Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status for Twenty-five Plant Species From the Island of Oahu, Hawaii

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AD50

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of

Endangered Status for Twenty-five Plant Species From the Island of

Oahu, Hawaii

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

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

amended (Act), for 25 plant taxa--Chamaesyce herbstii (`akoko),

Chamaesyce rockii (`akoko), Cyanea acuminata (haha), Cyanea

humboldtiana (haha), Cyanea koolauensis (haha), Cyanea longiflora

(haha), Cyanea st.-johnii (haha), Cyrtandra dentata (ha`iwale),

Cyrtandra subumbellata (ha`iwale), Cyrtandra viridiflora (ha`iwale),

Delissea subcordata (`oha), Eragrostis fosbergii (No common name

(NCN)), Gardenia mannii (nanu), Labordia cyrtandrae (kamakahala),

Lepidium arbuscula (`anaunau), Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis

(NCN), Lobelia monostachya (NCN), Melicope saint-johnii (alani),

Myrsine juddii (kolea), Phyllostegia hirsuta (NCN), Phyllostegia

kaalaensis (NCN), Pritchardia kaalae (loulu), Schiedea kealiae (NCN),

Trematolobelia singularis (NCN), and Viola oahuensis (NCN). All 25 taxa

are endemic to the island of Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. The 25 plant taxa

and their habitats have been variously affected or are currently

threatened by one or more of the following--competition, predation, or

habitat degradation from alien species; human impacts; fire; and

natural disasters. This rule implements the Federal protection

provisions provided by the Act for these plant taxa.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule takes effect November 12, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection,

by appointment, during normal business hours at the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3108, P.O. Box 5088,

Honolulu, Hawaii 96850.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brooks Harper, Field Supervisor,

Ecological Services (see ADDRESSES section) (telephone: 808/541-3441;

facsimile 808/541-3470).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Chamaesyce herbstii, Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea

humboldtiana, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyanea st.-johnii,

Cyrtandra dentata, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra viridiflora,

Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Gardenia mannii, Labordia

cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis,

Lobelia monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, Myrsine juddii,

Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, Pritchardia kaalae,

Schiedea kealiae, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola oahuensis are

endemic to the island of Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.

The island of Oahu is 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 60

kilometers (km) (37 miles (mi)) long (Foote et al. 1972). Median annual

rainfall for the Koolau Mountains varies from 130 to 640 centimeters

(cm) (50 to 250 inches (in.)), most of which is received at higher

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

(Taliaferro 1959).

Nineteen of the plant taxa in this final rule occur in the Koolau

Mountains--Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea humboldtiana,

Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyanea st.-johnii, Cyrtandra

dentata, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra viridiflora, Delissea

subcordata, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lobelia gaudichaudii

ssp. koolauensis, Lobelia monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, Myrsine

juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola

oahuensis. The vegetation communities of the Koolau Mountains,

especially in the upper elevations to which many of the plant taxa in

this final rule are restricted, are primarily lowland mesic and wet

forests dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha (`ohi`a) and/or other tree

or fern taxa. However, the vegetation now covering the Koolau Mountain

Range is mostly alien. The majority of the remaining native vegetation

is restricted to steep valley head walls 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 Waianae Mountains were built by eruptions that took place

primarily along three rift zones. The two principal rift zones run in a

northwestward and south-southeastward direction from the summit and a

lesser one runs to the northeast. The range is approximately 64 km (40

mi) long. The caldera lies between the north side of Makaha Valley and

the head of Nanakuli Valley (MacDonald et al. 1983). The Waianae

Mountains are in the rain shadow of the parallel Koolau Mountains and

except for Mt. Kaala, the highest point on Oahu (1,225 meters (m))

4,020 feet (ft)), receive much less rainfall (Wagner et al. 1990). The

median annual rainfall for the Waianae Mountains varies from 51 to 190

cm (20 to 75 in) with only the small summit area of Mt. Kaala

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receiving the highest amount. Relative to the Koolau Mountains, the

Waianae Mountains have a greater range of elevations, moisture regimes,

and habitat types. As a result, the most biologically diverse region on

the island of Oahu is the Waianae Mountains.

Thirteen of the 25 plant taxa occur in the Waianae Mountains--

Chamaesyce herbstii, Cyanea longiflora, Cyrtandra dentata, Delissea

subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae,

Lepidium arbuscula, Melicope saint-johnii, Phyllostegia hirsuta,

Phyllostegia kaalaensis, Pritchardia kaalae, and Schiedea kealiae.

These taxa, with the exception of Lepidium arbuscula and Schiedea

kealiae, are found primarily in mesic forests dominated by `ohi`a,

Acacia koa (koa), Diospyros sandwicensis (lama), or a diverse mix of

trees. Lepidium arbuscula is found primarily in mesic shrublands on

ridges, steep slopes, and cliffs composed of a variety of native

shrubs, herbs, and grasses. Schiedea kealiae is found on dry cliff

communities with a variety of native trees and shrubs (Joel Lau, The

Nature Conservancy of Hawaii (TNCH), pers. comm., 1994).

The known habitat of these 25 plant taxa is owned by the City and

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

Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Natural Area Reserve (NAR) System,

Forest Reserve, and land leased by the Federal Government (Department

of Defense (DOD)) for military use), the Federal Government, and

private parties. Plants on land owned or leased by the Federal

government are located on portions of Dillingham, Kaena Point, Makua,

and Schofield Barracks Military Reservations; Kawailoa and Kahuku

training areas; Lualualei Naval Reservation; and the Omega U.S. Coast

Guard Station. Private lands include Honouliuli Preserve, leased from a

major landowner by TNCH.

Discussion of the 25 Plant Taxa Included in This Final Rule

Chamaesyce herbstii was first described by Warren Wagner (1988)

based on a specimen collected by Derral Herbst in 1969 in the Waianae

Mountains of Oahu. Other published names which Wagner considers to be

synonymous with Chamaesyce herbstii include C. rockii var. grandifolia,

Euphorbia clusiaefolia var. grandifolia, and E. forbesii (Hillebrand

1888, Koutnik 1985, Wagner 1988).

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

is a small tree ranging from 3 to 8 m (10 to 26 ft) tall. The thin,

leathery leaves, normally 8 to 19.5 cm (3.1 to 7.7 in.) long and 1.8 to

3.8 cm (0.7 to 1.5 in.) wide, are narrowly oblong or sometimes more

lance-shaped or elliptic. The leaves are arranged in pairs on the same

plane. The small, petalless flower clusters (cyathia or compact

flowering stalks with small individual flowers, the whole simulating a

single flower) occur in groups of 3 to 15 in branched, open flowering

stalks. The individual flower stalks are 8 to 20 millimeters (mm) (0.3

to 0.8 in.) long. The hairy inflorescence bracts (specialized leaves)

are broadly bell-shaped and contain five to six yellowish green glands.

The green or sometimes reddish purple-tinged, angular capsules (dry

fruit that open at maturity) scarcely protrude from the bracts. This

species is distinguished from others in the genus by the length of the

flowering stalk and the color of the angular fruits (Koutnik 1990).

Historically Chamaesyce herbstii was known from scattered

populations in the northern and central Waianae Mountains on the island

of Oahu (Hawaii Heritage Program (HHP) 1994c1 to 1994c5). Currently

this species is known from four populations in the central and northern

Waianae Mountains--South Ekahanui Gulch, Pahole (Kukuiula) Gulch,

Kapuna Gulch, and West Makaleha-Central Makaleha. These populations are

found on private land in TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve and State land,

including Pahole NAR (HHP 1994c1 to 1994c5). The total number of plants

is estimated to be fewer than 200. Chamaesyce herbstii typically grows

in mesic koa-`ohi`a lowland forests, Pisonia sp. (papala kepau)-

Charpentiera sp. (papala) lowland forests, or diverse mesic forests at

elevations between 530 and 700 m (1,750 to 2,300 ft). Associated plant

taxa include the federally endangered Alectryon macrococcus var.

macrococcus (mahoe), as well as Hibiscus arnottianus var. arnottianus

(koki`o ke`oke`o), Melicope sp. (alani), Pouteria sp. (`ala`a), and

Urera glabra (opuhe) (HHP 1994c1 to 1994c5).

The primary threats to Chamaesyce herbstii are habitat degradation

and/or destruction by feral pigs (Sus scrofa); competition with alien

plant taxa such as Grevillea robusta (silk oak), Passiflora suberosa

(huehue haole), Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava), and Schinus

terebinthifolius (Christmas berry); potential fire; and risk of

extinction from naturally occurring events (such as hurricanes) and/or

reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of remaining

populations (HHP 1994c1 to 1994c5; Christa Russell, TNCH, pers. comm.

1994).

Joseph F. Rock collected a plant in 1908 in the Koolau Mountains,

Oahu, which was described a year later by Charles Noyes Forbes as

Euphorbia rockii. Leon Croizat and Otto Degener (Degener and Croizat

1936) later transferred the species to Chamaesyce, resulting in the new

combination Chamaesyce rockii, the name accepted in the current

treatment of Hawaiian members of the genus (Koutnik 1990). The specific

epithet honors Rock, an intrepid collector and scholar of the Hawaiian

flora.

Chamaesyce rockii, a member of the spurge family, is usually a

compact shrub or sometimes a small tree typically ranging from 0.5 to 2

m (1.6 to 6.6 ft) tall, but in protected sites it has been known to

reach 4 m (13 ft) in height. The leathery leaves, generally 8 to 14 cm

(3 to 5.5 in.) long and 2 to 3.5 cm (0.8 to 1.4 in.) wide, are narrowly

oblong to oblong-elliptic or sometimes narrowly elliptic in shape. The

leaves are arranged in two opposite rows along the stem, and have

smooth leaf margins. The cyathia occur in groups of about 3 to 10 in

branched, open to sometimes condensed flowering stalks that are usually

2 to 6 cm (0.8 to 2.4 in.) long. The bracts of the flowering stalks are

broadly bell-shaped and contain five to six greenish yellow, green, or

red glands. The fruit is a brilliant red (sometimes pink-tinged red),

round, hairless capsule, 14 to 25 mm (0.6 to 1 in.) long. The fruit

protrudes noticeably from the bracts. This species differs from others

in the genus in that it has large, red, capsular fruit (Koutnik 1990).

Chamaesyce rockii was known historically from scattered populations

along the Koolau Mountains on the island of Oahu (HHP 1994d1 to

1994d13). Eleven of the thirteen known populations of this species are

extant and are found on private land and State land leased by DOD for

the Kawailoa Training Area, as well as on Federal land on Schofield

Barracks Military Reservation (HHP 1994d1 to 1994d11). Currently the

total number of plants is estimated to be between 200 and 400 plants.

Chamaesyce rockii typically grows in wet `ohi`a-Dicranopteris linearis

(uluhe) forest and shrubland between 640 and 915 m (2,100 and 3,000 ft)

in elevation. Associated plant taxa include Dubautia laxa (na`ena`e pua

melemele), Machaerina sp. (`uki), Psychotria fauriei (kopiko),

Wikstroemia sp. (`akia), and Myrsine juddii (kolea) (HHP 1994d4).

The primary threats to Chamaesyce rockii are habitat degradation

and/or destruction by feral pigs, potential impacts from military

activities, and competition with alien plant taxa, such

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as strawberry guava and Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse) (HHP 1994d1 to

1994d5, 1994d7, 1994d8).

While a pharmaceutical botanist on the vessel Uranie, Charles

Gaudichaud-Beaupre collected a new lobelioid on Oahu, which he later

described and named Delissea acuminata (Hillebrand 1888). Wilhelm

Hillebrand (1888) transferred this species to the genus Cyanea,

resulting in the new combination Cyanea acuminata. This is the name

accepted in the current treatment of Hawaiian members of the family

(Lammers 1990). Other published names considered synonymous with Cyanea

acuminata include C. acuminata var. calycina, C. acuminata forma

latifolia, C. occultans, Delissea acuminata var. calycina, D. acuminata

forma latifolia, D. acuminata var. latifolia, D. occultans, and Lobelia

acuminata (Degener and Degener 1982, Hosaka and Degener 1938, Lammers

1990, St. John 1981 and 1987b, Wawra 1873).

Cyanea acuminata, a member of the bellflower family

(Campanulaceae), is an unbranched shrub 0.3 to 2 m (1 to 6.6 ft) tall.

The leaves, 11 to 32 cm (4.3 to 12.6 in.) long and 3 to 9 cm (1.2 to

3.5 in.) wide, are inversely lance-shaped to narrowly egg-shaped or

elliptic. The upper leaf surface is green, whereas the lower surface is

whitish green. The slightly hardened leaf edges contain small,

spreading, pointed teeth. The leaf stalks are 2 to 10 cm (0.8 to 4 in.)

long. Six to 20 flowers are arranged on a flowering stalk 15 to 60 mm

(0.6 to 2.4 in.) long. The calyx lobes, 2 to 5 mm (0.08 to 0.2 in.)

long, are narrowly triangular. The corolla is white and sometimes

tinged purplish, 30 to 35 mm (1.2 to 1.4 in.) long and 3 to 4 mm (0.1

to 0.2 in.) wide. The tubular portion of the flower is almost erect to

slightly curved, while the lobes are one-fourth to one-third as long as

the tube and spreading. The yellow to yellowish orange, round berries

are approximately 5 mm (0.2 in.) long. This species is distinguished

from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the color of the petals

and fruit and length of the calyx lobes, flowering stalk, and leaf

stalks (Lammers 1990).

Historically, Cyanea acuminata was known from 31 scattered

populations in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1994e1 to 1994e32).

Currently, fewer than 100 plants are known from 15 populations on

privately owned land; City and County of Honolulu land; State land,

including land leased by the DOD for the Kawailoa Training Area; and

Federal land on Schofield Barracks Military Reservation and the Omega

Coast Guard Station (HHP 1994e1 to 1994e12, 1994e20, 1994e24, 1994e25).

This species typically grows on slopes, ridges, or stream banks from

305 to 915 m (1,000 to 3,000 ft) elevation. The plants are found in

mesic to wet `ohi`a-uluhe, koa-`ohi`a, or Diospyros sandwicensis

(lama)-`ohi`a forest (HHP 1994e1 to 1994e9, 1994e11, 1994e12, 1994e24,

1994e25; Lammers 1990).

The major threats to Cyanea acuminata are habitat degradation and/

or destruction by feral pigs; potential impacts from military

activities; potential predation by rats; competition with the noxious

alien plant Christmas berry, Koster's curse, and Ageratina adenophora

(Maui pamakani); and risk of extinction from naturally occurring events

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

individuals (HHP 1994e1 to 1994e4, 1994e7, 1994e8, 1994e10 to 1994e12,

1994e20; J. Lau, C. Russell, and Joan Yoshioka, TNCH, pers. comms.

1994).

While a botanist on the vessel La Bonite on his third trip to

Hawaii, Gaudichaud-Beaupre collected a new lobelioid on Oahu which he

later described and named as Rollandia humboldtiana (Lammers 1990).

Other published names considered synonymous with Rollandia humboldtiana

include Delissea racemosa, Rollandia humboldtiana forma albida, R.

pedunculosa, and R. racemosa (Hillebrand 1888, Lammers 1990, Mann 1867-

1868, St. John 1940, Wawra 1873). Recently, Lammers, Thomas Givnish,

and Kenneth Sytsma merged the endemic Hawaiian genera Cyanea and

Rollandia under the former name and published the new combination

Cyanea humboldtiana (Lammers et al. 1993). The specific epithet honors

the German naturalist and explorer, Baron Alexander von Humboldt.

