94-4038. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered or Threatened Status for 24 Plants From the Island of Kauai, HI  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 38 (Friday, February 25, 1994)]
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    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-4038]
    
    
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    [Federal Register: February 25, 1994]
    
    
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    Part IV
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of the Interior
    
    
    
    
    
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    Fish and Wildlife Service
    
    
    
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    50 CFR Part 17
    
    
    
    Determination of Endangered or Threatened Status for 24 Plants From the 
    Island of Kauai, HI; Final Rule
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
    
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    
    50 CFR Part 17
    
    RIN 1018-AB69
    
     
    
    Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of 
    Endangered or Threatened Status for 24 Plants From the Island of Kauai, 
    HI
    
    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 21 plant taxa and threatened status for 3 plant 
    taxa. All but seven of the taxa are endemic to the island of Kauai, 
    Hawaiian Islands. The exceptions are found on the islands of Niihau, 
    Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and/or Hawaii, as well as Kauai. The 24 plant taxa 
    and their habitats have been variously affected or are currently 
    threatened by 1 or more of the following: habitat degradation by 
    animals (e.g., goats, pigs, axis and mule deer, cattle, and red jungle 
    fowl); competition for space, light, water, and nutrients by 
    naturalized, introduced vegetation; erosion of substrate produced by 
    weathering, or human or animal caused disturbance; recreational and 
    agricultural activities; habitat loss from fires; and predation by 
    animals (goats and rats). Due to the small number of existing 
    individuals and their very narrow distributions, these taxa and most of 
    their populations are subject to an increased likelihood of extinction 
    and/or reduced reproductive vigor from stochastic events. This rule 
    implements the protection and recovery provisions provided by the Act 
    for these plant taxa.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: March 28, 1994.
    
    ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for public 
    inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the U.S. 
    Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, room 6307, P.O. Box 
    50167, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert P. Smith, at the above address 
    (808/541-2749).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        Brighamia insignis, Cyanea asarifolia, Cyrtandra limahuliensis, 
    Delissea rhytidosperma, Diellia pallida, Exocarpos luteolus, Hedyotis 
    cookiana, Hibiscus clayi, Lipochaeta fauriei, Lipochaeta micrantha, 
    Lipochaeta waimeaensis, Lysimachia filifolia, Melicope haupuensis, 
    Melicope knudsenii, Melicope pallida, Melicope quadrangularis, 
    Munroidendron racemosum, Nothocestrum peltatum, Peucedanum sandwicense, 
    Phyllostegia waimeae, Pteralyxia kauaiensis, Schiedea spergulina var. 
    leiopoda, Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina, and Solanum sandwicense 
    are endemic to or have the majority of their populations on the island 
    of Kauai, Hawaii. Seventeen of these taxa are endemic to the island of 
    Kauai, Hawaii; two additional taxa are now found only on Kauai. One of 
    these taxa is now or was previously also known from Niihau, four from 
    Oahu, two from Molokai, two from Maui, and one from the island of 
    Hawaii.
        The island of Kauai is the northernmost and oldest of the eight 
    major Hawaiian Islands (Foote et al. 1972). This highly eroded island, 
    characterized by deeply dissected canyons and steep ridges, is 553 
    square miles (sq mi) (1,430 sq kilometers (km)) in area (Department of 
    Geography 1983). Kauai was formed about six million years ago by a 
    single shield volcano. Its caldera, once the largest in the Hawaiian 
    Islands, now extends about 10 mi (16 km) in diameter and comprises the 
    extremely wet, elevated tableland of Alakai Swamp (Department of 
    Geography 1983). Because the highest point on Kauai, at Kawaikini Peak, 
    is only 5,243 feet (ft) (1,598 meters (m)) in elevation (Department of 
    Geography 1983), it lacks the contrasting leeward montane rainfall 
    patterns found on other islands that have higher mountain systems. 
    Rainfall is, therefore, distributed throughout the upper elevations, 
    especially at Mount Waialeale, Kauai's second highest point at 5,148 ft 
    elevation (1,569 m) (Department of Geography 1983). Mount Waialeale is 
    one of the wettest spots on earth, where annual rainfall averages 450 
    inches (in) (1,140 centimeters (cm)). (Honda et al. 1967, Joesting 
    1984). To the west of the Alakai Swamp is the deeply dissected Waimea 
