that disperse the plant's

seeds through the forest (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1985). Cyanea

truncata, Eugenia koolauensis, Hesperomannia arborescens, Lycopodium

nutans, and Rollandia crispa are seriously threatened by this pervasive

weed (HHP 1991e8, 1991f1, 1991j16, 1993a4, 1993b1; HPCC 1991b1, 1991b2;

K. Nagata, S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991).

After escaping from cultivation, Schinus terebinthifolius

(Christmas berry) became naturalized on most of the main Hawaiian

Islands (Wagner et al. 1990) and is a pervasive threat in the Koolau

Mountain Range. This fast-growing tree, distributed mainly by feral

pigs and fruit-eating birds, is able to form dense thickets that

displace other plants (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith 1985, Stone 1985).

It is now replacing the native vegetation of the Koolau Mountains and

threatens to occupy the habitat of Chamaesyce deppeana and Eugenia

koolauensis (HHP 1991e5, HPCC 1990a).

Lantana camara (lantana) is an aggressive thicket-forming shrub,

brought to Hawaii as an ornamental, that has now become naturalized in

mesic forests, dry shrublands, and other disturbed habitats (Smith

1989, Wagner et al. 1990). Lantana poses an immediate threat to a

population of Eugenia koolauensis in the Koolau Mountains (HHP 1991e7).

Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo grass) is one of several perennial

grasses purposely introduced for cattle fodder that have become noxious

weeds on Oahu as well as other Hawaiian islands (Cuddihy and Stone

1990, Scott et al. 1986, Tomich 1986). Hilo grass rapidly forms a dense

ground cover in wet habitats from sea level to 6,600 ft (2,000 m) in

elevation and competes with ferns and other native plants (Cuddihy and

Stone 1990, Haselwood and Motter 1983, O'Connor 1990, Smith 1985). Its

small hairy seeds are easily transported on humans and animals or

carried by the wind through native forests. Hilo grass threatens

Chamaesyce deppeana and Hesperomannia arborescens (S. Perlman, pers.

comm., 1991).

Casuarina equisetifolia (common ironwood) is a large, fast-growing

tree that reaches up to 65 ft (20 m) in height (Wagner et al. 1990).

This large tree shades out other plants, takes up much of the available

nutrients, and possibly releases a chemical agent that prevents other

plants from growing beneath it (Neal 1965, Smith 1985). Like Hilo

grass, common ironwood is becoming a significant component of the wet

forest vegetation in Nuuanu Valley and poses a significant threat to

Chamaesyce deppeana (HHP 1991a; HPCC 1990a; S. Perlman, pers. comm.,

1991).

The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and

commercial information available regarding the past, present, and

future threats faced by these taxa in determining to make this rule

final. Based on this evaluation, this rulemaking will list these 11

plant taxa as endangered. Ten of the taxa in this final rule either

number no more than about 100 individuals or are known from 5 or fewer

populations. The 11 plant taxa are threatened by one or more of the

following: Habitat degradation and/or predation by feral pigs and

goats; competition for space, light, water, and nutrients by alien

plants; habitat loss from fires; recreational activities; and predation

by animals. Small population sizes and limited distributions make these

plant taxa particularly vulnerable to extinction from reduced

reproductive vigor or from stochastic events. Because these 11 plant

taxa are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant

portion of their ranges, they fit the definition of endangered as

defined in the Act.

Critical habitat is not being proposed for the 11 plant taxa

included in this final rule, for reasons discussed in the ``Critical

Habitat'' section of this rule.

Critical Habitat

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, requires that, to the

maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Secretary propose critical

habitat at the time the species is proposed to be endangered or

threatened. The Service finds that designation of critical habitat is

not presently prudent for these 11 plant taxa. As discussed under

Factor B in the ``Summary of Factors Affecting the Species,'' the

species face numerous anthropogenic threats. The publication of precise

maps and descriptions of critical habitat in the Federal Register, as

required in a proposal for critical habitat, would increase the degree

of threat to these plants from take or vandalism and, therefore, could

contribute to their decline. The listing of these species as endangered

publicizes the rarity of the plants and, thus, can make these plants

attractive to researchers, curiosity seekers, or collectors of rare

plants. All involved parties and the major landowners have been

notified of the location and importance of protecting the habitat of

these species. Protection of the habitat of the species will be

addressed through the recovery process and through the Section 7

consultation process.

Therefore, the Service finds that designation of critical habitat

for these species is not prudent at this time, because such designation

would increase the degree of threat from vandalism, collecting, or

other human activities.