Cyanea humboldtiana, a member of the bellflower family, is an

unbranched shrub with woody stems 1 to 2 m (3.2 to 6.6 ft) tall. The

leaves are inversely egg-shaped to broadly elliptic, 18 to 45 cm (7 to

18 in.) long and 7 to 16 cm (2.8 to 6.3 in.) wide. The leaf edges are

hardened and have shallow, ascending rounded teeth. Five to twelve

flowers are arranged on a hairy, downward bending flowering stalk which

is 8 to 25 cm (3 to 10 in.) long. The dark magenta or white petals are

6 to 7.5 cm (2.4 to 3 in.) long and hairy. The pale orangish yellow

berries are elliptic to inversely egg-shaped. This species differs from

others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the downward bending flowering

stalk and the length of the flowering stalk (Lammers 1990).

Cyanea humboldtiana was known historically from 17 populations from

the central portion to the southern end of the Koolau Mountains of Oahu

(HHP 1994f1 to 1994f17). Currently, between 100 and 220 plants are

known from three populations--Konahuanui summit, Moanalua-Kaneohe

summit, and Lulumahu Gulch. These populations occur on private land,

State land, and Federal land on the Omega U.S. Coast Guard Station (HHP

1994f1, 1994f2, 1994f16). This species is usually found in wet `ohi`a-

uluhe shrubland from 550 to 960 m (1,800 to 3,150 ft) elevation.

Associated native plant taxa include ferns, alani, `uki, Ilex anomala

(kawa`u), and Scaevola mollis (naupaka kuahiwi) (HHP 1994f1, 1994f16).

Habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs, potential

predation by rats, competition with the alien plant Koster's curse, and

a risk of extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced

reproductive vigor, due to the small number of remaining populations,

are the major threats to Cyanea humboldtiana. The Konahuanui summit

population also is threatened by trampling by hikers (HHP 1994f1,

1994f2; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

Cyanea koolauensis was first described by Hillebrand (1888) as

Rollandia longiflora var. angustifolia, based on a specimen he

collected on Oahu. In 1918 Rock elevated the variety to full species

status as Rollandia angustifolia (Rock 1918b). Lammers et al. (1993)

published the new name Cyanea koolauensis to replace Rollandia

angustifolia when they merged Cyanea and Rollandia, as the name Cyanea

angustifolia had already been used.

Cyanea koolauensis, a member of the bellflower family, is an

unbranched shrub with woody stems, 1 to 1.5 m (3.5 to 5 ft) tall. The

leaves are linear to narrowly elliptic with a whitish underside, 16 to

36 cm (6.3 to 14.2 in.) long and 1.5 to 4 cm (0.6 to 1.6 in.) wide. The

leaf edges are hardened with shallow, ascending rounded teeth. The leaf

stalks are 1.5 to 4.5 cm (0.6 to 1.8 in.) long. The flowering stalks

are three to six-flowered. The flowering stalk is 15 to 40 mm (0.6 to

1.6 in.) long. The hypanthium (basal portion of the flower) is 6 to 12

mm (0.2 to 0.5 in.) long. The calyx lobes are fused into a sheath 2 to

8 mm (0.08 to 0.3 in.) long. The dark magenta petals are 5 to 9 cm (2.0

to 3.5 in.) long. The fruit is a round berry. Cyanea koolauensis is

distinguished from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the leaf

shape and width, the whitish green lower leaf surface and, the lengths

of the

[[Page 53092]]

leaf stalks, calyx lobes, and hypanthium (Lammers 1990).

Cyanea koolauensis was known historically from 27 scattered

populations throughout the Koolau Mountains on Oahu (HHP 1994g1 to

1994g28). Currently, 14 populations totalling fewer than 50 plants are

known from the Waimea-Malaekahana Ridge to Hawaii Loa Ridge in the

Koolau Mountains. These populations occur on City and County of

Honolulu land, private land, and State land, including land leased to

the DOD for the Kahuku and Kawailoa Training Areas (HHP 1994g1 to

1994g12, 1994g18, 1994g19, 1994g22). Cyanea koolauensis usually is

found on slopes and ridge crests in wet `ohi`a-uluhe forest or

shrubland at elevations from 520 to 810 m (1,700 to 2,660 ft).

Associated plant taxa include alani, Antidesma sp. (hame),

Diplopterygium pinnatum, Psychotria sp. (kopiko), and Scaevola sp.

(naupaka) (HHP 1994g1 to 1994g12, 1994g18, 1994g19, 1994g22; Lammers

1990).

Cyanea koolauensis is threatened by habitat destruction by feral

pigs, potential impacts from military activities, potential predation

by rats, competition with the aggressive alien plants Koster's curse

and strawberry guava, trampling by hikers, overcollection, and risk of

extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive

vigor due to the small number of remaining individuals (HHP 1994g1 to

1994g5, 1994g7, 1994g22; Loyal Mehrhoff, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

Cyanea longiflora was first collected by Hillebrand on Oahu and

named in 1873, by Dr. Heinrich Wawra, as Rollandia longiflora

(Hillebrand 1888). Other names considered synonymous with Rollandia

longiflora are R. lanceolata var. brevipes and R. sessilifolia (Degener

1932, Lammers 1990, Wimmer 1953). Recently Lammers et al. (1993)

published the new combination Cyanea longiflora. The specific epithet

refers to the long flowers.

Cyanea longiflora, a member of the bellflower family, is an

unbranched shrub with woody stems 1 to 3 m (3.5 to 10 ft) long. The

leaves are elliptic or inversely lance-shaped, 30 to 55 cm (12 to 22

in.) long and 6 to 12 cm (2.4 to 4.7 in.) wide. Mature leaves have

smooth or hardened leaf edges with shallow, ascending, rounded teeth.

The flowering stalks are 5 to 10-flowered and 30 to 60 mm (1.2 to 2.4

in.) long. The calyx lobes are fused into an irregularly toothed sheath

2 to 4 mm (0.08 to 0.2 in.) long. The petals, 6 to 9 cm (2.4 to 3.5

in.) long, and the hairless staminal column are dark magenta. The

berries are almost pear-shaped. Cyanea longiflora differs from others

in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the fused calyx lobes (Lammers 1990).

Cyanea longiflora was known historically from five populations in

the Waianae Mountains and six populations in the Koolau Mountains of

Oahu (HHP 1994h1, 1994h2 to 1994h14). Currently five populations of

this species are known: Pahole Gulch, Makaha Valley, and Makaha-Waianae

Ridge in the Waianae Mountains; and Kawainui Drainage and Opaeula Gulch

in the Koolau Mountains (HHP 1994h1, 1994h3, 1994h11 to 1994h14). These

5 populations total between 220 and 300 plants. The populations are

found on City and County of Honolulu land, private land leased by the

DOD for the Kawailoa Training Area, and State-owned land, including

Pahole NAR. Cyanea longiflora usually is found on steep slopes or ridge

crests in mesic koa-'ohi'a forest in the Waianae Mountains or wet

'ohi'a-uluhe forest in the Koolau Mountains, usually between 620 and

780 m (2,030 and 2,560 ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa in koa-

'ohi'a forest include hame, kopiko, uluhe, Coprosma sp. (pilo), and

Syzygium sp. ('ohi'a ha). In wet 'ohi'a-uluhe forest, associated native

taxa include 'akia, alani, Cibotium sp. (hapu'u), Dubautia sp.

(na'ena'e), Hedyotis sp., and Pittosporum sp. (ho'awa) (HHP 1994h1,

1994h3, 1994h11, 1994h13, 1994h14; Lammers 1990).

The major threats to Cyanea longiflora are habitat degradation and/

or destruction by feral pigs, potential impacts from military

activities, potential predation by rats, competition with the alien

plants strawberry guava and Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry)

in the Waianae Mountains and Koster's curse in the Koolau Mountains,

potential fire, and a risk of extinction from naturally occurring

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

remaining, widely dispersed populations (HHP 1994h1, 1994h3, 1994h12 to

1994h14; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

While hiking in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu, Edward Hosaka

collected a new lobelioid, which he later described and named Rollandia

st.-johnii (St. John and Hosaka 1935). Rollandia st.-johnii var.

obtusisepala (Wimmer 1953) is not recognized in the most recent

treatment of Hawaiian members of the family (Lammers 1990). Lammers et

al. (1993) published the new name Cyanea st.-johnii when Cyanea and

Rollandia were merged. The specific epithet honors the late Harold St.

John.

Cyanea st.-johnii, a member of the bellflower family, is an

unbranched shrub with a woody stem 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in.) long. The

leaves are lance-shaped to inversely lance-shaped, 6 to 13 cm (2.4 to

5.1 in.) long and 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 in.) wide. The leaf edges are

thickened, smoothly toothed, and curl under. The flowering stalk is 5

to 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 in.) long, with 5 to 20 flowers. The hairless,

white petals, 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in.) long, are suffused with pale

violet in the inner surface. This species is distinguished from others

in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the length of the leaves, the

distinctly curled leaf margins, and the petal color (Lammers 1990).

Cyanea st.-johnii was known historically from 11 populations in the

central and southern Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1994i1 to 1994i11).

Currently, between 40 and 50 plants are known from 5 populations--

Waimano Trail summit to Aiea Trail summit, the summit ridge crest

between Manana and Kipapa trails, between the summit of Aiea and Halawa

trails, Summit Trail south of Poamoho cabin, and Wailupe-Waimanalo

summit ridge. These populations are found on City and County of

Honolulu, private, and State lands (HHP 1994i1, 1994i7, 1994i9 to

1994i11). This species typically grows on wet, windswept slopes and

ridges from 690 to 850 m (2,260 to 2,800 ft) elevation in 'ohi'a mixed

shrubland or 'ohi'a-uluhe shrubland. Associated plant taxa include

naupaka kuahiwi, 'uki, Bidens sp. (ko'oko'olau), and Freycinetia

arborea ('ie'ie) (HHP 1994i1, 1994i7, 1994i9 to 1994i11).

Cyanea st.-johnii is threatened by habitat degradation and/or

destruction by feral pigs, potential predation by rats, competition

with the noxious alien plant Koster's curse, and risk of extinction

from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due

to the small number of remaining populations and individuals. The

plants between the summit of Aiea and Halawa Trail also are threatened

by trampling by hikers (HHP 1994i7, 1994i9, 1994i10; J. Lau, C.

Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

In 1945 St. John collected a plant specimen on Oahu that he and

W.B. Storey named Cyrtandra dentata (St. John and Storey 1950). In the

same paper, St. John and Storey also described Cyrtandra frederickii,

now considered synonymous with Cyrtandra dentata (Wagner et al. 1990).

The specific epithet refers to the toothed margin of the leaf blades.

[[Page 53093]]

Cyrtandra dentata, a member of the African violet family

(Gesneriaceae), is a sparingly branched shrub ranging from 1.5 to 5 m

(5 to 16 ft) tall. Papery in texture, the leaves are broadly elliptic

to almost circular or broadly egg-shaped to egg-shaped, 9 to 33 cm (3.5

to 13 in.) long, and 3 to 17 cm (1.2 to 6.7 in.) wide. Three to nine

white flowers are arranged on an inverse umbrella-shaped flower cluster

which arises from the leaf axil. The main flower stalk is 25 to 50 mm

(1 to 2 in.) long and the individual flower stalks are 15 to 33 mm (0.6

to 1.3 in.) long. The leaf-like bracts are 12 to 30 mm (0.5 to 1.2 in.)

long. The tubular portion of the flower is 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 in.)

long and 4 to 9 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) in diameter. The upper flower lobes

are 2 to 6 mm (0.08 to 0.2 in.) long and 3 to 7 mm (0.1 to 0.3 in.)

wide, while the lower lobes are 3 to 17 mm (0.1 to 0.7 in.) long and 4

to 9 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) wide. The round white berries are 1 to 2.6 cm

(0.4 to 1 in.) long. This species is distinguished from others in the

genus by the number and arrangement of the flowers, the length of the

bracts and flower stalks, and the shape of the leaves (Wagner et al.

1990).

Cyrtandra dentata was historically known from six populations in

the Waianae Mountains and three populations in the Koolau Mountains of

Oahu (HHP 1994j1 to 1994j9). Currently, this species is found only in

the Waianae Mountains in Pahole Gulch and Kapuna Valley on State land

(within Pahole NAR) and in Ekahanui Gulch on State and private land

(within TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve) (HHP 1994j2, 1994j6, 1994j7). The 3

known populations total fewer than 50 individuals. Cyrtandra dentata

typically grows in gulches, slopes, or ravines in mesic forest with

'ohi'a, 'ohi'a ha, and Aleurites moluccana (kukui) at elevations from

580 to 720 m (1,900 to 2,360 ft) (HHP 1994j2, 1994j6, 1994j7; St. John

1966; Wagner et al. 1990).

Competition with the alien plants Koster's curse and strawberry

guava, potential predation by rats, potential fire, and a risk of

extinction from naturally occurring events (such as landslides/

hurricanes/flooding) and/or reduced reproductive vigor, due to the

small number of extant populations and individuals, are the major

threats to Cyrtandra dentata (HHP 1994j6; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J.

Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

Hillebrand (1888) collected a specimen on Oahu that he named

Cyrtandra gracilis var. subumbellata. St. John and Storey (1950)

elevated the variety to full species status. The authors of the current

treatment of the family concur with this designation (Wagner et al.

1990). St. John's (1966) variety intonsa is not currently recognized

(Wagner et al. 1990). The specific epithet refers to the umbrella-like

flowering stalk.

Cyrtandra subumbellata, a member of the African violet family, is a

shrub 2 to 3 m (6.6 to 10 ft) tall. Papery in texture, the leaves are

almost circular to egg-shaped, 12 to 39 cm (4.7 to 15.4 in.) long, and

3 to 19 cm (1.2 to 7.5 in.) wide. The upper leaf surface is wrinkled,

whereas the lower surface has conspicuously raised net-like veins and

is moderately covered with white glands. Five to 15 white flowers are

densely arranged on an inverse umbrella-shaped flowering stalk which

arises from the leaf axil. The main flower stalk is 2 to 8 mm (0.08 to

0.3 in.) long. The style is approximately 10 mm (0.4 in.) long. The

round, white berries are 1 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in.) long. This

species is distinguished from others in the genus by the number and

arrangement of the flowers, the lengths of the style and main flower

stalks, and the texture of the leaves (Wagner et al. 1990).

Historically, Cyrtandra subumbellata was known from six scattered

populations in the central Koolau Mountains on the island of Oahu (HHP

1994k1 to 1994k6). This species is now known from three populations in

the central Koolau Mountains--Schofield-Waikane Trail and Puu Ohulehule

on private and State land and Kaukonahua drainage on Federal land

within Schofield Barracks Military Reservation (HHP 1994k2, 1994k5,

1994k6). The total number of plants currently is estimated to be fewer

than 50. This species typically grows on moist, forested slopes or

gulch bottoms dominated by 'ohi'a or a mixture of 'ohi'a and uluhe,

between 460 and 670 m (1,500 and 2,200 ft) elevation. Associated plant

taxa include 'uki, Adiantum raddiantum, Boehmeria grandis ('akolea),

Broussaisia arguta (kanawao), and Thelypteris sp. (HHP 1994k2, 1994k5,

1994k6; St. John 1966; Wagner et al. 1990).