    Canyon, extending 10 mi (16 km) in length and up to 1 mi (1.6 km) in 
    width. Later volcanic activity on the southeastern flank of the volcano 
    formed the smaller Haupu caldera. Subsequent erosion and collapse of 
    its flank formed Haupu Ridge (Macdonald et al. 1983). One of the 
    island's most famous features is the Na Pali Coast, where stream and 
    wave action have cut deep valleys and eroded the northern coast to form 
    precipitous cliffs as high as 3,000 ft (910 m) (Joesting 1984).
        Because of its age and relative isolation, levels of floristic 
    diversity and endemism are higher on Kauai than on any other island in 
    the Hawaiian archipelago. However, the vegetation of Kauai has 
    undergone extreme alterations because of past and present land use. 
    Land with rich soils was altered by the early Hawaiians and more 
    recently converted to agricultural use or pasture (Gagne and Cuddihy 
    1990). Intentional or inadvertent introduction of alien plant and 
    animal taxa has also contributed to the reduction of native vegetation 
    on the island of Kauai. Native forests are now limited to the upper 
    elevation mesic and wet regions within Kauai's conservation district. 
    The 24 taxa in this rule occur in that district, between 400 and 4,000 
    ft (120 and 1,200 m) elevation in the western and northwestern portions 
    of the island or within large State owned tracts of natural area 
    reserves, forest reserves, and parks. Most of the taxa included in this 
    rule persist on steep slopes, precipitous cliffs, valley headwalls, and 
    other regions where unsuitable topography has prevented agricultural 
    development or where inaccessibility has limited encroachment by alien 
    animal and plant taxa.
        The 24 taxa included in this rule are distributed throughout the 
    island of Kauai and grow in a variety of vegetation communities 
    (grassland, shrubland, and forests), elevational zones (coastal to 
    montane), and moisture regimes (dry to wet). Six taxa are found in 
    various lowland dry communities. These once abundant communities are 
    now fragmented due to fire, development, and the ingression of alien 
    plants and animals. Munroidendron racemosum extends from coastal mesic 
    vegetation communities to higher elevations in lowland dry (Hawaii 
    Heritage Program (HHP) 1990a) and mesic forests. Peucedanum sandwicense 
    is found within a variety of vegetation communities, ranging from 
    coastal to lowland dry to mesic shrublands and forests. Only 1 of the 
    24 taxa is found in grasslands. Brighamia insignis grows within Kauai's 
    lowland dry grassland and shrubland communities in the Na Pali region, 
    where the annual rainfall is usually less than 65 in (170 cm). Three 
    taxa, Hibiscus clayi, Delissea rhytidosperma, and Melicope knudsenii, 
    are located within lowland dry forests, the latter two extending into 
    mesic forests. Lowland dry forests are characterized by an annual 
    rainfall of 20 to 80 in (50 to 200 cm), which falls between November 
    and March, and a well-drained, highly weathered substrate rich in 
    aluminum (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990).
        Nineteen of the 24 taxa have all or a significant number of their 
    populations in lowland mesic or wet forest communities. Lowland mesic 
    forest communities lie between 100 and 3,000 ft (30 and 1,000 m) 
    elevation and are characterized by a 6.5 to 65 ft (2 to 20 m) tall 
    canopy and a diverse understory of shrubs, herbs, and ferns. The annual 
    rainfall of 45 to 150 in (120 to 380 cm) falls predominantly between 
    October and March (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990). This mesic community often 
    grades into lowland wet forests which are typically found on the 
    windward side of the island or in sheltered leeward situations between 
    330 and 3,940 ft (100 and 1,200 m) elevation. The rainfall in this 
    lowland wet community may exceed 200 in (500 cm) per year. These 
    forests were once the predominant vegetation on Kauai but now exist 
    only on steep rocky terrain or cliff faces. The substrate is generally 
    of well-drained soils that may support tree canopies up to 130 ft (40 
    m) in height (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Gagne and Cuddihy 1990).
        The habitat of Solanum sandwicense extends to the higher elevation 
    and drier portions of montane mesic forests, whereas the habitat of 
    Exocarpos luteolus extends into montane wet forests. Nothocestrum 
    peltatum and Phyllostegia waimeae are the only taxa found strictly 
    within these montane communities, which typically occur above 3,000 ft 
    (1,000 m) elevation (HHP 1991). The annual rainfall in montane 
    communities may exceed 280 in (700 cm) (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990).
        The land that supports these 24 plant taxa is owned by various 
    private parties, the City and County of Honolulu, and the State of 
    Hawaii (including State parks, forest reserves, natural area reserves, 
    the Seabird Sanctuary, and land managed under a cooperative agreement 
    with the National Park Service).
    
