Diamond Head Schiedea / Center For Plant Conservation
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Plant Profile

Diamond Head Schiedea (Schiedea adamantis)

Photo Credit: Maggie J. Sporck-Koehler © 2014
  • Global Rank: G1 - Critically Imperiled
  • Legal Status: Federally Endangered
  • Family: Caryophyllaceae
  • State: HI
  • Nature Serve ID: 150939
  • Lifeform: Shrub
  • Date Inducted in National Collection: 02/09/1992
Description:

This species was first collected on the slopes of Diamond Head Crater on O`ahu, Hawai`i in 1955 and described as a valid new species in 1970. It is a small shrub known only from one population, and has survived in the Diamond Head Crater area despite the growing urbanization of the area. Schiedea adamantis exists under harsh conditions, buffeted by strong winds, high light intensity, low precipitation, and high temperatures. Since 1988, unusually prolonged drought conditions at Diamond Head have caused the decimation of the Schiedea population. Originally consisting of about 200 individuals, only 2 plants are currently known to be alive though, a few more may recover with increased precipitation.

Where is Diamond Head Schiedea (Schiedea adamantis) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Preferred habitats of this shrub feature dry, steep slopes.

Distribution:

Known only on the northwest rim of Diamond Head Crater, O`ahu, Hawai`i, the population occurs in a area approximately 11 meters by 22 meters.

States & Provinces:

Diamond Head Schiedea can be found in Hawaii

Which CPC Partners conserve Diamond Head Schiedea (Schiedea adamantis)?

  • Harold L. Lyon Arboretum

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    R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

    Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

    Grace Pacific Corporation

    Conservation Actions
    Assigned 06/09/17
    • 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

    • 09/27/2020
      • Genetic Research

    Population Genetics-Dr. Stephen Weller, Univ. of California-Irvine

    • 09/27/2020
      • Orthodox Seed Banking

    Seed Banking-Dr. Steven Weller, Univ. of California-Irvine

    • 09/27/2020
      • Reproductive Research

    Reproductive Biology-Dr. Stephen Weller, Univ. of California-Irvine

    • 09/27/2020
      • Propagation Research

    The propagation of plants in the genus Schiedea has been studied both at the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden.

    • 09/27/2020
      • Propagation Research

    The propagation of plants in the genus Schiedea has been studied both at the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden.

    • 09/27/2020
      • Reintroduction

    More than 200 seedlings have been planted at a downslope site on Diamond Head, where they are being maintained and monitored by the U.S. National Army Reserves (Trae Menard Pers. Comm. 2001).

    Nature Serve Biotics
    • 05/02/2017

    Endemic to Diamond Head, Oahu. This species is known from a single population of fewer than 300 plants. Threats to this species include competition with alien plants, fire, climatic fluctation, and human disturbance.

    Nellie Sugii
    • 01/01/2010

    Exotic plants Erosion Small population size Drought Fire Habitat degradation, including soil compaction from hikers and sightseers on nearby trails (USFWS 1994, 2001)

    Nellie Sugii
    • 01/01/2010

    Possibly only 2 remaining wild individuals in 1 population at Diamond Head, O`ahu, Hawai`i. A few more individuals may recover with additional precipitation, but it is doubtful (Trae Menard Pers. Comm. 2001) and (Wagner et. al 1999).

    Nellie Sugii
    • 01/01/2010

    Floral Biology-Dr. Stephen Weller, Univ. of California-Irvine Reproductive Biology-Dr. Stephen Weller, Univ. of California-Irvine Propagation-Harold L. Lyon Arboretum The propagation of plants in the genus Schiedea has been studied both at the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden. (Llop & Woolliams 1991) Seed Banking-Dr. Steven Weller, Univ. of California-Irvine Population Genetics-Dr. Stephen Weller, Univ. of California-Irvine Breeding system evolution in the Schiedea genus--Dr. Theresa Culley, assistant professor at University of Cincinnati, has done work in this area with Dr. Stephen Weller, Ann Sakai and Diane Campbell (Culley 2002) (USFWS 1994)

    Nellie Sugii
    • 01/01/2010

    More than 200 seedlings have been planted at a downslope site on Diamond Head, where they are being maintained and monitored by the U.S. National Army Reserves (Trae Menard Pers. Comm. 2001).

    Nellie Sugii
    • 01/01/2010

    Secure remaining wild individuals from threats, especially drought. Establish more outplanting sites. Controlled breeding and propagation program. (USFWS 1994)

    Nellie Sugii
    • 01/01/2010

    Evaluate seed accessions for genetic representation and insure their safety. Aquire and establish vegetative propagules from remaining wild individuals. Continuation of strategic ex situ breeding. (USFWS 1994)

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    Nomenclature
    Taxon Schiedea adamantis
    Authority H. St. John
    Family Caryophyllaceae
    CPC Number 3839
    ITIS 20201
    USDA SCAD
    Duration Perennial
    Common Names Diamond Head Schiedea
    Associated Scientific Names Schiedea adamantis
    Distribution Known only on the northwest rim of Diamond Head Crater, O`ahu, Hawai`i, the population occurs in a area approximately 11 meters by 22 meters.
    State Rank
    State State Rank
    Hawaii S1
    Ecological Relationships

    Photos

    View of erect stems with inflorescences. Photo Credit: Charles Lamoureux

    Schiedea adamantis. This is one of several species in this Hawaiian endemic genus. The species show an interesting evolutionary modification toward the dioecious condition. The plant in the 3rd photo has flowers that are perfect while the plants in the 4th and 5th photos are functionally female with very reduced stamens (staminodes) and well-developed pistils. Note the three well developed styles on each pistil. Diamond Head, O'ahu, endemic genus. Photo Credit: Gerald D. Carr © 1975-2005

    Photo Credit: Maggie J. Sporck-Koehler © 2014

    Photo Credit: Lyon Arboretum Seed Conservation Laboratory. CCA-ShareAlike 3.0 License

    Schiedea adamantis growing on a cliff face in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu.

    Photo Credit: Tim Kroessig

    Photo Caption Photo Credit: Tim Kroessig

    Photo Caption

    Photo Credit: Tim Kroessig

    Craig Burrows Hawaiian Flora Photo Project- normal lighting

    Photo Credit: Craig Burrows
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