The primary threats to Cyrtandra subumbellata are competition with

the noxious alien plant Koster's curse, potential impacts from military

activities, potential predation by rats, potential fire, and risk of

extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive

vigor due to the small number of extant populations and individuals

(HHP 1994k6; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

In 1950, St. John and Storey first described Cyrtandra viridiflora

based on a specimen collected by Joseph Rock in 1911. Other published

names now considered synonyms of this species are Cyrtandra crassifolia

and C. pickeringii var. crassifolia (Hillebrand 1888, Rock 1918a, St.

John 1966, Wagner et al. 1990). The specific epithet refers to the

conspicuous green flowers.

Cyrtandra viridiflora, a member of the African violet family, is a

small shrub 0.5 to 2 m (1.6 to 6.6 ft) tall. The thick, fleshy, heart-

shaped leaves are 6 to 15 cm (2.4 to 6 in.) long, 3.5 to 7.5 cm (1.4 to

3 in.) wide, and have toothed margins. Both the upper and lower

surfaces have long, velvety, pale hairs. One to five green flowers are

arranged on an inverse umbrella-shaped flowering stalk. The pale green

calyx is 12 to 15 mm (0.5 to 0.6 in.) long. The round, white berries

are 1.3 cm (0.5 in.) or longer. This species is distinguished from

others in the genus by the leaves, which are thick, fleshy, heart-

shaped, and densely hairy on both surfaces (Wagner et al. 1990).

Historically, Cyrtandra viridiflora was known from seven scattered

populations in the Koolau Mountains on the island of Oahu (HHP 1994L1

to 1994L7). This species is now known only from four populations in the

northern Koolau Mountains--Kawainui-Laie summit divide, Kawainui-

Kaipapau summit divide, Maakua-Kaipapau Ridge, and the Peahinaia Trail.

Fewer than 10 plants are known from these 4 populations on State land

and private land leased by the DOD for Kawailoa Training Area (HHP

1994L4 to 1994L7). Cyrtandra viridiflora is usually found on wind-blown

ridge tops in cloud-covered wet forest or shrubland at elevations of

690 to 850 m (2,260 to 2,800 ft). Associated plant taxa include

kanawao, 'ohi'a, 'ohi'a ha, 'uki, and uluhe (HHP 1994L4 to 1994L7,

Wagner et al. 1990).

The major threats to Cyrtandra viridiflora are habitat degradation

or destruction by feral pigs, potential impacts from military

activities, potential predation by rats, competition with the alien

plants Koster's curse and strawberry guava, and risk of extinction from

naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the

small number of remaining populations and individuals (HHP 1994L4 to

1994L6; J. Lau, C. Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

Delissea subcordata was first collected on Oahu by Gaudichaud-

Beaupre over 150 years ago. He later described and named it for its

heart-shaped leaf base (Hillebrand 1888). Lammers considers all

subsequently named varieties to be synonymous with Delissea subcordata,

including D. subcordata var. kauaiensis, D. subcordata var.

obtusifolia, D.

[[Page 53094]]

subcordata var. waialaeensis, D. subcordata var. waikaneensis, and

Lobelia subcordata (Lammers 1990, St. John 1977, Wawra 1873).

Delissea subcordata, a member of the bellflower family, is a

branched or unbranched shrub 1 to 3 m (3.5 to 10 ft) tall. The leaves

are egg-shaped or oval lance-shaped, with heart-shaped bases and blades

12 to 30 cm (4.7 to 12 in.) long and 6 to 17 cm (2.4 to 6.7 in.) wide.

The leaf margins have shallow, rounded to sharply pointed teeth.

Occasionally the leaf margin may be irregularly cut into narrow and

unequal segments with one to six triangular lobes, 10 to 18 mm (0.4 to

0.7 in.) long, toward the leaf base. Six to 18 white or greenish white

flowers are arranged on a flowering stalk 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 4 in.)

long. The calyx lobes are awl-shaped and 0.5 to 1 mm (0.02 to 0.04 in.)

long. The curved corolla is 45 to 60 mm (1.8 to 2.4 in.) long and has a

knob on the back side. The anthers are hairless. The fruit is an egg-

shaped berry. This species is distinguished from others in this endemic

Hawaiian genus by the shape and size of the leaves, the length of the

calyx lobes and corolla, and the hairless condition of the anthers

(Lammers 1990).

Historically, Delissea subcordata was known from 21 scattered

populations in the Waianae Mountains and 8 populations in the Koolau

Mountains of Oahu. A specimen collected by Mann and Brigham in the

1860's and labeled as from the island of Kauai is believed to have been

mislabeled (HHP 1994m8). Delissea subcordata is now known only from the

Waianae Mountains in nine populations distributed from Kawaiu Gulch in

the Kealia land section in the northern Waianae Mountains to the north

branch of North Palawai Gulch about 20 km (12 mi) to the south. This

species is found on private land (TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve), Federal

land (Schofield Barracks Military Reservation and Lualualei Naval

Reservation), and State land (Pahole and Kaala NARs or leased to the

Federal government (Makua Military Reservation)). The total number of

plants in the 9 remaining populations is estimated to be between 70 and

80. Delissea subcordata typically grows on moderate to steep gulch

slopes in mesic native or alien-dominated forests from 430 to 760 m

(1,400 to 2,500 ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa include a variety

of native trees such as 'ala'a, hame, kukui, 'ohi'a, papala kepau,

Diospyros hillebrandii (lama), Nestegis sandwicensis (olopua), and

kopiko (HHP 1994m1 to 1994m26; Takeuchi and Shimabukuro (s.n.) 1987;

Takeuchi, Yap, and Paquin (3422) 1987; Takeuchi and Paquin (2734) 1986;

Takeuchi (2410) 1985).

Delissea subcordata is threatened by habitat degradation and/or

destruction by pigs and goats; potential impacts from military

activities, including road construction and housing development;

potential predation by rats; competition with the alien plants

Christmas berry, Koster's curse, strawberry guava, and Lantana camara

(lantana); potential fire; and a risk of extinction from naturally

occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small

number of remaining individuals (HHP 1994m1, 1994m7; Takeuchi &

Shimabukuro (s.n.) 1987; Takeuchi (2410) 1985; J. Lau, L. Mehrhoff, and

J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

In 1933, F. Raymond Fosberg collected a plant in the Waianae

Mountains that Leo D. Whitney (1937) named Eragrostis fosbergii. This

species is maintained in the most recent treatment of Hawaiian members

of this genus (O'Connor 1990).

Eragrostis fosbergii is a perennial grass (family Poaceae), with

stout, tufted culms (stems) 60 to 100 cm (24 to 40 in.) long, which

usually arise from an abruptly bent woody base. The leathery leaf

blades, 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 in.) long and 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.)

wide, are flat but curl inward towards the apex. The small flowers

occur in complex clusters that are somewhat open, pyramidal, and 20 to

40 cm (8 to 16 in.) long. The pale to dark green spikelets (ultimate

flower clusters) generally contain three to five flowers, and are about

5 mm (0.2 in.) long. The slender glumes (small bracts at the base of

the spikelet) have margins fringed with long hairs. The lemmas (inner

bracts that subtend the flowers) have loosely overlapping margins,

which are occasionally fringed with hairs. The fruit is a grain. This

species is distinguished from others in the genus by its stiffly

ascending flowering stalk and the long hairs on the margins of the

glumes and occasionally on the margins of the lemmas (O'Connor 1990).

Historically, Eragrostis fosbergii was known only from the Waianae

Mountains of Oahu, from the slopes of Mount Kaala and in Waianae Kai

and its associated ridges (HHP 1994n1 to 1994n6). This species was

thought to be extinct until rediscovered by Joel Lau of TNCH in 1991.

Only six individuals are known to remain in Waianae Kai in four

populations on land owned by the State and the City and County of

Honolulu (HHP 1994n3 to 1994n6). Eragrostis fosbergii typically grows

on ridge crests or moderate slopes in native or alien forests between

720 and 830 m (2,360 and 2,720 ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa

include Christmas berry, koa, 'ohi'a, Psydrax odoratum (alahe'e),

Dodonaea viscosa ('a'ali'I), and Eragrostis grandis (kawelu) (HHP

1994n3 to 1994n6).

Major threats to Eragrostis fosbergii include degradation of

habitat by feral pigs and goats; competition with alien plants such as

Christmas berry, silk oak, and strawberry guava; and trampling by

hikers. This species also is threatened by the risk of extinction from

naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the

small number of remaining populations and individuals (HHP 1994n3 to

1994n6; C. Russell, pers. comm. 1994).

Gardenia mannii was first described by St. John and J.R. Kuykendall

in 1949, based on a specimen they had collected a few years earlier in

the Koolau Mountains, Oahu. In the same paper, St. John and Kuykendall

also described Gardenia mannii var. honoluluensis, which is not

currently recognized (Wagner et al. 1990). The specific epithet honors

Horace Mann, Jr., an early collector of Hawaiian plants.

Gardenia mannii, a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae), is a

tree 5 to 15 m (16 to 50 ft) tall. The leaves are inversely lance-

shaped or slightly more elliptic, 6 to 27 cm (2.4 to 10.6 in.) long,

and 3.5 to 10 cm (1.4 to 4 in.) wide. The upper leaf surface is sticky.

The fragrant flowers bloom in the late afternoon, and usually last for

2 days. They are solitary and occur at the branch tips. The cup-shaped

calyx, 3 to 5 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in.) long, extends into four to six

leathery, long, thin, terminal spurs (hollow appendages). These spurs

are linear spatula-shaped, ``S'' shaped, or, rarely, sickle-shaped; 23

to 46 mm (0.9 to 1.8 in.) long; and 5 to 11 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) wide.

The corolla is cream colored on the outside and white on the inside.

The tubular portion of the flower is 17 to 27 mm (0.7 to 1.1 in.) long

(when dry), and the seven to nine lobes are 16 to 22 mm (0.6 to 0.9

in.) long (when dry). The yellow to orange fruit is broadly elliptic.

This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the shape and

number of the calyx spurs (Wagner et al. 1990).

Historically Gardenia mannii was known from 7 widely scattered

populations in the Waianae Mountains and 39 populations distributed

along almost the entire length of the Koolau Mountains of Oahu (HHP

1994o1 to 1994o46). Currently 22 populations of Gardenia mannii are

distributed along a 42 km (26 mi) length of the Koolau Mountains, from

Kaunala Gulch and Kaunala-Waimea Ridge at the northernmost extent of

its range to Palolo at the southernmost extent (HHP

[[Page 53095]]

1994o2, 1994o4, 1994o7, 1994o8, 1994o13, 1994o17, 1994o18, 1994o25,

1994o28 to 1994o30, 1994o33, 1994o34, 1994o37, 1994o39 to 1994o46). In

the Waianae Mountains, this species is found in five extant populations

over a 7 km (4 mi) distance from north Haleauau Valley to Kaluaa Gulch

(HHP 1994o1, 1994o14, 1994o21, 1994035, 1994o38). The 27 extant

populations occur on private land, including TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve

and land leased by DOD for Kawailoa and Kahuku Training Areas; City and

County of Honolulu land; State land; and Federal land on Schofield

Barracks Military Reservation. The existing populations total between

70 and 100 plants, with 23 of the 27 populations each containing 5 or

fewer plants. This species is usually found on moderate to moderately

steep gulch slopes between 300 and 750 m (980 and 2,460 ft) in

elevation. 'Ohi'a co-dominates in mesic or wet forests with a mixture

of native plants such as 'ala'a, koa, and uluhe. Other associated plant

taxa include alani, hame, kanawao, pilo, Alyxia oliviformis (maile),

and kopiko (HHP 1994o1, 1994o3 to 1994o11, 1994o14, 1994o15, 1994o17,

1994o18, 1994o20 to 1994o22, 1994o25, 1994o26, 1994o28 to 1994o46).

Gardenia mannii is threatened by habitat degradation and/or

destruction by feral pigs; potential impacts from military activities;

competition with alien plants such as Koster's curse, prickly Florida

blackberry, and strawberry guava; potential fire; and risk of

extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive

vigor due to the widely dispersed, small number of remaining

individuals. The Kapakahi Gulch population also is threatened by the

black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) (HHP 1994o1, 1994o13, 1994o14,

1994o35, 1994o37 to 1994o44, 1994o46; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994).

Labordia cyrtandrae was first collected by French naturalist and

ethnologist Ezechiel Jules Remy on Oahu in 1855. In 1880, H.E. Baillon

named Remy's collection Geniostoma cyrtandrae in reference to the

resemblance of this plant to the pantropical genus Cyrtandra (St. John

1936). St. John (1936) transferred the species to the endemic Hawaiian

genus Labordia. The authors of the current treatment of Hawaiian

members of the family concur with this designation (Wagner et al.

1990). In 1932, O. Degener described Labordia hypoleuca, which Wagner

et al. (1990) consider to be synonymous with L. cyrtandrae (Degener and

Degener 1957).

Labordia cyrtandrae, a member of the logania family (Loganiaceae),

is a shrub 0.7 to 2 m (2.3 to 6.6 ft) tall. The fleshy, cylindrical to

weakly angled stems, which flatten when dry, are covered with short,

coarse, stiff hairs. The thick leaves, 12 to 30 cm long (4.7 to 12 in.)

and 4 to 14 cm (1.6 to 5.5 in.) wide, are inversely egg-shaped to

broadly elliptic or rarely inversely lance-shaped. Eight to 80 or more

flowers are arranged on a densely hairy flowering stalk with an erect

stalk up to 10 mm (0.4 in.) long. The pale greenish yellow or pale

yellow corolla is 20 to 35 mm (0.8 to 1.4 in.) long. The tubular

portion of the flower is urn-shaped; the flower lobes are lance-shaped

and 8 to 13 mm (0.3 to 0.5 in.) long. The elliptic, lance-shaped fruits

are two-valved capsules 32 to 35 mm (1.3 to 1.4 in.) long. This species

is distinguished from others in the genus by its fleshy, hairy,

cylindrical stem which flattens upon drying, the shape and length of

the floral bracts, and the length of the corolla tube and lobes (Wagner

et al. 1990).

Historically, Labordia cyrtandrae was known from both the Waianae

and Koolau Mountains of Oahu. In the Koolau Mountains, this species

ranged from Kawailoa Trail to Waialae Iki, extending almost the entire

length of the mountain range (HHP 1994p1, 1994p3 to 1994p13). This

species currently is known only from 10 individuals in 3 populations in

Haleauau Gulch and North Mohiakea Gulch, Waianae Mountains (HHP 1994p2,

1994p14 to 1994p16). These three populations occur on Federal land in

Schofield Barracks Military Reservation (HHP 1994p2, 1994p14 to

1994p16). Labordia cyrtandrae typically grows in shady gulches in mesic

to wet forests dominated by `ohi`a, Diplopterygium pinnatum, and/or koa

between the elevations of 730 and 780 m (2,400 and 2,560 ft) (HHP

1994p2, 1994p14 to 1994p16; T. Motley, pers. comm. [1996?]). Associated

plant taxa include `ala`a, Diplazium sandwichianum, Pipturus albidus

(mamaki), Perrottetia sp. (olomea), and kopiko (HHP 1994p2, 1994p14 to

1994p16).

Habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs; potential

impacts from military activities; competition with the alien plants

Christmas berry, Koster's curse, prickly Florida blackberry, and

strawberry guava; potential fire; and risk of extinction from naturally

occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor, due to the small

number of remaining individuals and populations, are the primary

threats to Labordia cyrtandrae (HHP 1994p14 to 1994p16; 1994p16; C.

Russell, pers. comm. 1994).

Over 100 years ago, Hillebrand collected a plant in the Waianae

Mountains that he named Lepidium arbuscula for its tree-like habit

(Hillebrand 1888). This species has been maintained in the most recent

treatment of Hawaiian members of the genus (Wagner et al. 1990).

Lepidium arbuscula, a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae),

is a gnarled shrub 0.6 to 1.2 m (2 to 3.9 ft) tall. The leathery,

hairless leaves, 2.6 to 6 cm (1 to 2.4 in.) long and 0.8 to 1.8 cm (0.3

to 0.7 in.) wide, are spatula-shaped to oblong-elliptic or elliptic,

and have toothed margins. The unbranched flowering stalk contains one

to three erect flowers. The white, pale yellow, or greenish petals are

2 to 2.5 mm (0.08 to 0.1 in.) long. The fruit is a capsule which is

broadly egg-shaped to almost circular. This species is distinguished

from others in the genus by its height (Wagner et al. 1990).

Historically, Lepidium arbuscula was known from 11 populations in

the Waianae Mountains (HHP 1994q1 to 1994q11). It now remains at all

but one of those populations on Federal (Lualualei Naval Reservation,

Makua Military Reservation, and Schofield Barracks Military

Reservation), State, and City and County of Honolulu land. Populations

range from Kuaokala in the northern Waianae Mountains to Lualualei-

Nanakuli Ridge in the southern Waianae Mountains (HHP 1994q2 to

1994q11). Fewer than 900 individuals of this species remain. Lepidium

arbuscula generally grows on exposed ridge tops and cliff faces in

mesic vegetation communities between 230 and 915 m (755 and 3,000 ft)

elevation. This species is typically associated with native and non-

native plant taxa such as `a`ali`I, Christmas berry, kawelu, Ageratina

spp. (pamakani), ko`oko`olau, Carex meyenii, and Melinis minutiflora

(molasses grass) (HHP 1994q2 to 1994q8, 1994q10, 1994q11).

The primary threats to Lepidium arbuscula are habitat degradation

and/or destruction by feral goats; potential impacts from military

activities; competition with alien plants including Christmas berry,

lantana, Maui pamakani, molasses grass, silk oak, strawberry guava,

Ageratina riparia (Hamakua pamakani), and Myrica faya (firetree); and

potential fire. The population at the head of Kapuhi Gulch also is

threatened by its proximity to a road (HHP 1994q4, 1994q5, 1994q7 to

1994q11).

In 1937 Fosberg and Hosaka collected a specimen of Lobelia

gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis on Oahu, which they described the

following year as a variety

[[Page 53096]]

of Lobelia gaudichaudii and named it for the Koolau Mountains (Fosberg

and Hosaka 1938). Lammers (1988, 1990) has elevated the variety to a

subspecies.

Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis, a member of the bellflower

family, is an unbranched, woody shrub 0.3 to 1 m (1 to 3.5 ft) tall.

The leaves are inversely lance-shaped to rectangular, 8 to 19 cm (3 to

7.5 in.) long, and 1.3 to 2.8 cm (0.5 to 1.1 in.) wide. The leaf edges

are thickened or curled under, fringed with hairs toward the base, and

sharp-pointed at the tip. The flowering stalk is two to six-branched

and 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in.) long. The hairless bracts are lance-

shaped to egg-shaped and 18 to 32 mm (0.7 to 1.3 in.) long. The calyx

lobes are triangular, lance-shaped or egg-shaped, and 10 to 15 mm (0.4

to 0.6 in.) long. The corolla is greenish or yellowish white and 50 to

75 mm (2 to 3 in.) long. The tubular portion of the flower is curved,

with spreading lobes. The fruit is an egg-shaped capsule. The

subspecies koolauensis is distinguished by the greenish or yellowish

white petals and the branched flowering stalks. The species is

distinguished from others in the genus by the length of the stem, the

length and color of the corolla, the leaf width, the length of the

floral bracts, and the length of the calyx lobes (Lammers 1990).

Historically, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis was known from

only two populations in the central Koolau Mountains on Oahu (HHP

1994s1, 1994s2). Currently this subspecies is known from a single

population on the Manana Ridge system in the central Koolau Mountains

on privately owned land (HHP 1994s1). The total number of plants is

estimated to be less than 250. Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis

typically grows on moderate to steep slopes in `ohi`a or `ohi`a-uluhe

lowland wet shrublands at elevations between 640 and 730 m (2,100 and

2,400 ft). Associated plant taxa include alani, ko`oko`lau, naupaka,

`uki, and kanawao (HHP 1994s1, 1994s2).

The primary threats to the single remaining population of Lobelia

gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis are habitat degradation and/or

destruction by feral pigs, competition with the noxious alien plant

Koster's curse, trampling by hikers, potential overcollection,

landslides, and risk of extinction from naturally occurring events and/

or reduced reproductive vigor of the one remaining population (HHP

1994s1; L. Mehrhoff and C. Russell, pers. comms. 1994).

In 1919 Rock described a new variety of Lobelia hillebrandii based

on a specimen collected by Hillebrand in the 1800's. Rock (1919) named

this variety Lobelia hillebrandii var. monostachya. Degener elevated

this variety to the species level and transferred it to a new genus as

Neowimmeria monostachya (Degener 1974). Lammers (1988) transferred the

species back to the original genus as Lobelia monostachya.

Lobelia monostachya, a member of the bellflower family, is a

prostrate woody shrub with stems 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in.) long. The

leaves are stalkless, linear, hairless, 7 to 15 cm (2.8 to 6 in.) long,

and 0.4 to 0.7 cm (0.2 to 0.3 in.) wide. The flowering stalk is

unbranched. The corolla is pale magenta, 15 to 18 mm (0.6 to 0.7 in.)

long, and approximately 5 mm (0.2 in.) wide. The lobes of the corolla

overlap spirally. The species is distinguished from others in the genus

by the narrow, linear leaves without stalks and the short pink flowers

(Lammers 1990).

Historically, Lobelia monostachya was known only from the Koolau

Mountains and had not been seen since its original discovery in the

1800's in Niu Valley and in the 1920's in Manoa Valley (HHP 1991a1,

1991a2). In 1994 Joel Lau discovered one individual in a previously

unknown location in Wailupe Valley on State-owned land. Since then a

total of eight plants has been found. This species occurs on steep,

sparsely vegetated cliffs in mesic shrubland at an elevation of about

290 m (950 ft). Associated plant taxa include Artemisia sp.

(ahinahina), Carex meyenii, Psilotum nudum (moa), and Eragrostis sp.

(kawelu) (HHP 1994ff).

The major threats to Lobelia monostachya are predation by rats;

competition with the alien plants Christmas berry, Hamakua pamakani,

Kalanchoe pinnata (air plant), and molasses grass; and risk of

extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive

vigor due to the low number of individuals in the only known population

(HHP 1994ff).

E.P. Hume first described Melicope saint-johnii as Pelea saint-

johnii based on a specimen he collected with E. Christophersen and G.

Wilder at Mauna Kapu on Oahu (St. John 1944). Thomas Hartley and the

late Benjamin Stone (1989) transferred Hawaiian Pelea species to the

Pacific genus Melicope. The new combination, Melicope saint-johnii, was

published in the same paper (Hartley and Stone 1989). Other published

names that refer to this taxon are Evodia elliptica var. elongata,

Pelea elliptica var. elongata, P. elongata, and P. saint-johnii var.

elongata (Hillebrand 1888, St. John 1944, Stone 1966, Stone et al.

1990).

Melicope saint-johnii, a member of the rue family (Rutaceae), is a

slender tree 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite or

occasionally occur in threes on young lateral branches. The leaves, 6

to 16 cm (2.4 to 6.3 in.) long and 3 to 8.5 cm (1.2 to 3.3 in.) wide,

are narrowly to broadly elliptic, sometimes elliptic egg-shaped or

rarely lance-shaped. Three to 11 flowers are arranged on an flowering

stalk 9 to 22 mm (0.4 to 0.9 in.) long. The flowers are usually

functionally unisexual, with staminate (male) and pistillate (female)

flowers. The staminate flowers have broadly egg-shaped sepals which are

hairless to sparsely covered with hair. The triangular petals, 6 to 8

mm (0.2 to 0.3 in.) long, are densely covered with hair on the

exterior. The pistillate flowers are similar in hairiness to staminate

flowers, but are slightly smaller in size. The dry fruit, 7 to 12 mm

(0.3 to 0.5 in.) long, splits at maturity. The exocarp (outermost layer

of the fruit wall) is hairless, whereas the endocarp (innermost layer)

is hairy. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the

combination of the hairless exocarp, the hairy endocarp, the densely

hairy petals, and the sparsely hairy to smooth sepals (Stone et al.

1990).

Historically, Melicope saint-johnii was known from both the Waianae

and Koolau Mountains--Makaha to Mauna Kapu in the Waianae Mountains and

Papali Gulch in Hauula, Manoa-Aihualama, Wailupe, and Niu Valley in the

Koolau Mountains (HHP 1994t1 to 1994t15, 1994ee; Takeuchi 1992). Today

eight populations of this species are found on Federal (Lualualei Naval

Reservation), State, and private land from the region between Puu Kaua

and Puu Kanehoa to Mauna Kapu in the southern Waianae Mountains. Fewer

than 150 individuals of this species currently are known (HHP 1994t1 to

1994t4, 1994t7, 1994t14, 1994t15, 1994ee; Takeuchi 1992; Takeuchi and

Paquin (s.n.) 1985; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994). This species typically

grows on mesic forested ridges from 500 to 853 m (1,640 to 2,800 ft)

elevation. Associated native plant taxa include mamaki, 'ohi'a,

Coprosma longifolia (pilo), Hedyotis schlechtendahliana (kopa),

Labordia kaalae (kamakahala), and Psychotria hathewayi (kopiko) (HHP

1994t1 to 1994t4, 1994t7, 1994t14, 1994t15, 1994ee; Takeuchi 1992;

Takeuchi and Paquin (s.n.) 1985).

The primary threats to Melicope saint-johnii are habitat

degradation and/or destruction by feral goats and pigs; potential

predation by the black twig borer; potential fire; and competition with

alien plants such as Christmas berry, firetree, Hamakua pamakani,

huehue haole, lantana, Maui pamakani, and silk oak (HHP 1994t3, 1994t4,

[[Page 53097]]

1994t13, 1994t14, 1994ee; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994).

Myrsine juddii was first described by Hosaka in 1940, based on a

specimen he collected with Fosberg in the Koolau Mountains. In an

action not supported by other taxonomists, Otto and Isa Degener (1971,

1975) transferred this species from Myrsine to the genus Rapanea.

Hosaka's concept of Myrsine is currently followed (Wagner et al. 1990).

The specific epithet honors Albert Judd, who had a keen interest in

conservation of the native Hawaiian flora.

Myrsine juddii, a member of the myrsine family (Myrsinaceae), is a

many branched shrub ranging from 1 to 2 m (3.5 to 6.6 ft) tall. The

leathery leaves, 4 to 12 cm (1.6 to 4.7 in.) long and 1.5 to 3.2 cm

(0.6 to 1.3 in.) wide, are narrowly inverse lance-shaped or more

elliptic. The upper leaf surface is hairless, whereas the lower surface

is sparsely to moderately covered with short, coarse, stiff, whitish or

brownish hairs toward the base and along the midrib. The leaf base is

broadly wedge-shaped to heart-shaped, and the margins are smooth and

curl under. The flowers are unisexual and the plants are dioecious

(male and female flowers are on separate plants). Flowers occur in

groups of four to eight in tight clusters surrounded by small bracts.

The yellowish green petals are narrowly inverse lance-shaped, 2.8 to

3.2 mm (0.1 in.) long. The fleshy, round fruit contains a single seed.

This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the hairiness

of the lower leaf surface and the shape of the leaf base (Wagner et al.

1990). In addition, the hairy leaves distinguish this species from all

other species of Myrsine on Oahu (Environmental Impact Study

Corporation 1977).

Myrsine juddii has been reported from only three populations in the

central Koolau Mountains--the North Kaukonahua-Kahana Summit divide;

Peahinaia Trail; and Puu Kainapuaa to Poamoho Trail. These populations

are found on private and State land leased by DOD for Kawailoa Training

Area (HHP 1994u1 to 1994u3). The total number is between 500 and 3,000

individuals, with all but 5 to 10 of these in a single, poorly defined

population (HHP 1994u2). Myrsine juddii typically grows in wet forests

dominated by 'ohi'a or a mixture of 'ohi'a and uluhe at elevations

between 580 and 860 m (1,900 and 2,820 ft) (HHP 1994u1 to 1994u3).

Associated plant taxa include 'uki, Cheirodendron trigynum ('olapa),

Melicope clusiifolia (kolokolo mokihana), Psychotria mariniana

(kopiko), Syzygium sandwicensis ('ohi'a ha), and Chamaesyce rockii (HHP

1994u2).

The primary threats to Myrsine juddii are habitat degradation and/

or destruction by feral pigs, potential impacts from military

activities, competition with alien plants such as Koster's curse and

strawberry guava, and risk of extinction from naturally occurring

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

extant populations (HHP 1994u2, 1994u3; C. Russell, pers. comm. 1994).

In 1825, James Macrae, botanist on H.M.S. Blonde, collected a plant

on Oahu that George Bentham described and named Phyllostegia hirsuta

(Wagner et al. 1990). This species has been maintained in the current

treatment of the Hawaiian members of the genus (Wagner et al. 1990).

Phyllostegia hirsuta, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is

an erect subshrub or vine with stems densely covered with coarse or

stiff hairs. The wrinkled leaves are egg-shaped, generally 17 to 30 cm

(6.7 to 12 in.) long, and 7.3 to 18 cm (2.9 to 7 in.) wide. Both leaf

surfaces are moderately covered with long, flat hairs. The upper

surface is inconspicuously dotted with glands, while the lower surface

is more densely glandulose. The egg-shaped floral bracts are 3 to 6 mm

(0.1 to 0.2 in.) long. The flowers have two lips--the upper one is

approximately 3 mm (0.1 in.) long and the lower one is 5 to 7 mm (0.2

to 0.3 in.) long. The tubular portion of the flower is slightly curved.

The corolla is white and usually purple-tinged on the upper lip. The

fruit is a nutlet about 3 mm (0.1 in.) long. This species is

distinguished from others in the genus by the texture, hairiness, and

size of the leaves and the length of the upper bracts (Wagner et al.

1990).