    Discussion of the 24 Plant Taxa Included in This Final Rule
    
        Asa Gray (in Mann 1868) described Brighamia insignis based upon 
    alcohol-preserved flowers and fruits collected by William Tufts Brigham 
    on Molokai and a dried specimen collected on Kauai or Niihau by 
    Ezechiel Jules Remy. The specific epithet means ``outstanding,'' 
    referring to the plant's unique appearance. Brigham's bottled material, 
    since lost, would today be considered to be Brighamia rockii. Other 
    published names that Thomas G. Lammers (1989), in the currently 
    accepted treatment of the genus, considers to be synonymous with B. 
    insignis include B. insignis f. citrina (Forbes 1917a), B. citrina (St. 
    John 1958), and B. citrina var. napaliensis (St. John 1969b).
        Brighamia insignis, a member of the bellflower family 
    (Campanulaceae), is an unbranched plant 3 to 16 ft (1 to 5 m) tall with 
    a succulent stem that is bulbous at the bottom and tapers toward the 
    top. The fleshy leaves, which measure 5 to 8 in (12 to 20 cm) long and 
    2.5 to 4.5 in (6.5 to 11 cm) wide, are arranged in a compact rosette at 
    the apex of the stem. Fragrant yellow flowers are clustered in groups 
    of 3 to 8 in the leaf axils (the point between the leaf and the stem), 
    with each flower on a stalk 0.4 to 1.2 in (1 to 3 cm) long. The 
    hypanthium (basal portion of the flower) has 10 ribs and is topped with 
    5 oval or loosely triangular calyx lobes (partially fused sepals) 0.02 
    to 0.04 in (0.5 to 1 millimeter (mm)) long. The yellow petals are fused 
    into a tube 2.8 to 5.5 in (7 to 14 cm) long and 0.1 to 0.2 in (3 to 4 
    mm) wide, which flares into five elliptic lobes. The fruit is a capsule 
    0.5 to 0.7 in (13 to 19 mm) long containing numerous seeds. This 
    species is a member of a unique endemic Hawaiian genus with only one 
    other species, presently known only from Molokai, from which it differs 
    by the color of its petals, its shorter calyx lobes, and its longer 
    flower stalks (Hillebrand 1888; Johnson 1986; Lammers 1990; Rock 1919; 
    St. John 1958, 1969b; Takeuchi 1982).
        Historically, Brighamia insignis was known from the headland 
    between Hoolulu and Waiahuakua Valleys along the Na Pali Coast on the 
    island of Kauai, and from Kaali Spring on the island of Niihau (HHP 
    1991a1, 1991a2, 1991a4). The Na Pali Coast populations are still extant 
    and additional populations are known from the same general area. The 
    two Na Pali Coast populations within or on the boundary of the Hono O 
    Na Pali Natural Area Reserve (NAR) are within 0.4 mi (0.6 km) of each 
    other (HHP 1991a1, 1991a3). There are also two populations in the Haupu 
    Range within 2.7 mi (4.3 km) of each other (HHP 1991a2, 1991a5). In 
    1992, Hurricane Iniki destroyed approximately half of the individuals 
    in the Na Pali Coast populations and 7 of the 12 individuals in the 
    Haupu area (Perlman 1992; Steve Perlman, Hawaii Plant Conservation 
    Center (HPCC), pers. comm., 1992). The 5 populations grow on State and 
    private land and total fewer than 40 plants. The status of the small 
    population on privately owned Niihau is not known, although there are 
    reports that it was destroyed when the supporting cliff fell away (HHP 
    1991a4; Wichman and St. John 1990; Charles Christensen, Hawaii 
    Department of Agriculture (DOA), and John Fay, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
    Service (FWS), pers. comms., 1991). This species grows predominantly on 
    the rocky ledges with little soil or steep sea cliffs in lowland dry 
    grassland and shrubland from sea level to 1,300 ft (400 m) elevation 
    (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990, Lammers 1990). Associated plant taxa include 
    Canthium odoratum (alahe'e), Chamaesyce celastroides ('akoko), 
    Eragrostis variabilis (kawelu), and Heteropogon contortus (pili grass) 
    (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990; HHP 1991a1 to 1991a3).
        Feral goats (Capra hircus) pose the major threat to Brighamia 
    insignis by causing defoliation and stem damage, restricting 
    populations to inaccessible cliffs, and probably causing rock slides 
    that degrade the plant's habitat. Alien plant taxa are another major 
    threat to the survival of this species, especially introduced grasses 
    such as Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass), Setaria gracilis (yellow 
    foxtail), and Sporobolus africanus (smutgrass), which prevent 
    establishment of seedlings. Other alien plants that potentially pose a 
    threat are Lantana camara (lantana), Psidium cattleianum (strawberry 
    guava), Psidium guajava (common guava), and Syzygium cumini (Java 
    plum). Hikers transport weed seeds to areas where Brighamia insignis 
    grows and dislodge rocks that can damage plants. Wildfire also poses a 
    serious threat to this species. Some plants flower but fail to set 
    seed, which may be due to a lack of pollinators or a reduction in 
    genetic variability due to the few existing individuals. Brighamia 
    insignis is also threatened by stochastic extinction due to low total 
    numbers and the frequency of disturbance events, such as the rock 
    slides in their cliff habitat. Carmine spider mite (Tetranychus 
    cinnabarinus), an introduced insect, has been observed to cause leaf 
    loss in both cultivated and wild individuals of Brighamia insignis 
    (Christensen 1979; HHP 1991a1 to 1991a4; HPCC 1990a; Perlman 1979; St. 
    John 1969b, 1981b; Takeuchi 1982; Wagner et al. 1990; Tim Flynn, 
    National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), pers. comm., 1991; S. 
    Perlman, pers. comm., 1993).
        Robert W. Hobdy collected a specimen of Cyanea asarifolia on Kauai 
    in 1970. Harold St. John (1975) later described and named the taxon. 
    The specific epithet refers to the leaves, which are similar in shape 
    to those in the genus Asarum. Recently, St. John (1987d, St. John and 
    Takeuchi 1987) placed the genus Cyanea in synonymy with Delissea, 
    resulting in the new combination Delissea asarifolia, but Lammers 
    (1990) retains both genera in the currently accepted treatment of the 
    family.
        Cyanea asarifolia, a member of the bellflower family, is a 