Available Conservation Measures

Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or

threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition,

recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions

against certain activities. Recognition through listing encourages and

results in conservation actions by Federal, State, and private

agencies, groups, and individuals. The Endangered Species Act provides

for possible land acquisition and cooperation with the State and

requires that recovery actions be carried out for all listed species.

The protection required of Federal agencies and the prohibitions

against certain activities involving listed plants are discussed, in

part, below.

Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to

evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or

listed as endangered and with respect to its critical habitat, if any

is being designated. Regulations implementing this interagency

cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR part 402.

Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to confer

informally with the Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize

the continued existence of a proposed endangered species or result in

destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a

species is listed subsequently, section 7(a)(2) requires Federal

agencies to insure that activities they authorize, fund, or carry out

are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of such a species

or to destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal

action may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the

responsible Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the

Service. Four endangered species grow on federally owned land and five

species occur on land leased by the U.S. Army from the State and

private parties. There are no other known Federal activities that occur

within the present known habitat of these 11 plant species.

The Act and its implementing regulations found at 50 CFR 17.61,

17.62, and 17.63 for endangered plants set forth a series of general

prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered and threatened

plant species. With respect to the 11 plant species, all prohibitions

of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented by 50 CFR 17.61, would

apply. These prohibitions, in part, make it illegal with respect to any

endangered plant for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the

United States to import or export; transport in interstate or foreign

commerce in the course of a commercial activity; sell or offer for sale

in interstate or foreign commerce; remove and reduce to possession any

such species from areas under Federal jurisdiction; maliciously damage

or destroy any such species on any area under Federal jurisdiction; or

remove, cut, dig up, damage, or destroy any such species on any other

area in knowing violation of any State law or regulation or in the

course of any violation of a State criminal trespass law. Certain

exceptions apply to agents of the Service and State conservation

agencies. The Act and 50 CFR 17.62 and 17.63 also provide for the

issuance of permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities

involving endangered plant species under certain circumstances. It is

anticipated that few permits would ever be sought or issued because the

species are not common in cultivation or in the wild.

Requests for copies of the regulations concerning listed plants and

inquiries regarding prohibitions and permits may be addressed to the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Endangered Species

Permits, 911 NE. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (503/231-

6241; FAX 503/231-6243).

National Environmental Policy Act

The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that an Environmental

Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement, as defined under the

authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be

prepared in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section

4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice

outlining the Service's reasons for this determination was published in

the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

References Cited

A complete list of all references cited herein is available upon

request from the Pacific Islands Office. (See ADDRESSES above.)

Author

The primary authors of this final rule are Marie M. Bruegmann,

Loyal A. Mehrhoff, and Joan M. Yoshioka, Ecological Services, Pacific

Islands Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana

Boulevard, room 6307, P.O. Box 50167, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 (808/541-

2749).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.

Regulation Promulgation

Accordingly, part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the

Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C.

4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.

2. Section 17.12(h) is amended by adding the following, in

alphabetical order under the families indicated, to the List of

Endangered and Threatened Plants:

Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *

(h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Species

------------------------------------------- Historical range Status When listed Critical Special

Scientific name Common name habitat rules

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *

Araliaceae--Ginseng

family:

Tetraplasandra 'Ohe'ohe............ U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

gymnocarpa.

* * * * * * *

Asteraceae--Aster

family:

Hesperomannia None................ U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

arborescens .

* * * * * * *

Campanulaceae--Bellf

lower family:

Cyanea truncata Haha................ U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Lobelia None................ U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

oahuensis .

* * * * * * *

Rollandia crispa None................ U.S.A. (HI)........ E 537 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Euphorbiaceae--Spurg

e family:

Chamaesyce 'Akoko.............. U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

deppeana .

* * * * * * *

Gesneriaceae--Africa

n Violet family:

Cyrtandra Ha'iwale............ U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

crenata .

* * * * * * *

Cyrtandra Ha'iwale............ U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

polyantha .

* * * * * * *

Lycopodiaceae--Clubm

oss family:

Lycopodium Wawae'iole.......... U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

nutans .

* * * * * * *

Myrtaceae--Myrtle

family:

Eugenia Nioi................ U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

koolauensis .

* * * * * * *

Rutaceae--Citrus

family:

Melicope Alani............... U.S.A. (HI)........ E 536 NA NA

lydgatei

(=Pelea 1.).

* * * * * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dated: February 28, 1994.

Mollie H. Beattie,

Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 94-7223 Filed 3-25-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P