Historically, Phyllostegia hirsuta was known from widespread

populations in the Waianae and Koolau Mountains on Oahu. In the Waianae

Mountains, this species ranged from the head of Kukuiula (Pahole) Gulch

to North Palawai Gulch (HHP 1994v1 to 1994v3, 1994v6, 1994v16, 1994v18

to 1994v20, 1994v22, 1994v31, 1994v33 to 1994v36). In the Koolau

Mountains, this species ranged from Pupukea-Kahuku Trail to Palolo,

almost the entire length of the Koolau Mountains (HHP 1994v4, 1994v5,

1994v7 to 1994v15, 1994v17, 1994v21, 1994v23 to 1994v30, 1994v32). The

distribution of this species in the Waianae Mountains is now restricted

to ten populations in the southern part of the historical range--from

the ridge between Makaha and Waianae Kai to the south fork of North

Palawai Gulch (HHP 1994v2, 1994v3, 1994v6, 1994v19, 1994v20, 1994v31,

1994v33 to 1994v36). The current distribution in the Koolau Mountains

is six populations scattered over a 10 km (6 mi) length of the summit--

from Kawainui Gulch in Kawailoa Training Area to South Kaukonahua

drainage (HHP 1994v26 to 1994v30, 1994v32). About 150 to 200

individuals remain in the 16 populations. These populations occur on

Federal land in Lualualei Naval Reservation and Schofield Barracks

Military Reservation; State land, including Mount Kaala NAR; and

private lands, including TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve and land leased by

DOD for Kawailoa Training Area. Phyllostegia hirsuta is usually found

on steep, shaded slopes in mesic to wet forests dominated by `ohi`a or

a mixture of 'ohi'a and uluhe between 600 and 1,100 m (1,970 and 3,610

ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa include 'ala'a, kanawao, mamaki,

pilo, Hedyotis terminalis (manono), Myrsine lessertiana (kolea lau

nui), and native and alien ferns (HHP 1994v2, 1994v3, 1994v6, 1994v19,

1994v20, 1994v26 to 1994v36).

The primary threats to Phyllostegia hirsuta are habitat degradation

and/or destruction by feral pigs; potential impacts from military

activities; and competition with Christmas berry, huehue haole,

Koster's curse, lantana, prickly Florida blackberry, and strawberry

guava (HHP 1994v2, 1994v3, 1994v19, 1994v27, 1994v29 to 1994v31,

1994v34 to 1994v36).

Based upon a specimen collected in 1977 by John Obata, Gerald Carr,

and Daniel Palmer on Oahu, St. John (1987a) described Phyllostegia

kaalaensis, naming it for Mt. Kaala where it was first collected.

Publishing deadlines did not allow the authors of the current treatment

of the family to review the more than 70 new species of Phyllostegia

published by St. John in 1987 (Wagner et al. 1990). Warren Wagner,

however, concurs that Phyllostegia kaalaensis is a valid, taxonomically

distinct species (Warren Wagner, Smithsonian Institution, pers. comm.

1994).

Phyllostegia kaalaensis, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae),

is an herb. The egg-shaped leaves are 5 to 13 cm (2 to 5 in.) long.

Usually six flowers are arranged along a flowering stalk. The calyx is

glabrous and 5 mm (0.2 in.) long. The hairless corolla tube is 11 mm

(0.4 in.) long and the lower lip is 7 mm (0.3 in.) long (St. John

1987a). The species is distinguished from others of the genus by the

spreading, pointed teeth on the leaf edges and by the hairs along the

margins of the calyx and bracts (Wagner et al. 1990).

[[Page 53098]]

Phyllostegia kaalaensis has been known from only five scattered

populations in the Waianae Mountains of Oahu (HHP 1994w1 to 1994w6).

Fewer than 50 plants are known from 5 populations in Waianae Kai,

Pahole Gulch, Ekahanui Gulch, and Palikea Gulch. These populations

occur on State land, including Pahole and Mt. Kaala NARs and private

land, including TNCH's Honouliuli Preserve (HHP 1994w1 to 1994w6). This

species is found in mesic mixed (native/alien) forest or papala kepau-

Sapindus oahuensis (aulu) forest from 490 to 760 m (1,610 to 2,500 ft)

in elevation. Associated plant taxa include huehue haole, 'ie'ie,

opuhe, Claoxylon sandwicense (po'ola), and Hibiscus sp. (koki'o) (HHP

1994w2 to 1994w4, 1994w6).

Habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs; potential

fire; competition with the alien plants Christmas berry, huehue haole,

Koster's curse, and strawberry guava; and risk of extinction from

naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor, due to

the small number of populations and individuals, are the major threats

to Phyllostegia kaalaensis (HHP 1994w3 to 1994w5; C. Russell, pers.

comm. 1994).

More than 75 years ago, Rock collected a specimen from a palm on

Mt. Kaala that he later named Pritchardia kaalae (Beccari and Rock

1921). Edward Caum (1930) later described Pritchardia kaalae var.

minima, which is not recognized in the current treatment of Hawaiian

members of the family (Read and Hodel 1990).

Pritchardia kaalae, a member of the palm family (Arecaceae), is a

single-stemmed palm up to 5 m (16 ft) tall. The waxy, hairless leaves

are thin and papery or thick and leathery. Sometimes small points,

dots, or linear, rusty scales are scattered on the lower leaf surface.

The flowering stalks are composed of one or more branches. The round

fruits are approximately 2 cm (0.8 in.) in diameter. Pritchardia kaalae

is distinguished from other members of the genus by the hairless or

scaly leaves (Read and Hodel 1990).

Historically, Pritchardia kaalae was known from scattered

populations in the central and north-central Waianae Mountains of Oahu

(Beccari and Rock 1921, HHP 1994aa1 to 1994aa5). Currently 5

populations are known between the Waianae Kai-Haleauau summit divide

and the Makua-Keaau Ridge, totalling about 130 individuals. These

populations are located on State land, including Mt. Kaala NAR and land

leased to DOD for Makua Military Reservation, and on Federal land on

Schofield Barracks Military Reservation (HHP 1994aa1 to 1994aa5).

Pritchardia kaalae is typically found on steep slopes and gulches in

mesic forest or shrubland between elevations of 460 and 945 m (1,500

and 3,100 ft). Associated plant taxa include 'a'ali'i, kolea,

ko'oko'olau, mamaki, na'ena'e, 'ohi'a, Eragrostis sp. (kawelu), and

Tetraplasandra sp. (`ohe) (HHP 1994aa1, 1994aa2, 1994aa4, 1994aa5; Read

and Hodel 1990).

Habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats; fruit predation by

rats; potential impacts from military activities; the alien plants

Christmas berry, Maui pamakani, and prickly Florida blackberry;

potential fire; and risk of extinction from naturally occurring events

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

populations are major threats to Pritchardia kaalae (HHP 1994aa1,

1994aa4, 1994aa5; C. Russell, pers. comm. 1994).

In 1936, Hosaka collected a specimen of Schiedea kealiae on Oahu

that he named for Kealia where it was collected (Caum and Hosaka 1936).

Schiedea gregoriana is considered synonymous with S. kealiae by the

authors of the current treatment of the family (Degener 1936, Sherff

1945, Wagner et al. 1990).

Schiedea kealiae, a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is

a subshrub with weakly ascending to sprawling stems 0.2 to 0.5 m (0.7

to 1.6 ft) long that form loose clumps. The lower stems are smooth

while the upper stems and flowering stalk bear glands. The opposite

leaves, 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 4 in.) long and 0.3 to 1.5 cm (0.1 to 0.6

in.) wide, are lance-shaped to elliptic lance-shaped and conspicuously

three-veined with a prominent midrib. The flowering stalk is 3 to 11 cm

(1.2 to 4.3 in.) long, with numerous unisexual flowers in crowded

clusters. The green sepals of the male flowers are approximately 2.5 mm

(0.1 in.) long. The sepals of the female flowers, 1.5 to 2.2 mm (0.06

to 0.09 in.) are slightly shorter. The nectaries, about 0.5 to 1 mm

(0.02 to 0.04 in.) long, are inconspicuous. The capsular fruit is 2 to

2.5 mm (0.08 to 0.1 in.) long. The species is distinguished from others

of this endemic Hawaiian genus by the length of the sepals and

nectaries and the flowering stalk exclusively with stalkless glands

(Wagner et al. 1990).

Historically, Schiedea kealiae was known from the northern Waianae

Mountains and one collection from the Palikea area, near the southern

end of the same mountain range (HHP 1994bb1 to 1994bb6). Currently 3

populations totalling between 300 and 500 plants are located on the

cliffs above Dillingham Airfield and Camp Erdman and at Kaena Point at

the northern end of the Waianae Mountains. These populations occur on

private land; State land, including land leased by DOD (Kaena Military

Reservation); and Federal land on Dillingham Military Reservation (HHP

1994bb1, 1994bb2, 1994bb4, 1994bb6; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994). Schiedea

kealiae is usually found on steep slopes and cliff faces at elevations

from 60 to 305 m (200 to 1,000 ft), in dry remnant Erythrina

sandwicensis (wiliwili) or aulu forest. Associated plant taxa include

alahe'e, ko'oko'olau, Leucaena leucocephala (koa haole), Myoporum

sandwicense (naio), and Sida fallax (`ilima) (HHP 1994bb1, 1994bb2,

1994bb4, 1994bb6; Wagner et al. 1990).

The major threats to Schiedea kealiae are competition with alien

plants (Christmas berry and koa haole) and risk of extinction from

naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the

small number of existing populations. The Kaena Point population is

additionally threatened by naturally occurring rock slides and fire

(HHP 1994bb1, 1994bb2, 1994bb4, 1994bb6; C. Russell, pers. comm. 1994).

St. John (1982) described Trematolobelia singularis based on a

specimen collected by John Obata in 1974. This species has been

maintained in the most recent treatment of this endemic Hawaiian genus

(Lammers 1990). The specific epithet refers to the solitary flowering

stalk.

Trematolobelia singularis, a member of the bellflower family, is an

unbranched shrub with stems 0.6 to 1.5 m (2 to 5 ft) long. The long and

narrow leaves are 10 to 18 cm (4 to 7 in.) long and 1 to 1.8 cm (0.4 to

0.7 in.) wide. The unbranched, erect flowering stalk is 20 to 42 cm (8

to 16.5 in.) long. The violet petals are about 5 cm (0.2 in.) long and

collectively form a three-lobed tube. The largest lobe is curved

downward and the other two are bent backward, giving the appearance of

two lips. The capsules are almost round and contain numerous small,

wind-dispersed seeds. This species differs from others of this endemic

Hawaiian genus by the unbranched, erect flowering stalk (Lammers 1990).

Trematolobelia singularis has been reported only from the southern

Koolau Mountains (HHP 1994cc1 to 1994cc4). Approximately 165 plants are

known from three populations--Moanalua-Tripler Ridge summit to Puu

Keahiakahoe, Konahuanui, and Puu Lanipo. These populations are found on

private, City and County of Honolulu, State, and Federal land (Omega

Coast Guard Station) (HHP 1994cc1 to 1994cc4, Lammers 1990). This

species usually grows on steep, windswept cliff

[[Page 53099]]

faces or slopes in 'ohi'a-uluhe lowland wet shrubland from 700 to 960 m

(2,300 to 3,150 ft) elevation. Associated plant taxa include 'akia,

hapu'u, kanawao, and na'ena'e pua melemele (HHP 1994cc1 to 1994cc3,

Lammers 1990, Obata 1988, St. John 1982).

Habitat degradation by feral pigs, potential predation by rats,

competition with the aggressive alien plant Koster's curse, and risk of

extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive

vigor due to the small number of extant populations are serious threats

to Trematolobelia singularis (HHP 1994cc1, 1994cc2, 1994cc4; J. Lau, C.

Russell, and J. Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

Forbes described Viola oahuensis in 1909, based on a specimen he

collected with Rock in the Koolau Mountains. This species has been

maintained in the most recent treatment of Hawaiian members of this

genus (Wagner et al. 1990).

Viola oahuensis, a member of the violet family (Violaceae), is

usually an erect, unbranched subshrub 6 to 40 cm (2.4 to 16 in.) tall.

The papery-textured leaves are usually 3 to 12 cm (1.2 to 4.7 in.)

long, 2.5 to 5.8 cm (1 to 2.3 in.) wide, and elliptic-egg-shaped to

elliptic. The leaf stalks are typically 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in.)

long. The narrowly triangular stipules are usually 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to

0.6 in.) long, 3.5 to 6 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in.) wide, and have fringed

edges. One to two flowers are borne on stalks typically 25 to 60 mm (1

to 2.4 in.) long. The petals are pale yellow, the upper ones 8 to 13 mm

(0.3 to 0.5 in.) long, the lateral ones 10 to 13.5 mm (0.4 to 0.5 in.)

long, and the lower one 12 to 16 mm (0.5 to 0.6 in.) long. The capsules

are 9 to 16 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in.) long. This species is distinguished

from other Hawaiian members of the genus by the stipule characters, the

length of the leaf stalks, and the length and papery texture of the

leaves (Wagner et al. 1990).

Historically, Viola oahuensis was known from 17 populations in the

Koolau Mountains of Oahu scattered over about a 37 km (23 mi) distance

from Puu Kainapuaa to Palolo (HHP 1994dd1 to 1994dd16; L. Mehrhoff,

pers. comm. 1994). The 8 extant populations, which total fewer than 180

individuals, are now found from the Kawainui-Koloa summit divide to the

Waimalu-Koolaupoko divide over a 20 km (12 mi) distance. These

populations are found on DOD land; State land, including land leased by

DOD for Kawailoa Training Area; City and County of Honolulu land; and

private land, including land leased by DOD for Kawailoa Training Area

(HHP 1994dd5, 1994dd9 to 1994dd13, 1994dd15, 1994dd16). Farther to the

south, at the summit of Moanalua, a single plant, last seen alive in

1991, has since died (L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994). Viola oahuensis

is generally found on exposed, windswept ridges of moderate to steep

slope in wet 'ohi'a-uluhe shrublands from 700 to 850 m (2,300 to 2,800

ft) elevation. This species typically grows among wind-stunted na'ena'e

pua melemele, 'uki, Sadleria sp. ('ama'u), 'ohi'a ha, and Vaccinium sp.

('ohelo) (HHP 1994dd5, 1994dd9 to 1994dd16).

The primary threats to Viola oahuensis are habitat degradation and/

or destruction by feral pigs; potential impacts from military

activities; competition with Koster's curse, strawberry guava, Paspalum

conjugatum (Hilo grass), and Sacciolepis indica (Glenwood grass); and

risk of extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced

reproductive vigor due to the small number of populations (HHP 1994dd5,

1994dd9, 1994dd12, 1994dd13).

Previous Federal Action

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

the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), which directed the Secretary of the

Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on plants considered to be

endangered or threatened in the United States. This report, designated

as House Document No. 94-51, was presented to Congress on January 9,

1975. Twelve of the 25 taxa in this rule were considered to be

endangered in that document--Cyanea humboldtiana (as Rollandia

humboldtiana), Cyanea longiflora (as Rollandia sessilifolia), Cyanea

st.-johnii (as Rollandia st.-johnii), Cyrtandra dentata (also as C.

frederickii), Cyrtandra subumbellata (as C. subumbellata var. intonsa),

Delissea subcordata (as D. subcordata var. subcordata and var.

obtusifolia), Eragrostis fosbergii, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.

koolauensis (as L. gaudichaudii var. koolauensis), Melicope saint-

johnii (as Pelea saint-johnii var. elongata), Pritchardia kaalae (as P.

kaalae var. kaalae and var. minima), Schiedea kealiae, and Viola

oahuensis. Two of the 25 taxa in this rule were considered to be

threatened--Lobelia monostachya (as L. hillebrandii var. monostachya)

and Phyllostegia hirsuta (as P. hirsuta var. hirsuta and var. laxior).