    sparingly branched shrub 1 to 3.3 ft (0.3 to 1 m) tall. The heart-
    shaped leaves are 3.3 to 4.1 in (8.5 to 10.5 cm) long and 2.8 to 3.1 in 
    (7 to 8 cm) wide with leaf stalks 4.7 to 5.9 in (12 to 15 cm) long. 
    Thirty to 40 flowers are clustered on a stalk 1 to 1.2 in (25 to 30 mm) 
    long, each having an individual stalk 0.3 to 0.4 in (7 to 10 mm) in 
    length. The slightly curved flowers are white with purple stripes, 0.8 
    to 0.9 in (20 to 22 mm) long, and about 0.1 in (3.5 mm) wide with 
    spreading lobes. The five anthers have tufts of white hairs at the 
    tips. The nearly spherical fruit is a dark purple berry about 0.4 in (1 
    cm) long. This species is distinguished from others of the genus that 
    grow on Kauai by the shape of the leaf base, the leaf width in 
    proportion to the length, and the presence of a leaf stalk (Lammers 
    1990, St. John 1975).
        For over 20 years, Cyanea asarifolia was known only from a 
    population of five or six plants above the bed of Anahola Stream on 
    Kauai at its type locality (HHP 1991b1). Because recent attempts to 
    locate this population were unsuccessful, this population is now 
    thought to be extirpated (T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991). In 1991, Steven 
    Perlman and Ken Marr discovered a population of 14 mature plants and 5 
    seedlings at the headwaters of the Wailua River in central Kauai on 
    State owned land (HHP 1991b2; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). This 
    species typically grows in pockets of soil on sheer rock cliffs in 
    lowland wet forests (Ken Marr, University of British Columbia, pers. 
    comm., 1991) at an elevation of approximately 1,080 ft (330 m). 
    Associated plant taxa include ferns, Hedyotis elatior (manono), 
    Metrosideros polymorpha (`ohi'a), Touchardia latifolia (olona), and 
    Urera glabra (opuhe) (Lammers 1990; St. John 1975; Robert Hobdy, Hawaii 
    Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and S. Perlman, pers. 
    comms., 1991).
        Cyanea asarifolia is threatened by stochastic extinction and/or 
    reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of existing 
    individuals. Plants in the area in which the only currently known 
    population occurs are vulnerable to occasional hurricanes, natural rock 
    slides, and over-collecting for scientific purposes. In 1992, Hurricane 
    Iniki heavily damaged the Cyanea asarifolia population, either directly 
    or indirectly destroying all but four or five juvenile plants. Plants 
    observed after Hurricane Iniki were frequently damaged by introduced 
    slugs or rodents (Loyal Mehrhoff, FWS, pers. comm., 1993). Habitat 
    degradation by feral pigs (Sus scrofa), at least one of which has 
    invaded the plant's habitat, is a potential threat (T. Flynn, David 
    Lorence, NTBG, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991).
        Lawrence H. MacDaniels first collected Cyrtandra limahuliensis on 
    Kauai in 1926. St. John (1987a) described the species, naming it for 
    Limahuli Valley, where Steven Perlman collected the type specimen in 
    1978.
        Cyrtandra limahuliensis, a member of the African violet family 
    (Gesneriaceae), is an unbranched or few-branched shrub up to 5 ft (1.5 
    m) tall. The opposite, elliptic leaves are usually 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 
    cm) long and 2 to 4.7 in (5 to 12 cm) wide. The upper surface of the 
    toothed leaves is moderately hairy and the lower surface, with deep 
    veins, is moderately or densely covered with yellowish brown hairs. 
    Single downy flowers are borne in the leaf axils. The slightly curved 
    corolla tube (fused petals) barely extends beyond the calyx. The calyx 
    encloses the approximately 0.8 in (2 cm) long berries at maturity. The 
    following combination of characteristics distinguish this species from 
    others of the genus: the leaves are usually hairy, especially on lower 
    surfaces; the usually symmetrical calyx is tubular or funnel-shaped and 
    encloses the fruit at maturity; and the flowers are borne singly (St. 
    John 1987a, Wagner et al. 1990).
        Historically, Cyrtandra limahuliensis was known from three areas on 
    Kauai: Wainiha Valley; Lumahai Valley; and near Kilauea River (HHP 
    1991c4, 1991c5, 1991c8; C. Christensen, pers. comm., 1992). One 
    population remains in Wainiha Valley and 11 others exist on Kauai in 
    Limahuli Valley, Waipa Valley, on Mount Kahili, along the north fork of 
    Wahiawa Stream, along Anahola Stream, Waioli Valley, and near Powerline 
    Trail on private and State land (HHP 1991c1 to 1991c3, 1991c5 to 
    1991c7; HPCC 1991a1 to 1991a2; T. Flynn, R. Hobdy, S. Perlman, and 
    Warren L. Wagner, Smithsonian Institution, pers. comms., 1991; D. 
    Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). The 12 known populations, distributed 
    over a 13 by 18 mi (20 by 30 km) area, range in size from solitary 
    shrubs to large populations of over 1,000 plants (HHP 1991c1 to 1991c3, 
    1991c5 to 1991c7; D. Lorence, in litt., 1993). The largest populations 
    of this species occur in the upper Waioli Valley, where 3 populations 
    total at least 2,100 individuals (D. Lorence, in litt., 1993). Another 
    location with ``hundreds or perhaps thousands'' of plants (W.L. Wagner, 
    pers. comm., 1991) is limited to a 0.25 sq mi (0.4 sq km) area along 
    the north fork of the Wailua River. Other botanists familiar with this 
    population believe it to number no more than 500 individuals (T. Flynn 
    and D. Lorence, pers. comms., 1991). A total of 2,800 to 3,000 plants 
    are known from these 12 populations. This species typically grows along 
    streams in lowland wet forests at elevations between 800 and 2,850 ft 
    (240 and 870 m) (Wagner et al. 1990). Associated taxa include Antidesma 
    platyphyllum var. hillebrandii (hame), Athyrium sandwichianum (ho`i'o), 
    Perrottetia sandwicensis (olomea), `ohi'a, Dicranopteris linearis 
    (uluhe), Gunnera kauaiensis (`ape'ape), Hedyotis sp. (manono), and 
    Psychotria sp. (kopiko) (HHP 1991c1, 1991c7; T. Flynn, pers. comm., 
    1991).
        The major threat to Cyrtandra limahuliensis populations is 
    competition with invasive alien taxa, especially strawberry guava. Each 
