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Plant Profile

Maui Chaff-flower (Achyranthes splendens var. rotundata)

This shot shows many of the long florescences on this shrub. Photo Credit: Nellie Sugii
  • Global Rank: T1 - Critically Imperiled
  • Legal Status: Federally Endangered
  • Family: Amaranthaceae
  • State: HI
  • Nature Serve ID: 161317
  • Lifeform: Shrub
  • Date Inducted in National Collection: 02/10/1987
Description:

Achyranthes rotundata is a shrub that ranges in height from 1.5 to 6.5 feet tall. It is covered in short, silvery hears, being inconspicuous flowers in a long inflorescence.

Where is Maui Chaff-flower (Achyranthes splendens var. rotundata) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Low elevation, open, dry forest remnants and open thickets, on talus or rocky slopes, and on coralline plains (Wagner et al. 1999).

Distribution:

Western coast of O`ahu (Wagner et al. 1999) and (USFWS 2001)

States & Provinces:

Maui Chaff-flower can be found in Hawaii

Which CPC Partners conserve Maui Chaff-flower (Achyranthes splendens var. rotundata)?

  • Waimea Arboretum Foundation

    Sponsored
    Sponsors Add

    Silver Sponsor

    Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation

    Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Pietch

    Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

    Assigned 06/09/17

  • Harold L. Lyon Arboretum

    Not Sponsored
    Assigned 07/20/23
    • CPC's Plant Sponsorship Program provides long term stewardship of rare plants in our National Collection. We are so grateful for all our donors who have made the Plant Sponsorship Program so successful. We are in the process of acknowledging all our wonderful plant sponsorship donors on our website. This is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.

    Conservation Actions

    • 10/11/2020
      • Propagation Research

    The seed storage characteristics and propagation techniques for this species have been studied (Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database 2002; Yoshinaga 2002)

    • 10/11/2020
      • Orthodox Seed Banking

    The seed storage characteristics and propagation techniques for this species have been studied (Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database 2002; Yoshinaga 2002)

    Nature Serve Biotics
    • 05/02/2017

    Recorded from the islands of Oahu, Molokai, and Lanai. It is currently known from only two small areas on the island of Oahu. Fewer than 2,000 individuals are believed to remain. Most of the taxon's habitat on Oahu has been destroyed by urban development and agriculture. Additional threats to the taxon include habitat degradation by invading alien plants, and fire.

    David Orr
    • 01/01/2010

    Destruction or modification of habitat Predation by the parasitic vine, Cassytha filiformis (USFWS 1986)

    David Orr
    • 01/01/2010

    Approximately 2000-3000 individuals in 4 populations on O`ahu (USFWS 2001).

    David Orr
    • 01/01/2010

    The seed storage characteristics and propagation techniques for this species have been studied (Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database 2002; Yoshinaga 2002)

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    Nomenclature
    Taxon Achyranthes splendens var. rotundata
    Authority Hillebr.
    Family Amaranthaceae
    CPC Number 26
    ITIS 181935
    USDA ACSPR2
    Duration Perennial
    Common Names Maui chaff flower | round chaff-flower | round-leaved chaff-flower
    Associated Scientific Names Achyranthes splendens var. rotundata | Achyranthes splendens var. reflecta
    Distribution Western coast of O`ahu (Wagner et al. 1999) and (USFWS 2001)
    State Rank
    State State Rank
    Hawaii S1
    Ecological Relationships

    Photos

    This shot shows many of the long florescences on this shrub. Photo Credit: Nellie Sugii

    Achyranthes splendens var. rotundata is a native Hawaiian plant and an endangered species. The Hawaiian name, ‘Ahinahina or ‘Ewa Hinahina, references the silvery haired leaves which help to reflect light and retain moisture on arid scapes. 

    Photo Credit: Annissa Burcham

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