On July 1, 1975, the Service published a notice in the Federal Register

(40 FR 27823) accepting 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 intent to review the status of the plant taxa 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. The list of 1,700 plant

taxa 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. All 12

taxa cited above as considered to be endangered in House Document No.

94-51 were included in the June 16, 1976 proposed rule.

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 existing

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. All

12 of the taxa cited previously as included in the June 16, 1976,

proposal were also included in the 1979 withdrawal. The Service

published an updated notice of review for plants on December 15, 1980

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

FR 6183), and September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144). Sixteen of the taxa in

this final rule (including synonymous taxa) have at one time or another

been considered Category 1 or Category 2 candidates for Federal

listing. Category 1 species were those species for which the Service

has on file substantial information on biological vulnerability and

threats to support preparation of listing proposals but for which

listing proposals have not yet been published because they are

precluded by other listing activities. Category 2 species were those

species for which listing as endangered or threatened was considered to

be possibly appropriate, but for which sufficient data on biological

vulnerability and threats were not available to support proposed rules.

On February 28, 1996, the Service published a Notice of Review in the

Federal Register (61 FR 7596) that discontinued the designation of

Category 2 species.

Cyanea humboldtiana (as Rollandia humboldtiana), Cyanea longifolia

(as Rollandia sessilifolia), Cyanea st.-johnii (as Rollandia st.-

johnii), Cyrtandra

[[Page 53100]]

dentata (also as C. frederickii), Cyrtandra subumbellata (as C.

subumbellata var. intonsa), Eragrostis fosbergii, Lobelia gaudichaudii

ssp. koolauensis (as L. gaudichaudii var. koolauensis), Melicope saint-

johnii (as Pelea saint-johnii), and Viola oahuensis were considered

Category 1 species in the 1980 and 1985 notices of review. One taxon,

Phyllostegia hirsuta, was considered a Category 1 species in the 1980

notice and a Category 2 species in the 1985 notice. Three taxa,

Delissea subcordata (as D. subcordata ssp. subcordata and ssp.

obtusifolia), Pritchardia kaalae (as P. kaalae var. kaalae and var.

minima), and Schiedea kealiae, were considered Category 3C taxa in the

1980 and 1985 notices. Category 3C species were those that have proven

to be more abundant or widespread than previously believed and/or are

not subject to any identifiable threat. Lobelia monostachya (as Lobelia

hillebrandii var. monostachya) was considered a Category 1 species and

Lepidium arbuscula (misspelled as Lepidium arbusculum) was considered a

Category 1* species in the 1985 notice. Category 1* species are those

species that are possibly extinct.

In the 1990 and 1993 notices, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Labordia

cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola

oahuensis were considered Category 2 species. Eragrostis fosbergii was

considered a Category 1* species in the 1990 notice, a category which

was redefined as 2* in the 1993 notice. Lobelia monostachya was

considered a Category 3A species in 1990. Category 3A species were

those for which the Service has persuasive evidence of extinction. Five

species, Cyanea humboldtiana (as Rollandia humboldtiana), Cyanea st.-

johnii (as Rollandia st.-johnii), Cyrtandra dentata, Melicope saint-

johnii, and Phyllostegia hirsuta, were considered more abundant than

previously thought and moved to Category 3C in the 1990 notice. In the

1990 notice, Rollandia sessilifolia was considered a Category 3B

species because it was merged with Cyanea longiflora (as Rollandia

longiflora), a taxon not considered to warrant listing. Category 3B

species were those that do not represent distinct taxa. Lobelia

gaudichaudii var. koolauensis was elevated to Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.

koolauensis and considered a Category 3B species in the 1990 notice.

Cyrtandra viridiflora and Myrsine juddii were considered Category 2

species in the 1993 notice. Since the 1993 notice, new information

suggests that the above Category 2, Category 3A, and Category 3C

species, as well as eight additional taxa (Chamaesyce herbstii,

Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea

longiflora, Gardenia mannii, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis, and

Phyllostegia kaalaensis), are sufficiently restricted in numbers and

distribution and imminently threatened and therefore warrant listing.

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

findings on all 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 taxa 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 resubmitted, pursuant to

section 4(b)(3)(C)(I) of the Act. The finding was reviewed in October

of 1984 through 1993. Publication of the proposed rule constituted the

final one-year finding for these taxa.

On October 2, 1995, the Service published in the Federal Register

(60 FR 51398) a proposal to list 25 plant taxa from the island of Oahu

as endangered. This proposal was based primarily on information

supplied by the Hawaii Natural Heritage Program, National Tropical

Botanical Garden, and observations of botanists and naturalists. Based

on comments received in response to the proposal (see Comments and

Recommendations, below), the Service now determines 25 taxa from the

island of Oahu to be endangered. Chamaesyce rockii and Myrsine juddii

have a Listing Priority of 5 under the current guidance; the other 23

taxa have a Listing Priority of 2.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

In the October 2, 1995 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 1, 1995. 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 20, 1995, which invited

general public comment. Four letters of comment were received. Two

letters acknowledged receipt of the proposed ruling and two letters

supported the listing of these taxa from the island of Oahu but raised

no specific issues. No requests for public hearings were received.

The Service also solicited the expert opinions of three appropriate

and independent specialists regarding pertinent scientific or

commercial data and assumptions relating to the taxonomy, population

models, and biological and ecological information for these 25 species.

No responses were received.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

After a thorough review and consideration of all information

available, the Service has determined that Chamaesyce herbstii W.L.

Wagner (`akoko), Chamaesyce rockii (C. Forbes) Croizat & Degener

(`akoko), Cyanea acuminata (Gaud.) Hillebr. (haha), Cyanea humboldtiana

(Gaud.) Lammers, Givnish & Sytsma (haha), Cyanea koolauensis Lammers,

Givnish & Sytsma (haha), Cyanea longiflora (Wawra) Lammers, Givnish &

Sytsma (haha), Cyanea st.-johnii (Hosaka) Lammers, Givnish & Sytsma

(haha), Cyrtandra dentata St. John & Storey (ha`iwale), Cyrtandra

subumbellata (Hillebr.) St. John & Storey (ha`iwale), Cyrtandra

viridiflora St. John & Storey (ha`iwale), Delissea subcordata Gaud.

(`oha), Eragrostis fosbergii Whitney (No common name (NCN)), Gardenia

mannii St. John & Kuykendall (nanu), Labordia cyrtandrae (Baill.) St.

John (kamakahala), Lepidium arbuscula Hillebr. (`anaunau), Lobelia

gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis (Hosaka & Fosb.) Lammers (NCN), Lobelia

monostachya (Rock) Lammers (NCN), Melicope saint-johnii (E. Hume) T.

Hartley & B. Stone (alani), Myrsine juddii Hosaka (kolea), Phyllostegia

hirsuta Benth. (NCN), Phyllostegia kaalaensis St. John (NCN),

Pritchardia kaalae Rock (loulu), Schiedea kealiae Caum & Hosaka (NCN),

Trematolobelia singularis St. John (NCN), and Viola oahuensis C. Forbes

(NCN) should be classified as endangered species. Procedures found at

section 4(a)(1) of the Act and regulations implementing the listing

provisions of the Act (50 CFR part 424) were followed. 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

[[Page 53101]]

application to the 25 plant taxa in this rule are as summarized in

Table 1.

A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or

curtailment of its habitat or range. Native vegetation on Oahu has

undergone extreme alteration because of past and present land

management practices including ranching, deliberate alien animal and

plant introductions, agricultural development, military use, and

recreational use (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Wagner et al. 1985). The

primary threats facing the 25 plant taxa in this final rule are ongoing

and threatened destruction and adverse modification of habitat by feral

animals and competition with alien plants (see Factor E).

Twenty-one of the 25 taxa are variously threatened by feral animals

(Table 1). Animals such as pigs and goats were introduced by the early

Hawaiians (pigs) or more recently by European settlers (goats) for food

and/or commercial ranching activities. Over the 200 years following

their introduction, their numbers increased and the adverse impacts of

feral ungulates on native vegetation have become increasingly apparent.

Beyond the direct effect of trampling and grazing native plants, feral

ungulates have contributed significantly to the heavy erosion still

taking place on most of the main Hawaiian Islands (Cuddihy and Stone

1990).

Table 1.--Summary of Threats to Twenty-Five Plants From the Island of Oahu, Hawaii

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

Alien mammals

Species --------------------------- Alien Substrate Fire Human Insects Limited numbers

Goats Pigs Rats plants loss impacts

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

Chamaesyce herbstii....................... ....... X ....... X .......... P .......... .......... X1

Chamaesyce rockii......................... ....... X P X .......... ....... P .......... .........................

Cyanea acuminata.......................... ....... X P X .......... ....... P .......... X3

Cyanea humboldtiana....................... ....... X P X .......... ....... X .......... X1

Cyanea koolauensis........................ ....... X P X .......... ....... X .......... X3

Cyanea longiflora......................... ....... X P X .......... P P .......... X1

Cyanea st.-johnii......................... ....... X P X .......... ....... X .......... X1,3

Cyrtandra dentata......................... ....... ....... P X .......... P .......... .......... X1,3

Cyrtandra subumbellata.................... ....... ....... P X .......... P P .......... X1,3

Cyrtandra viridiflora..................... ....... X P X .......... ....... P .......... X1,2

Delissea subcordata....................... X X P X .......... P X .......... X3

Eragrostis fosbergii...................... X X ....... X .......... ....... X .......... X1,2

Gardenia mannii........................... ....... X ....... X .......... P P X X3

Labordia cyrtrandrae...................... ....... X ....... X .......... P P .......... X1,2

Lepidium arbuscula........................ X ....... ....... X .......... P X .......... .........................

Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis..... ....... X P X X ....... X .......... X1

Lobelia monostachya....................... ....... ....... X X .......... ....... .......... .......... X1,2

Melicope saint-johnii..................... X X ....... X .......... P .......... P .........................

Myrsine juddii............................ ....... X ....... X .......... ....... P .......... X1

Phyllostegia hirsuta...................... ....... X ....... X .......... P P .......... .........................

Phyllostegia kaalaensis................... ....... X ....... X .......... P .......... .......... X1,3

Pritchardia kaalae........................ X X X X .......... P P .......... X1

Schiedea kealiae.......................... ....... ....... ....... X X P .......... .......... X1

Trematolobelia singularis................. ....... X P X .......... ....... .......... .......... X1

Viola oahuensis........................... ....... X ....... X .......... ....... P .......... .........................

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

KEY:

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.

Pigs, which were originally native to Europe, northern Africa, Asia

Minor, and Asia, were introduced into Hawaii by the Polynesians.

European pigs, introduced to Hawaii by Captain James Cook in 1778,

escaped domestication and invaded primarily wet and mesic forests and

grasslands of the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii.

The pigs introduced by the Polynesians were apparently smaller and less

destructive to native plants than the European pigs. In addition, it

appears that Polynesian pigs were maintained in domestication and were

not allowed to establish feral populations. While foraging, pigs root

and trample the forest floor, encouraging the establishment of alien

plants in the newly disturbed soil. Pigs also disseminate alien plant

seeds through their feces and on their bodies, accelerating the spread

of alien plants through native forest (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Stone

1985). Pigs are a major vector in the spread of Psidium cattleianum

(strawberry guava) and Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry), and

enhance populations of Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry),

which threaten several of these taxa (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith

1985, Stone 1985). Feral pigs also feed on the starchy interiors of

tree ferns (Cibotium sp.) and other succulent-stemmed plants (see

Factor C). Feral pigs pose an immediate threat to one or more

populations of 20 of the taxa in this final rule, including the only

known population of Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis (see Table 1)

(HHP 1994c2, 1994c3, 1994d1 to 1994d5, 1994d7, 1994d8, 1994d11, 1994e1

to 1994e4, 1994e7, 1994e10 to 1994e12, 1994f1, 1994f2, 1994g1 to

1994g4, 1994g22, 1994h1, 1994h12 to 1994h14, 1994i7, 1994i10, 1994L5,

1994L6, 1994m20, 1994m22, 1994n3, 1994n5, 1994o1, 1994o13, 1994o35,

1994o37, 1994o38, 1994o43, 1994o44, 1994o46, 1994p14, 1994p16, 1994s1,

1994t3, 1994t4, 1994t13, 1994u2, 1994u3, 1994v27, 1994v29, 1994v30,

1994v34 to 1994v36, 1994w3 to

[[Page 53102]]

1994w5, 1994aa4, 1994cc1, 1994dd5, 1994dd12, 1994dd13, 1994ee; J. Lau,

pers. comm. 1994).

Goats, originally native to the Middle East and India, were

successfully introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1792. Feral goats

now occupy a wide variety of habitats from lowland dry forests to

montane grasslands on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, where

they consume native vegetation, which may include the taxa in this

final rule (see Factor C), trample roots and seedlings, accelerate

erosion, and promote the invasion of alien plants (Stone 1985, van

Riper and van Riper 1982). On Oahu, the goat population in the Waianae

Mountains area is apparently increasing, becoming an even greater

threat to the rare plants that grow there (J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994).

One or more populations of five of the taxa in this final rule

(including Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, one of the

largest populations of Lepidium arbuscula, the largest population of

Melicope saint-johnii, and more than half of the individuals of

Pritchardia kaalae) are currently threatened by direct damage from

feral goats, such as trampling of plants and seedlings and erosion of

substrate (Culliney 1988; HHP 1994m20, 1994n5, 1994n6, 1994q5, 1994q8,

1994q9, 1994q11, 1994t14, 1994aa2, 1994aa4, 1994ee; Scott et al. 1986;

van Riper and van Riper 1982).

Habitat disturbance caused by human activities may pose a threat to

rare plant populations that grow on lands on which military training

exercises and ground maneuvers are occasionally conducted. However, as

most of the taxa in this final rule grow on moderate to steep slopes,

ridges, and gulches, habitat disturbance is probably restricted to foot

and helicopter traffic. Trampling by ground troops associated with

training activities, and construction, maintenance, and utilization of

helicopter landing and drop-off sites could affect populations of 14 of

the plant taxa (Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea

koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra

viridiflora, Delissea subcordata, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae,

Lepidium arbuscula, Myrsine juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Pritchardia

kaalae, and Viola oahuensis) that occur on land leased or owned by the

U.S. Army (HHP 1994d2, 1994d4, 1994d5, 1994e2 to 1994e5, 1994e7, 1994g1

to 1994g3, 1994g22, 1994h12 to 1994h14, 1994k6, 1994L4, 1994L6, 1994L7,

1994m7, 1994m9 to 1994m11, 1994o1, 1994o2, 1994o4, 1994o13, 1994o18,

1994o37 to 1994o40, 1994o43, 1994o44, 1994p2, 1994p14 to 1994p16,

1994q7 to 1994q9, 1994u1 to 1994u3, 1994v2, 1994v19, 1994v26, 1994v30,

1994v32, 1994v33, 1994aa2, 1994aa5, 1994dd5, 1994dd9, 1994dd10,

1994dd12, 1994dd15, 1994dd16; Wagner et al. 1985).

B. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or

educational purposes. Overutilization is not a known factor, but

unrestricted collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes and

excessive visits by individuals interested in seeing rare plants could

seriously impact all of the plant taxa in this final rule, but

especially Cyanea humboldtiana, Cyanea koolauensis, C. st.-johnii,

Eragrostis fosbergii, and Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis, which

have populations close to trails or roads and are thus easily

accessible to collectors, and therefore possibly threatened by

overcollection, trampling, and/or road maintenance (HHP 1994f1, 1994f2,

1994g22, 1994i9, 1994n3 to 1994n6; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994).