    population has additional threats: Competition with the introduced 
    grass Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo grass) and Melastoma candidum (NCN) at 
    the Mount Kahili population; competition with common guava and habitat 
    degradation by feral pigs at the Anahola Stream population; and 
    competition with Hedychium flavescens (yellow ginger) at the Wainiha 
    Valley population. Individuals of the Wailua Stream population are 
    situated at the base of a steep cliff and are vulnerable to natural 
    landslides. The Waioli Valley populations are threatened by several 
    alien weeds: Rubus rosifolius (thimbleberry); Youngia japonica 
    (Oriental hawksbeard); Erechtites valerianifolia (fireweed); and 
    Blechnum occidentale (NCN). Hurricanes are also a potential threat, but 
    most of the plants have grown back vigorously since Hurricane Iniki 
    (HHP 1991c1; T. Flynn, R. Hobdy, D. Lorence, and W.L. Wagner, pers. 
    comms., 1991; D. Lorence, in litt., 1993).
        Cyrtandra limahuliensis is not immediately in danger of extinction, 
    but if the threats outlined above are not curtailed, the species will 
    become endangered in the future.
        Remy first collected a specimen of Delissea rhytidosperma on Kauai 
    between 1851 and 1855. Horace Mann, Jr. (1867) chose the specific 
    epithet to describe its wrinkled seeds. Heinrich Wawra (1873) later 
    described another species, D. kealiae, which he said was closely 
    related to D. rhytidosperma. In the current treatment of the family, 
    Lammers (1990) considers D. kealiae to be synonymous with D. 
    rhytidosperma.
        Delissea rhytidosperma, a member of the bellflower family, is a 
    branched shrub 1.6 to 8.2 ft (0.5 to 2.5 m) tall. The lance-shaped or 
    elliptic leaves are 3.1 to 7.5 in (8 to 19 cm) long and 0.8 to 2.2 in 
    (2 to 5.5 cm) wide and have toothed margins. Clusters of 5 to 12 
    flowers are borne on stalks 0.4 to 0.8 in (1 to 2 cm) long; each flower 
    has a stalk 0.3 to 0.5 in (8 to 13 mm) long. The greenish white 
    (sometimes pale purple) corolla is 0.6 to 0.8 in (14 to 20 mm) long. 
    The stamens are hairless, except for a small patch of hair at the base 
    of the anthers. The nearly spherical dark purple fruits are 0.3 to 0.5 
    in (7 to 12 mm) long and contain numerous white seeds. This species 
    differs from other taxa of the genus by the shape, length, and margins 
    of the leaves and by having hairs at the base of the anthers 
    (Hillebrand 1888; Lammers 1990; Rock 1913, 1919; Wimmer 1953).
        Historically, Delissea rhytidosperma was known from scattered 
    locations throughout the island of Kauai. Populations ranged as far 
    north as Wainiha and Limahuli Valleys, as far east as Kapaa and Kealia, 
    and as far south as Haupu Range between the elevations of 1,000 and 
    3,000 ft (300 and 1,000 m) (HHP 1991d3 to 1991d7). Today, only one 
    population with six individuals, located in State owned Kuia NAR, is 
    known to exist (HHP 1991d1; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1993). The only 
    other populations seen in recent years were a single plant in Limahuli 
    Valley which is now dead and 20 plants in the Haupu Range (Bruegmann 
    1990; HHP 1991d2; Perlman 1992; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). The 
    latter population was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992 (Perlman 
    1992; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1993). This species generally grows in 
    diverse lowland mesic forests or Acacia koa (koa)-dominated lowland dry 
    forests that have well-drained soils with medium- to fine-textured 
    subsoil (Foote et al. 1972, Gagne and Cuddihy 1990, Lammers 1990). 
    Associated plant taxa include Dianella sandwicensis (`uki'uki), 
    Diospyros sandwicensis (lama), Nestegis sandwicensis (olopua), and 
    Styphelia tameiameiae (pukiawe) (HHP 1991d1, 1991d2).
        Habitat degradation by mule deer or black-tailed deer (Odocoileus 
    hemionus), feral goats, and feral pigs is the major threat affecting 
    the survival of Delissea rhytidosperma. Other threats are predation by 
    rats (Rattus spp.), fire, over-collecting for scientific or 
    horticultural purposes, landslides, and competition with alien plants 
    such as lantana, Passiflora ligularis (sweet granadilla), and P. 
    mollissima (banana poka). This species, with a single extant population 
    of six individuals, is threatened by stochastic extinction and/or 
    reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of existing 
    individuals. Hurricanes are an additional, and major, threat (Bruegmann 
    1990; HHP 1991d1; HPCC 1990b; John Obata, HPCC, and S. Perlman, pers. 
    comms., 1991, 1993).
        About 1875, Valdemar Knudsen, a rancher on Kauai, collected a fern 
    at Halemanu, which Wilhelm Hillebrand (1888) named Lindsaya laciniata, 
    the specific epithet referring to the divided fronds. Hillebrand also 
    indicated two varieties: var. subpinnata, a bipinnate form, which may 
    actually represent another species (Wagner 1952); and an unnamed form. 
    Friedrick Ludwig Emil Diels (1899) transferred the species to Diellia, 
    resulting in Diellia laciniata, the name in use at the time the species 
    was proposed (Lamoureux 1988). Recent studies have recognized these 
    populations as a new species, Diellia pallida (W.H. Wagner 1993).
        Diellia pallida, a member of the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae), 
    is a plant that grows in tufts of three to four light green, lance-
    shaped fronds along with a few persistent dead ones. The midrib of the 
    frond ranges from dark purple to brownish gray in color and has a dull 
    sheen. Scales on the midrib are brown, gray, or black; 0.1 to 0.2 in (3 
    to 5 mm) long; and rather inconspicuous. The fronds measure 12 to 22 in 
    (30 to 55 cm) in length and 2 to 5 in (5 to 12 cm) in width and have 
    short black hairs on the underside. Each frond has approximately 20 to 
    40 pinnae (divisions or leaflets). The largest pinnae are in the middle 
    section of the frond, while the lower section has triangular, somewhat 
    reduced pinnae, with the lowermost pair of pinnae raised above the 
    plane of the others. The sori (groups of spore-producing bodies), which 
