Search / Plant Profile / Delissea undulata ssp. undulata

Plant Profile

Undulata Delissea (Delissea undulata ssp. undulata)

View of the dense apical rosette of leaves on a young specimen. Photo Credit: Charles Lamoureux

Global Rank: T1 - Critically Imperiled
Legal Status: N/A
Family: Campanulaceae
State: HI
Nature Serve ID: 159619
Lifeform: Tree
Date Inducted in National Collection: 03/05/1993

Description:

Delissea undulata subspecies undulata is an unusual palm-like tree that was observed in the late nineteenth century on western Hawaii in North and South Kona. It was last found in South Kona at Pu`u Lehua in 1971, but was later thought to be extinct. In 1992, a single adult individual was rediscovered at Pu`u Waawaa, Hawaii. This lone plant probably survived as a result of being pushed over the entrance of a collapsing lava tube, making it inaccessible to grazing cattle. This wild individual continues to be threatened by extinction due to its precarious growing situation. Luckily, this plant was observed in flower in August 1992, which resulted in fruit production and fertile seed.

Where is Undulata Delissea (Delissea undulata ssp. undulata) located in the wild?

Habitat:

This species occurs in dry and mesic forests at elevations of about 3,300-5,700 ft in open forest.

Distribution:

This tree species is only found in Pu`u Waawaa, Hawaii.

States & Provinces:

Undulata Delissea can be found in Hawaii

Which CPC Partners conserve Undulata Delissea (Delissea undulata ssp. undulata)?

Harold L. Lyon Arboretum

Conservation Actions

10/17/2020

Propagation monitoring is currently ongoing at the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and Volcano Rare Plant Facility.

10/17/2020

Approximately 50 seedlings were outplanted within 3 exclosures at Pu`u Waawaa, Waihou Forest Reserve and in July of 1995, these outplanted individuals were observed in flower.

Clarice Mendoza

09/07/2017

Approximately 50 seedlings were outplanted within 3 exclosures at Pu`u Waawaa, Waihou Forest Reserve and in July of 1995, these outplanted individuals were observed in flower.

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

This subspecies has been recorded only from West Maui and the western slopes of Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaii. The subspecies (as well as the species as a whole) was thought to be extinct when a single plant was located in 1992 in the district of North Kona. Since the discovery of this individual, plants germinated from its seeds have been maintained in cultivation. Some of these cultivated plants have been outplanted in the subspecies' original habitat. Threats to the subspecies and its habitats include cattle, feral ungulates, alien plants and fire.

Nellie Sugii

01/01/2010

Ecological threats include feral and domestic animals and ecosystem degradation.

Nellie Sugii

01/01/2010

Currently, there is only one site consisting of one population with one individual.

Nellie Sugii

01/01/2010

Propagation monitoring is currently ongoing at the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and Volcano Rare Plant Facility.

Nellie Sugii

01/01/2010

In April, 2002, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that a designation of critical habitat was prudent for this species.

Nellie Sugii

01/01/2010

Actions needed to sustain this Delissa species' population include outplanting, feral and domestic animal control, rat control, fire protection and weed control.

Nellie Sugii

01/01/2010

Ex-situ conservation efforts consist of genetic studies, seed banking, propagation, plant biology and physiology studies.