C. Disease and predation. Disease is not known to be a significant

threat to any of the plant taxa in this final rule. However, a tiny

beetle, the black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus), is known to

infest a wide variety of common plant taxa, including Melicope in the

Koolau Mountains (Davis 1970). The black twig borer burrows into

branches, introduces a pathogenic fungus as food for its larvae, and

lays its eggs. Twigs, branches, and even entire plants can be killed

from an infestation. In the Hawaiian Islands, the black twig borer has

many hosts, disperses easily, and is probably present at most

elevations up to 670 m (2,500 ft) (Howarth 1985). In the Koolau

Mountains, the black twig borer is known to threaten the Kapakahi Gulch

population of Gardenia mannii. The black twig borer occurs throughout

the Waianae Mountains and may pose a threat to all Melicope saint-

johnii plants that occur there (HHP 1994o41, 1994t1 to 1994t4, 1994t7,

1994t13, 1994t14; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994).

Of the ungulates introduced to Oahu, pigs are currently the most

significant modifiers of native forests (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Stone

1985). Not only do they destroy native vegetation through their rooting

activities and dispersal of alien plant seeds (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). Although there is no conclusive evidence of predation

on the eight members of the bellflower family included in this final

rule, none of them are known to be unpalatable to pigs. Pigs have

definitely eaten federally endangered Cyanea crispa plants immediately

adjacent to Cyanea acuminata plants. Predation is therefore a probable

threat to Cyanea acuminata, C. humboldtiana, C. koolauensis, C.

longiflora, C. st.-johnii, Delissea subcordata, Lobelia gaudichaudii

ssp. koolauensis, Lobelia monostachya, and Trematolobelia singularis in

areas where pigs have been reported (J. Lau and J. Yoshioka, pers.

comm. 1994).

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 there is no evidence of predation on

Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Lepidium arbuscula, Melicope

saint-johnii, and Pritchardia kaalae, all of which occur in areas where

goats have been reported, none of those plants are known to be

unpalatable. Direct predation by goats is a possible threat to those

five taxa (HHP 1994m20, 1994n5, 1994n6, 1994q5, 1994q8, 1994q11,

1994t14, 1994aa2, 1994aa4, 1994ee).

Two rat species, the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the Polynesian

rat (Rattus exulans), and to a lesser extent other introduced rodents,

eat large, fleshy fruits and strip the bark of some native plants,

particularly fruits of the native palms (Pritchardia) and plants in the

bellflower and African violet families that have fleshy stems and

fruits (Cuddihy and Stone 1990; Tomich 1986; Wagner et al. 1985; J.

Lau, pers. comm. 1994). Rat predation on fruits threatens the largest

population of Pritchardia kaalae, as indicated by the lack of

reproduction and seedlings (HHP 1994aa2). Rat damage has also been

observed in the only known population of Lobelia monostachya (HHP

1994ff). It is possible that rats eat the fruits of 11 other plant taxa

in this final rule, all of which produce fleshy fruits and stems, and

grow in areas where rats occur--Cyanea acuminata, C. humboldtiana, C.

koolauensis, C. longiflora, C. st.-johnii, Cyrtandra dentata, C.

subumbellata, C. viridiflora, Delissea subcordata, Lobelia gaudichaudii

ssp. koolauensis, and Trematolobelia singularis (J. Lau and Joan

Yoshioka, pers. comms. 1994).

D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. Of the 25

plant taxa in this final rule, 20 have populations located on private

land, 22 on State land, 10 on City and County of Honolulu land, and 18

on land under Federal jurisdiction. Of those under Federal

jurisdiction, 14 taxa have populations that occur on land owned by the

Federal government and 15 have populations on land leased to the

Federal government by State, City and

[[Page 53103]]

County of Honolulu, and/or private parties. While 22 of the taxa occur

in more than one of those 3 ownership categories, the other 3 taxa are

restricted to a single category--Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis

is found only on private land, Lobelia monostachya is found only on

State land, and Labordia cyrtandrae is found only on Federal land.

Except for certain provisions applicable only to land designated as

a NAR, there are no State laws or existing regulatory mechanisms at the

present time to protect or prevent further decline of these plants on

private land. However, Federal listing automatically invokes listing

under Hawaii State law. 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 * * *'' (Hawaii Revised Statutes

(HRS), sect. 195D-4(a)). The State law prohibits taking a listed

species on private and State lands and encourages conservation by State

government agencies. In addition, State regulations specifically

prohibit the removal, destruction, or damage of plants found on State

lands. However, the regulations are difficult to enforce because of

limited personnel.

Seven of the 25 plant taxa in this rule have one or more

populations in NARs, which have rules and regulations for the

protection of resources (HRS, sect. 195-5). Almost all populations of

the taxa in this final rule are located on land classified within

conservation districts and owned by the State of Hawaii or private

companies or individuals. Regardless of the owner, lands in these

districts, among other purposes, are regarded as necessary for the

protection of endemic biological resources and the maintenance or

enhancement of the conservation of natural resources. Activities

permitted in conservation districts must not be detrimental to a

multiple use conservation concept and shall conserve threatened or

endangered plants (HRS, sect. 205-2). Some uses, such as maintaining

animals for hunting, are based on policy decisions, while others, such

as preservation of endangered species, are mandated by both Federal and

State laws. Requests for amendments to district boundaries or variances

within existing classifications can be made by government agencies and

private landowners (HRS, sect. 205-4). Before decisions about these

requests are made, the impact of the proposed reclassification on

``preservation or maintenance of important natural systems or habitat''

(HRS, sects. 205-4, 205-17) as well as the maintenance of natural

resources is required to be taken into account (HRS, sects. 205-2, 205-

4). Before any proposed land use that will occur on State land, is

funded in part or whole by county or State funds, or will occur within

land classified as conservation district, an environmental assessment

is required to determine whether or not the environment will be

significantly affected (HRS, chapt. 343). If it is found that an action

will have a significant effect, preparation of a full Environmental

Impact Statement is required. Hawaii environmental policy, and thus

approval of land use, is required by law to safeguard ``* * * the

State's unique natural environmental characteristics * * *'' (HRS,

sect. 344-3(1)) and includes guidelines to ``protect endangered species

of individual plants and animals * * *'' (HRS, sect. 344-4(3)(A)).

Federal listing, because it automatically invokes State listing, also

implements these State regulations protecting the plants.

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, sect. 195D-5(a)). The State also 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, sect. 195D-5(c)). Funds for these

activities could be made available under section 6 of the Federal Act

(State Cooperative Agreements). The Hawaii Department of Land and

Natural Resources is mandated to initiate changes in conservation

district boundaries to include ``the habitat of rare native species of

flora and fauna within the conservation district'' (HRS, sect. 195D-

5.1).

Twenty-one of the plant taxa in this final rule are threatened by

four plants considered by the State of Hawaii to be noxious weeds--

Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani), Ageratina riparia (Hamakua

pamakani), Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), and Myrica faya (firetree).

The State has provisions and funding available for eradication and

control of noxious weeds on State and private land in conservation

districts and other areas (HRS, chapt. 152; Hawaii Department of

Agriculture (DOA) 1981).

Listing of these 25 plant taxa therefore would reinforce and

supplement the protection available under the State Act and other laws.

The Federal Act also would provide additional protection to these 25

plant taxa because it is a Federal violation of the Act for any person

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. All of the 25 taxa in this final rule are threatened by

competition with 1 or more alien plant species (see Table 1). The most

significant of these appear to be Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse),

Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava), Schinus terebinthifolius

(Christmas berry), Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani), Ageratina

riparia (Hamakua pamakani), Passiflora suberosa (huehue haole), Rubus

argutus (prickly Florida blackberry), Lantana camara (lantana), and

Grevillea robusta (silk oak).

Koster's curse, a noxious shrub native to tropical America, is

found in mesic to wet forests on at least six islands in Hawaii (Almeda

1990, DOA 1981, Smith 1992). Koster's curse was first reported on Oahu

in 1941 and had spread through much of the Koolau Mountains by the

early 1960's. Koster's curse spread to the Waianae Mountains around

1970 and is now widespread throughout the southern half of that

mountain range. This noxious 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 (Cuddihy and Stone

1990). At present, Koster's curse threatens populations of 18 of the

plant taxa--Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea humboldtiana,

Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora, Cyanea st.-johnii, Cyrtandra

dentata, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra viridiflora, Delissea

subcordata, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lobelia gaudichaudii

ssp. koolauensis, Myrsine juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia

kaalaensis, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola oahuensis (HHP 1994d1

to 1994d5, 1994d7, 1994d8, 1994d11, 1994e1 to 1994e4, 1994e7, 1994e8,

1994e10 to 1994e12, 1994e20, 1994f1, 1994f2, 1994g1 to 1994g4, 1994g22,

1994h12 to 1994h14, 1994i7, 1994i9, 1994i10, 1994j6, 1994k6, 1994L4 to

1994L6, 1994m1, 1994o1, 1994o13, 1994o14, 1994o35, 1994o38 to 1994o40,

1994o42 to 1994o44, 1994o46, 1994p14, 1994s1, 1994u2, 1994u3, 1994v19,

1994v27, 1994v29, 1994v30, 1994w3, 1994cc2, 1994cc4, 1994dd9, 1994dd12,

1994dd13; Takeuchi & Shimabukuro (s.n.) 1987; Takeuchi (2410) 1985).

[[Page 53104]]

Strawberry guava, a tree native to tropical America, has become

widely naturalized on all of the main islands, forming dense stands

that exclude other plant species in disturbed areas (Cuddihy and Stone

1990). Strawberry guava grows primarily in mesic and wet habitats and

is dispersed mainly by feral pigs and fruit-eating birds (Smith 1985,

Wagner et al. 1990). Strawberry guava is considered to be one of the

greatest alien plant threats to Hawaiian rain forests and threatens

populations of 15 of the plant taxa in this final rule--Chamaesyce

herbstii, Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora,

Cyrtandra dentata, Cyrtandra viridiflora, Delissea subcordata,

Eragrostis fosbergii, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lepidium

arbuscula, Myrsine juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia

kaalaensis, and Viola oahuensis (HHP 1994c2, 1994c3, 1994d5, 1994g1,

1994g5, 1994h1, 1994h12 to 1994h14, 1994j6, 1994L4 to 1994L6, 1994m7,

1994n4, 1994o1, 1994o13, 1994o37, 1994o38, 1994o44, 1994o46, 1994p15,

1994p16, 1994q7, 1994q11, 1994u2, 1994u3, 1994v27, 1994v36, 1994w3,

1994dd9, 1994dd12; Smith 1985).

Christmas berry, introduced to Hawaii before 1911, is a fast-

growing tree or shrub that invade mesic to wet lowland areas of the

major Hawaiian Islands (Wagner et al. 1990). Christmas berry is

distributed mainly by feral pigs and fruit-eating birds and forms dense

thickets that shade out and displace other plants (Cuddihy and Stone

1990, Smith 1985, Stone 1985). It is a pervasive threat in the Koolau

and Waianae Mountains and threatens one or more populations of

Chamaesyce herbstii, Cyanea acuminata, Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis

fosbergii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Lobelia

monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia

kaalaensis, Pritchardia kaalae, and Schiedea kealiae (HHP 1994c1,

1994c2, 1994c4, 1994e11, 1994m1, 1994m7, 1994n4, 1994p16, 1994q4,

1994q5, 1994q7, 1994q9 to 1994q11, 1994t3, 1994t4, 1994t13, 1994t14,

1994v19, 1994v31, 1994v34, 1994v35, 1994w3, 1994w4, 1994aa2, 1994bb4,

1994bb6, 1994ff).

Maui pamakani and Hamakua pamakani, both native to tropical

America, have naturalized in dry areas to wet forest on Oahu and four

other islands (Wagner et al. 1990). These two noxious weeds form dense

mats with other alien plants and prevent regeneration of native plants

(Anderson et al. 1992). Five of the plant taxa in this final rule in

both Oahu mountain ranges are threatened by competition with Maui

pamakani and/or Hamakua pamakani--Cyanea acuminata, Lepidium arbuscula,

Lobelia monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, and Pritchardia kaalae (HHP

1994e1, 1994q5, 1994q9 to 1994q11, 1994t14, 1994aa2, 1994ff).

Huehue haole, a vine native to tropical America, is found in

dryland habitats and mesic forest on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii, where it

thrives in the subcanopy layers and smothers shrubs, small trees, and

the ground layer (Escobar 1990, Smith 1985, Wester 1992). Huehue haole

threatens one or more populations of four of the plant taxa, all in the

Waianae Mountains--Chamaesyce herbstii, Melicope saint-johnii,

Phyllostegia hirsuta, and Phyllostegia kaalaensis (HHP 1994c1, 1994t3,

1994t4, 1994t13, 1994t14, 1994v31, 1994v34, 1994v35, 1994w3, 1994w4).

Prickly Florida blackberry was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands

in the late 1800's from the continental U.S. (Haselwood and Motter

1983). The fruits are easily spread by birds to open areas such as

disturbed mesic or wet forests, where the species forms dense,

impenetrable thickets (Smith 1985). In the Waianae Mountains,

populations of five of the plant taxa are threatened by this noxious

weed--Cyanea longiflora, Gardenia mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae,

Phyllostegia hirsuta, and Pritchardia kaalae (HHP 1994h1, 1994o1,

1994p14, 1994p15, 1994v2, 1994v3, 1994aa5).

Lantana, native to the West Indies, is an aggressive, thicket-

forming shrub that produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of other

plant species. Lantana is now found on all of the main Hawaiian islands

in mesic forests, dry shrublands, and other dry, disturbed habitats

(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). In the

Waianae Mountains, lantana negatively affects populations of four of

the plant taxa in this final rule--Delissea subcordata, Lepidium

arbuscula, Melicope saint-johnii, and Phyllostegia hirsuta (HHP 1994q5,

1994q10, 1994t13, 1994v19, 1994v31; Takeuchi and Shimabukuro (s.n.)

1987).

Silk oak, native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, was

planted extensively in Hawaii for timber and is now naturalized on most

of the main islands (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). Silk oak

negatively affects populations of four of the plant taxa that grow

exclusively in the Waianae Mountains--Chamaesyce herbstii, Eragrostis

fosbergii, Lepidium arbuscula, and Melicope saint-johnii (HHP 1994c1,

1994n4, 1994q10, 1994q11, 1994t14).

Kalanchoe pinnata (air plant) is an herb that occurs on all the

main islands except Niihau and Kahoolawe, especially in dry to mesic

areas (Wagner et al. 1990). Air plant poses a significant threat to the

only population of Lobelia monostachya (HHP 1994ff).

Leucaena leucocephala (koa haole), a naturalized shrub which is

sometimes the dominant species in low elevation, dry, disturbed areas

on all of the main Hawaiian islands, is a major threat to Schiedea

kealiae (Geesink et al. 1990; HHP 1994bb1, 1994bb4, 1994bb6).

Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass), a perennial grass brought to

Hawaii for cattle fodder, is now naturalized in dry to mesic, disturbed

areas on most of the main Hawaiian Islands. The mats it forms smother

other plants and fuel more intense fires than would normally affect an

area (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, O'Connor 1990, Smith 1985). Molasses

grass threatens Lepidium arbuscula and the only known population of

Lobelia monostachya (HHP 1994q4, 1994q5, 1994q11, 1994ff).