    are frequently fused along an extended line, are encircled by a 
    prominent vein. This species differs from others of this endemic 
    Hawaiian genus by the color and sheen of the midrib, the presence and 
    color of scales on the midrib, and the frequent fusion of sori 
    (Hillebrand 1888; Wagner 1952, 1987).
        Diellia pallida was known historically from Halemanu on Kauai 
    (Hillebrand 1888). The species had not been seen since 1949, when a 
    collection was made in Kuia NAR (Warren H. Wagner, University of 
    Michigan, pers. comm., 1991). It is currently known from two 
    populations on State land on the island of Kauai within Kuia NAR and 
    Koaie Canyon. The recently discovered population on the west side of 
    Waimea Canyon within Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve is now apparently 
    extirpated (CPC 1989a, 1990; HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; Wagner 1952; D. 
    Lorence, pers. comm., 1991; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1993; D. Lorence 
    et al., in litt., 1991). The two known populations extend over a 7 by 3 
    mi (11 by 5 km) area. In 1987, Joel Lau of The Nature Conservancy of 
    Hawaii (TNCH) discovered the Koaie Canyon population of three or four 
    individuals (Bruegmann 1990; HHP 1991e3; Joel Lau, Hawaii Heritage 
    Program, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). Botanists of NTBG have 
    since discovered two plants in Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve, but the 
    plants have since disappeared and were likely destroyed by goats (D. 
    Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). Recent visits to the Kuia NAR and 
    Koaie populations have found a total of less than 10 extant individuals 
    for this species (HPCC 1991c; Perlman 1992; J. Lau and D. Lorence, 
    pers. comms., 1991; S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991, 1993). This species 
    grows on bare soil on steep, rocky, dry slopes of lowland mesic 
    forests, 1,700 to 2,300 ft (530 to 690 m) in elevation. Associated 
    plant taxa include koa, Alectryon macrococcus (mahoe), Aleurites 
    moluccana (kukui), Antidesma platyphyllum (hame), 'ohi'a, Myrsine 
    lanaiensis (kolea), and Rauvolfia sandwicensis (hao) (HHP 1991e1 to 
    1991e3; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 
    1991).
        Competition with alien plants, especially lantana and Melia 
    azedarach (Chinaberry), constitutes the major threat to Diellia 
    pallida. Introduced grasses, such as Stenotaphrum secundatum (St. 
    Augustine grass) and Oplismenus hirtellus (basketgrass), and two 
    naturalized taxa of Polynesian introduction, kukui and Cordyline 
    fruticosa (ti), degrade this species' habitat. Feral goats cause 
    erosion near the plants and trample and possibly browse these plants. 
    Other threats to this species are habitat degradation by feral pigs and 
    mule deer, fire, over-collecting for scientific purposes, as well as 
    stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the 
    small number of existing individuals (HHP 1991e2, 1991e3; Bruegmann 
    1990, Wagner 1950; J. Lau, S. Perlman, and D. Lorence, pers. comms., 
    1991).
        Reverend John Mortimer Lydgate first collected Exocarpos luteolus 
    in 1908 and Charles N. Forbes (1910) described the species two years 
    later. The specific epithet means ``yellow'' and refers to the color of 
    the receptacle (base of flower) and fruit.
        Exocarpos luteolus, a member of the sandalwood family 
    (Santalaceae), is a moderately to densely branched shrub, 1.6 to 6.6 ft 
    (0.5 to 2 m) tall with knobby branches. The leaves are of two kinds, 
    minute scales and more typical leaves. The latter, which are usually 
    present, are elliptical, lance-shaped or oval, usually 2 to 3.2 in (5 
    to 8 cm) long and 1 to 1.4 in (25 to 36 mm) wide, and lack a leaf 
    stalk. The green flowers have five to six petals about 0.04 in (1 mm) 
    long. The pale yellow fruit is a drupe (single-seeded fleshy fruit), 
    usually 0.4 to 0.7 in (11 to 19 mm) long, with four distinct 
    indentations at the apex. About 0.2 to 0.4 in (6 to 9 mm) of the drupe 
    is exposed above the fleshy, golden-yellow receptacle. This species is 
    distinguished from others of the genus by its generally larger fruit 
    with four indentations and by the color of the receptacle and fruit 
    (Degener 1932a, 1932b; Forbes 1910; Wagner et al. 1990).
        Historically, Exocarpos luteolus was known from three locations on 
    Kauai: Wahiawa Swamp; Kaholuamanu; and Kumuwela Ridge (HHP 1991f1, 
    1991f5, 1991f7). This species is now known to grow on Kumuwela Ridge as 
    well as in Kauaikinana Valley, near Honopu Trail, Waialai, and on the 
    rim of Kalalau Valley within or on the boundary of Kokee State Park 
    (HHP 1991f3 to 1991f6; HPCC 1991c; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991) 
    in a 3 sq mi (5 sq km) area and on Kamalii Ridge in Kealia Forest 
    Reserve (HHP 1991f2), roughly 16 mi (26 km) away. All known populations 
    are on State land and are estimated at 250 individuals (HHP 1991f2, 
    1991f4, 1991f6; Derral Herbst, FWS, pers. comm., 1991; S. Perlman, 
    pers. comms., 1991, 1993; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). There are 
    reliable, but unconfirmed, reports that this species was collected on 
    the slopes of Anahola Mountain about 1970 (D. Herbst, pers. comm., 
    1991). Exocarpos luteolus is found at elevations between 2,000 and 
    3,600 ft (600 and 1,100 m) in a variety of habitats: Wet places 
    bordering swamps; on open, dry ridges; and lowland to montane, 'ohi'a-
    dominated wet forest communities (HHP 1991f1, 1991f3, 1991f4, 1991f6; 
    Wagner et al. 1990). Associated taxa include koa, pukiawe, and uluhe 
    (HHP 1991f2 to 1991f5).
        Destruction of habitat by feral goats and pigs and competition with 
    Erigeron karvinskianus (daisy fleabane) are major threats to Exocarpos 
    luteolus. Aggressive alien taxa degrading this plant's habitat include 
    Acacia mearnsii (black wattle), Corynocarpus laevigatus (karakanut), 
    Myrica faya (firetree), and Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry), 
    all woody plants that displace native Hawaiian taxa. Other threats to 
    this species include: rats, that eat the fruits; goats, that browse the 
    plants; and fire, erosion, and over-collecting for scientific purposes 
    (HHP 1991f6; T. Flynn and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991; D. Lorence et 
    al., in litt., 1991).
        Louis Charles Adelbert von Chamisso collected a plant specimen in 
    1816 at Kealakekua, island of Hawaii, and named it Kadua cookiana 
    (Chamisso and Schlechtendal 1829). The specific epithet commemorates 
    Captain James Cook, the first European to anchor at Kealakekua Bay. 
    Ernest G. Steudel (1840) transferred the species to the genus Hedyotis, 
    resulting in the combination H. cookiana.
        Hedyotis cookiana, a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae), is a 
    small shrub with many branches 4 to 8 in (10 to 20 cm) long. The 
    papery-textured leaves are long and narrow, 1.5 to 3 in (4 to 8 cm) 
    long and about 0.2 to 0.5 in (0.5 to 1.2 cm) wide, and fused at the 
    base to form a sheath around the stem. The bisexual or female flowers 
    are arranged in clusters of threes on flower stalks about 0.3 to 0.6 in 
    (8 to 15 mm) long, with the central flower on the longest stalk. 
    Beneath the flower clusters are sharp-pointed bracts (modified leaves). 
    The fleshy white corolla is trumpet-shaped and about 0.3 to 0.4 in (8 
    to 9 mm) long, with lobes about 0.08 in (2 mm) long. Fruits are top-
    shaped or spherical capsules about 0.1 in (3.0 to 3.5 mm) long and 0.1 
    to 0.2 in (3.5 to 4 mm) wide that open at maturity to release wedge-
    shaped reddish brown seeds. This plant is distinguished from other 
    species in the genus that grow on Kauai by being entirely hairless 
    (Fosberg 1943, Hillebrand 1888, Chamisso and Schlechtendal 1829, Wagner 
    et al. 1990).
        Historically, Hedyotis cookiana was known from only three 
    collections: Kealakekua on the island of Hawaii; Halawa and Kalawao on 
    Molokai; and at the foot of the Koolau Mountains on Oahu (Fosberg 1943, 
    HHP 1991g2, Hillebrand 1888). There is no evidence that it still exists 
    on any of those islands. This species was discovered in 1976 by Charles 
    Christensen on the island of Kauai in Waiahuakua Valley on State land 
    (HHP 1991g1). Between 50 and 100 plants are scattered along a 0.25 mi 
    (0.4 km) distance in the streambed and lower part of the waterfall. 
    Although this population has not been observed since its discovery, it 
    is still believed to be extant (C. Christensen, pers. comm., 1991). 
    Hedyotis cookiana generally grows in streambeds or on steep cliffs 
    close to water sources in lowland wet forest communities (C. 
    Christensen, pers. comm., 1991) and is believed to have formerly been 
    much more widespread on several of the main Hawaiian Islands at 
    elevations between 560 and 1,200 ft (170 and 370 m) (Wagner et al. 
    1990).
        The major threat to Hedyotis cookiana, with only one known 
    population, is stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor. 
    Potential threats include competition with alien plants, which are 
    invading the area, and habitat modification by feral pigs and goats, 
    which have been observed in the area. Individuals of Hedyotis cookiana 
    grow in a stream bed and on the side of a waterfall. These areas are 
    vulnerable to flooding and other natural disturbances (HHP 1991u6; C. 
    Christensen, pers. comm., 1991).
        In 1928, Albert W. Duvel discovered several trees of Hibiscus clayi 
    that had been damaged by cattle (Bos taurus) and brought the species 
    into cultivation. Isa and Otto Degener named the species after the late 
    Horace F. Clay, a horticulturist and college instructor who brought the 
    species to their attention (Degener and Degener 1959a). Sister Margaret 
    James Roe, in her study of the genus in Hawaii, named H. newhousei as 
    another species from Kauai (Roe 1959, 1961). In the currently accepted 
    treatment of the Hawaiian members of the family, David M. Bates (1990) 
    considers H. newhousei to be a synonym of H. clayi.
        Hibiscus clayi, a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), is a 
    shrub or tree 13 to 26 ft (4 to 8 m) tall with stems bearing sparse 
    hairs at the branch tips. The oval or elliptical leaves are usually 1 
    to 3 in (3 to 7 cm) long and 0.6 to 1.4 in (15 to 35 mm) wide and have 
    a hairless upper surface and slightly hairy lower surface. The leaf 
    margins are entire or toothed toward the apex. The flowers are borne 
    singly near the ends of the branches. The flaring petals are dark red, 
    1.8 to 2.4 in (45 to 60 mm) long, and 0.4 to 0.7 in (10 to 18 mm) wide. 
    The green tubular or urn-shaped calyx is usually 0.6 to 1 in (15 to 25 
    mm) long with five or six shorter bracts beneath. The fruits are pale 
    brown capsules, 0.5 to 0.6 in (12 to 14 mm) long, containing about 10 
    oval, brownish-black seeds about 0.16 in (4 mm) long. This species is 
    distinguished from other native Hawaiian members of the genus by the 
    lengths of the calyx, calyx lobes, and capsule, and by the margins of 
    the leaves (Bates 1990, Degener and Degener 1959a).
        Hibiscus clayi is known from scattered locations on private and 
    State land on the island of Kauai: The Kokee region on the western side 
    of the island; Moloaa Valley to the north; Nounou Mountain in Wailua to 
    the east; and as far south as Haiku near Halii Stream (HHP 1991h1 to 
    1991h5). At this time, only the Nounou Mountains population with four 
    trees, is known to still exist (HHP 1991h2, 1991h3; David Bates, 
    Cornell University, T. Flynn, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991; D. 
    Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). It is unclear whether the one 
    individual from the Kokee region was a cultivated plant. This lowland 
    dry forest species generally grows on slopes at an elevation of 750 to 
    1,150 ft (230 to 350 m). Associated taxa include Java plum, koa, kukui, 
    and ti (Bates 1990; HHP 1991h1, 1991h2).
        Before cattle were removed from the area, they greatly damaged the 
    habitat of Hibiscus clayi. Competition with alien plant taxa currently 
    threatens this species. Strawberry guava is the greatest threat, but 