Myrica faya (firetree), native to the Azores, Madeira, and the

Canary Islands, was introduced to Hawaii before 1900 for wine-making,

firewood, or as an ornamental. Firetree was planted in forest reserves

in the 1920's. By the mid-1980's, firetree had infested over 34,000 ha

(84,000 ac) throughout the State, with the largest infestations on the

island of Hawaii. It is now considered a noxious weed (Cuddihy and

Stone 1990, DOA 1981). Firetree can form a dense stand with no ground

cover beneath the canopy. This lack of ground cover may be due to dense

shading or to chemicals released by firetree that prevent other species

from growing. Firetree also fixes nitrogen and increases nitrogen

levels in Hawaii's typically nitrogen-poor volcanic soils. This may

encourage the invasion of alien plants that would not otherwise be able

to grow as well as native species in Hawaii's low-nitrogen soils

(Cuddihy and Stone 1990). Firetree threatens Melicope saint-johnii and

one of the largest populations of Lepidium arbuscula (HHP 1994q11,

1994t14).

The perennial grass Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo grass) has become

naturalized in moist to wet, disturbed areas on most Hawaiian Islands.

It produces a dense ground cover, even on poor soil (Cuddihy and Stone

1990). Sacciolepis indica (Glenwood grass) is an annual or perennial

grass naturalized on five islands in Hawaii in open, wet areas (Wagner

et al. 1990). Hilo grass and Glenwood grass threaten the largest

population of Viola oahuensis (HHP 1994dd13).

[[Page 53105]]

Fire does not pose an immediate threat to the 25 plant taxa in this

final rule, although species that grow in dry and mesic shrubland and

forest may be susceptible to fire (see Table 1). 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 fires. Alien plants are often more fire-adapted than native

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

and Stone 1990). Unintentionally ignited fires have resulted from

ordnance training practices in Makua Military Reservation and Schofield

Barracks Military Reservation and from other military training

practices in Kawailoa and Kahuku Training Areas and pose a possible

threat to the five species that occur on those military installations--

Cyrtandra subumbellata, Delissea subcordata, Gardenia mannii, all known

populations of Labordia cyrtandrae, and Pritchardia kaalae (Environment

Impact Study Corp. 1977; HHP 1993, 1994a, 1994b, 1994k2, 1994k5,

1994k6, 1994m7, 1994m9 to 1994m11, 1994o1, 1994o2, 1994o4, 1994o13,

1994o18, 1994o37 to 1994o40, 1994o43, 1994o44, 1994p2, 1994p14 to

1994p16, 1994aa2, 1994aa5; Yoshioka et al. 1991). Accidentally or

maliciously set fires in areas of habitation near the Lualualei Naval

Reservation and the Makua Military Reservation could easily spread and

pose a possible threat to more than half of the individuals of Lepidium

arbuscula that occur on both reservations and one population of

Melicope saint-johnii (HHP 1994q3, 1994q5, 1994q8, 1994q10, 1994q11,

1994t15; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1994). Fire is also a potential threat to

Chamaesyce herbstii, Cyanea longiflora, Cyrtandra dentata, Phyllostegia

hirsuta, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, and Schiedea kealiae, which occur in

dry or mesic habitats with adequate conditions for the spread of fire,

at least seasonally (HHP 1994c1 to 1994c5, 1994h1, 1994h3, 1994h11,

1994j2, 1994j6, 1994j7, 1994v6, 1994v34 to 1994v36, 1994w2 to 1994w4,

1994w6, 1994bb3).

Erosion, landslides, and rockslides due to natural weathering

result in habitat destruction as well as the death of individual

plants. This especially affects the continued existence of taxa or

populations with limited numbers and/or narrow ranges on cliffs, such

as the only known population of Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp. koolauensis

and the Kaena Point population of Schiedea kealiae (HHP 1994bb3; L.

Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994).

People are more likely to come into contact with species that have

populations near trails or roads or in recreational areas. Alien plants

may be introduced into such areas as seeds on footwear, or people may

cause erosion, trample plants, or start fires (Cuddihy and Stone 1990).

The following taxa have populations in recreational areas or close to

roads or trails and are potentially threatened by human disturbance--

Cyanea humboldtiana, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea st.-johnii, Delissea

subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Lepidium arbuscula, and Lobelia

gaudichaudii (HHP 1994f1, 1994g22, 1994i7, 1994i9, 1994i10, 1994n3 to

1994n6, 1994q4; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm. 1994).

The small number of populations and individuals of most of these

taxa increases the potential for extinction from naturally occurring

events. The small 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 extant

population. Two of the plant taxa, Lobelia gaudichaudii ssp.

koolauensis and Lobelia monostachya, are known from a single

population. An additional 15 of the taxa in this final rule have 5 or

fewer populations. Twelve of the taxa are estimated to number no more

than 100 individuals and 4 of those taxa (Cyrtandra viridiflora,

Eragrostis fosbergii, Labordia cyrtandrae, and Lobelia monostachya) are

estimated to number no more than 10 individuals (see Table 1).

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 25

species as endangered--Chamaesyce herbstii, Chamaesyce rockii, Cyanea

acuminata, Cyanea humboldtiana, Cyanea koolauensis, Cyanea longiflora,

Cyanea st.-johnii, Cyrtandra dentata, Cyrtandra subumbellata, Cyrtandra

viridiflora, Delissea subcordata, Eragrostis fosbergii, Gardenia

mannii, Labordia cyrtandrae, Lepidium arbuscula, Lobelia gaudichaudii

ssp. koolauensis, Lobelia monostachya, Melicope saint-johnii, Myrsine

juddii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, Pritchardia

kaalae, Schiedea kealiae, Trematolobelia singularis, and Viola

oahuensis. The 25 taxa are threatened by one or more of the following--

habitat degradation and/or predation by pigs, goats, and rats; insect

infestations; competition for space, light, water, and nutrients by

alien plants; habitat loss from fires; and human impacts from military

training practices and from recreational activities. Twenty of the 25

taxa either number no more than 100 individuals or are known from no

more than 5 populations. Small population size and limited distribution

make these taxa particularly vulnerable to extinction from reduced

reproductive vigor or from naturally occurring events. Because the 25

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 designated for the 25 taxa included

in this rule for reasons discussed in the ``Critical Habitat'' section

below.

Critical Habitat

Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as--(I) the

specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at

the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found

those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation

of the species and (II) that may require special management

consideration or protection; and (ii) specific areas outside the

geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon

a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of

the species. ``Conservation'' means the use of all methods and

procedures needed to bring the species to the point at which listing

under the Act is no longer necessary.

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing

regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent

and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time

the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. Service

regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that designation of critical

habitat is not prudent when one or both of the following situations

exist--(1) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity,

and identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the

degree of threat to the species, or (2) such designation of critical

habitat would not be beneficial to the species. As discussed under

Factor B, these taxa could potentially be threatened by overcollection

due to their low population size and interest generated by their

endangered status. The publication of precise maps and descriptions of

critical habitat in the Federal Register and local newspapers as

required in designation of critical habitat would increase the degree

of threat to these plants from take or vandalism and, therefore, could

[[Page 53106]]

contribute to their decline. The listing of these taxa as endangered

publicizes the rarity of the plants and, thus, can make these plants

attractive to researchers, curiosity seekers, or collectors of rare

plants. For this reason, The Service finds that designation of critical

habitat for these 25 taxa is not prudent at this time.

Furthermore, such a designation would not only increase The degree

of threat from vandalism, collecting, or other human activities, it is

unlikely to aid in the conservation of these taxa. Eighteen of the taxa

occur on lands under Federal military jurisdiction. The additional

protection by the designation of critical habitat to a species is

granted through section 7 of the Act. 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 or

threatened and with respect to its critical habitat, if any is being

designated. 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 destroy or

adversely modify its critical habitat. All of the 18 species which

occur on military lands are confined to small geographic areas, and

each population is composed of so few individuals that the

determinations for jeopardy to the species and adverse modification of

critical habitat would be similar. Therefore, designation of critical

habitat for these species provides no benefits beyond those that these

species would receive by virtue of their listing as endangered species.

Critical habitat designation, therefore, would increase the degree

of threat from vandalism, collecting, or other human activities, and is

not likely to aid in the conservation of these taxa. For these reasons,

the Service finds that designation of critical habitat for these 25

taxa is not prudent at this time.

Available Conservation Measures

Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or

threatened under the Act include recovery actions, requirements for

Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain activities.

Recognition through listing results in conservation actions by Federal,

State, and local agencies, private organizations, and individuals. The

Act provides for possible land acquisition and cooperation with the

State and requires that recovery plans be developed for 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 or threatened 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)(1) requires Federal agencies to use their

authorities to further the purposes of the Act by carrying out programs

for listed species. Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal

agencies to insure that activities they authorize, fund, or carry out

are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. If

a Federal action is likely to adversely affect a listed species, the

responsible Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the

Service.

Eighteen of the taxa occur on land under Federal jurisdiction,

including the following agencies--U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Coast

Guard. Of those, 15 taxa are found on federally owned land and 14 taxa

occur on land leased by the Federal government from the State, City and

County of Honolulu, and private parties. Activities carried out by the

U.S. Army include ordnance training practices, ground troop training

activities, and construction, maintenance, and utilization of

helicopter landing and drop-off sites. The Army is coordinating with

TNCH to develop management plans for Schofield Barracks Military

Reservation, Kawailoa Training Area, and Kahuku Training Area to limit

the impact of these activities on endangered species and their

habitats.

The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of

general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered

plants. All prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented by

50 CFR 17.61, apply. These prohibitions, in part, make it illegal 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, or remove and reduce the species to possession from areas

under Federal jurisdiction. In addition, for plants listed as

endangered, the Act prohibits the malicious damage or destruction on

areas under Federal jurisdiction and the removal, cutting, digging up,

or damaging or destroying of such plants in knowing violation of any

State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. Certain

exceptions to the prohibitions apply to agents of the Service and State

conservation agencies.

The Act and 50 CFR 17.62 provide for the issuance of permits to

carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving endangered plant

species under certain circumstances. Such permits are available for

scientific purposes and to enhance the propagation or survival of the

species. It is anticipated that few permits would ever be sought or

issued because these 25 taxa are not common in cultivation or in the

wild.

It is the policy of the Service (59 FR 34272) to identify to the

maximum extent practicable at the time a species is listed those

activities that would or would not constitute a violation of section 9

of the Act. The intent of this policy is to increase public awareness

of the effect of the listing on proposed and ongoing activities within

the species' range. Eighteen of the taxa occur on lands under Federal

jurisdiction (U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard). Of those, 15

taxa are found on federally owned land and 14 taxa occur on land leased

by the Federal government from the State, City and County of Honolulu,

and private parties. Collection, damage, or destruction of these taxa

on Federal lands is prohibited without a Federal endangered species

permit. Such activities on non-Federal lands would constitute a

violation of section 9 if conducted in knowing violation of Hawaii

State law or regulations or in violation of State criminal trespass

law. One of the listed taxa (Pritchardia kaalae) may be of

horticultural interest, though currently it is not in commercial trade.

Intrastate commerce (commerce within a State) is not prohibited under

the Act. However, interstate and foreign commerce (sale or offering for

sale across State or international boundaries), would be prohibited,

with limited exceptions. (Endangered species may be advertised for sale

provided the advertisement contains a statement that no sale may be

consummated until a permit has been obtained from the Service.)

Questions regarding whether specific activities will constitute a

violation of section 9 of the Act should be directed to the Pacific

Islands Ecoregion Manager (see ADDRESSES section). Requests for copies

of the regulations concerning listed plants and inquiries regarding

prohibitions and permits may be addressed to the Fish and Wildlife

Service, Ecological Services, Endangered Species Permits, 911 N.E. 11th

Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (telephone: 503/231-6241;

facsimile: 503/231-6243).

[[Page 53107]]

Hawaii State Law

Federal listing will automatically invoke listing under the State's

endangered species act. 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 * * *'' (Hawaii Revised Statues

(HRS), sect. 195D-4(a)). This Federal listing will automatically invoke

listing under Hawaii State law. The State law prohibits taking of

listed species on private and State lands and encourages conservation

by State agencies (HRS, sect. 195D-4).

National Environmental Policy Act

The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that Environmental

Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements, 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).

Required Determinations

The Service has examined this regulation under the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995 and found it to contain no information collection

requirements. This rulemaking was not subject to review by the Office

of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866.

References Cited

A complete list of all references cited herein is available upon

request from the Pacific Islands Ecoregion (see ADDRESSES section).

Author

The authors of this rule are Christa Russell and Marie M.

Bruegmann, Pacific Islands Ecoregion Office (see ADDRESSES section).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, 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 FLOWERING PLANTS, to the List of Endangered

and Threatened Plants to read as follows:

Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *

(h) * * *

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

Species

------------------------------------------------- Historic range Family Status When Critical Special

Scientific name Common name listed habitat rules

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

* * * * * * *

FLOWERING PLANTS

* * * * * * *

Chamaesyce herbstii.......... 'Akoko........... U.S.A. (HI).............. Euphorbiaceae--Spurge........... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Chamaesyce rockii............ 'Akoko........... U.S.A. (HI).............. Euphorbiaceae--Spurge........... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Cyanea acuminata............. Haha............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Cyanea humboldtiana.......... Haha............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Cyanea koolauensis........... Haha............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Cyanea longiflora............ Haha............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Cyanea st.-johnii............ Haha............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Cyrtandra dentata............ Ha'iwale......... U.S.A. (HI).............. Gesneriaceae--African violet.... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Cyrtandra subumbellata....... Ha'iwale......... U.S.A. (HI).............. Gesneriaceae--African violet.... E 591 NA NA

[[Page 53108]]

* * * * * * *

Cyrtandra viridiflora........ Ha'iwale......... U.S.A. (HI).............. Gesneriaceae--African violet.... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Delissea subcordata.......... 'Oha............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Eragrostis fosbergii......... None............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Poaceae--Grass.................. E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Gardenia mannii.............. Nanu............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Rubiaceae--Coffee............... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Labordia cyrtandrae.......... Kamakahala....... U.S.A. (HI).............. Loganiaceae--Logania............ E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Lepidium arbuscula........... 'Anaunau......... U.S.A. (HI).............. Brassicaceae--Mustard........... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Lobelia gaudichaudii......... None............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Lobelia monostachya.......... None............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Melicope saint-johnii........ Alani............ U.S.A. (HI).............. Rutaceae--Rue................... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Myrsine juddii............... Kolea............ U.S.A. (HI).............. Myrsinaceae--Myrsine............ E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Phyllostegia hirsuta......... None............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Lamiaceae--Mint................. E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Phyllostegia kaalaensis...... None............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Lamiaceae--Mint................. E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Pritchardia kaalae........... Loulu............ U.S.A. (HI).............. Arecaceae--Palm................. E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Schiedea kealiae............. None............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Caryophyllaceae--Pink........... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Trematolobelia singularis.... None............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Campanulaceae--Bellflower....... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

Viola oahuensis.............. None............. U.S.A. (HI).............. Violaceae--Violet............... E 591 NA NA

* * * * * * *

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

Dated: September 24, 1996.

John G. Rogers,

Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 96-25557 Filed 10-9-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P