    common guava, Hilo grass, Java plum, kukui, lantana, ti, and Schinus 
    terebinthifolius (Christmas berry) are also present. The area of the 
    Nounou Mountain population has been planted with Araucaria columnaris 
    (columnar araucaria), which is reseeding itself there and may prevent 
    regeneration of native plants. The close proximity of most of the 
    plants to a hiking trail makes them prone to disturbance. Pigs pose a 
    potential threat to the species. The small total number of existing 
    individuals poses a threat of stochastic extinction and/or reduced 
    reproductive vigor (Degener and Degener 1959a; HHP 1991h1 to 1991h3; 
    HPCC 1990c; T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1990; D. Bates, T. Flynn, D. Herbst, 
    and R. Hobdy, pers. comms., 1991).
        Abbe Urbain Jean Faurie first collected Lipochaeta fauriei on Kauai 
    in 1910. During the following year, H. Leveille (1911) named the plant 
    in honor of him. St. John (1972) described another species from Kauai, 
    L. deltoidea, but the authors of the current treatment place this name 
    in synonymy with L. fauriei (Wagner et al. 1990).
        Lipochaeta fauriei, a member of the aster family (Asteraceae), is a 
    perennial herb with somewhat woody, erect or climbing stems up to 16 ft 
    (5 m) long. The toothed leaves are narrowly triangular, slightly hairy, 
    3 to 5 in (7 to 13 cm) long, and about 1.2 in (3 cm) wide. Flower heads 
    occur in clusters of 2 to 3, each comprising 6 to 8 ray florets, 0.2 to 
    0.5 in (6 to 13 mm) long and about 0.1 in (2.3 mm) wide, and 30 to 35 
    disk florets 0.1 to 0.2 in (3.3 to 3.9 mm) long. The bracts beneath the 
    flower heads are purple near the base. Fruits are knobby-textured 
    achenes (dry, one-seeded fruits) about 0.1 in (2.5 to 3 mm) long and 
    0.07 in (1.5 to 2 mm) wide. The achenes of the disk florets are 
    sometimes thinner and shorter than those of the ray florets. This 
    species belongs to a genus endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is one 
    of three species found only on the island of Kauai. This species 
    differs from the others on Kauai by having a greater number of disk and 
    ray flowers per flower head, typically longer leaves and leaf stalks, 
    and longer ray flowers (Gardner 1976, 1979; St. John 1972; Sherff 
    1935b; Wagner et al. 1985, 1990).
        Historically, Lipochaeta fauriei was known from Olokele Canyon on 
    the island of Kauai (Gardner 1979, HHP 1991i5). This species is now 
    also known from four other areas on Kauai: Koaie Canyon; Poopooiki; 
    Haeleele; and lower Hikimoe Valleys (HHP 1991i1 to 1991i4; HPCC 1990d2, 
    1990d3; St. John 1972). All 5 populations, totalling fewer than 70 
    individuals, are found on State land (HHP 1991i1 to 1991i3; HPCC 
    1990d2, 1990d3; R. Hobdy and J. Lau, pers. comms., 1991), encompassing 
    a 6 by 7 mi (10 by 11 km) area. This species most often grows in 
    moderate shade to full sun and is usually found on the sides of steep 
    gulches in diverse lowland mesic forests at an elevation of about 1,570 
    to 2,950 ft (480 to 900 m) (Wagner et al. 1990). Associated plant taxa 
    include basketgrass, kukui, lama, and Hibiscus waimeae (koki'o 
    ke'oke'o); the major alien associate is lantana (HHP 1991i1 to 1991i3; 
    HPCC 1990d2, 1990d3).
        The major threats to Lipochaeta fauriei are degradation of its 
    habitat by feral goats and competition with invasive alien plant taxa, 
    especially lantana. Feral pigs pose a potential threat to the species 
    and fire is a significant threat. The small total number of individuals 
    comprises a threat of stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive 
    vigor to this species (HHP 1991i1 to 1991i3; HPCC 1990d1 to 1990d3; R. 
    Hobdy, J. Lau, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991).
        Thomas Nuttall (1841) described Schizophyllum micranthum based on a 
    specimen collected on Kauai in 1840 during the United States Exploring 
    Expedition. The specific epithet refers to the small size of the 
    flowers. In 1843, Guilielmo Gerardo Walpers published the superfluous 
    name Aphanopappus nuttallii based on the same specimen described by 
    Nuttall (Gardner 1979). Gray (1861) transferred the species to the 
    genus Lipochaeta, resulting in L. micrantha. Amos Arthur Heller (1897) 
    transferred the species into the genus Aphanopappus, resulting in A. 
    micranthus. Otto Degener and Earl Edward Sherff (Sherff 1941) described 
    L. exigua as another Kauai taxon based on a specimen collected by Otto 
    Degener and Emilio Ordonez. In his monograph of the genus, Robert C. 
    Gardner (1979) recognized L. micrantha var. exigua along with the 
    typical variety, and this is accepted in the current treatment (Wagner 
    et al. 1990).
        Lipochaeta micrantha, a member of the aster family, is a somewhat 
    woody perennial herb. The 1.6 to 6.6 ft (0.5 to 2 m) long stems grow 
    along the ground and root at the nodes, with the tip of the stem 
    growing upward. The roughly triangular leaves measure 0.8 to 3.8 in 
    (2.1 to 9.7 cm) long and 0.5 to 3.1 in (1.2 to 7.8 cm) wide. They are 
    sparsely hairy, with margins smooth or variously lobed. Flower heads 
    are in clusters of two or three. Each head contains four to five ray 
    florets, 0.1 to 0.2 in (2.3 to 5.8 mm) long and 0.06 to 0.14 in (1.4 to 
    3.5 mm) wide, and five to nine disk florets, about 0.1 in (2.7 to 3.1 
    mm) long. The two recognized varieties of this species, exigua and 
    micrantha, are distinguished by differences in leaf length and width, 
    degree of leaf dissection, and the length of the ray florets. The 
    smaller number of disk florets separates this species from the other 
    members of the genus on the island of Kauai (Gardner 1976, 1979; 
    Degener and Degener 1959b, 1962; Sherff 1935b; Wagner et al. 1990).
        Only two populations of Lipochaeta micrantha var. exigua are known 
    from the vicinity of Haupu Range on the island of Kauai (HHP 1991j3). 
    The populations of this variety are distributed over a 1.5 mi (2.4 km) 
    distance on privately owned portions of Haupu Range and total between 
    100 and 500 individuals (HHP 1991j1, 1991j2; HPCC 1991d; T. Flynn, 
    pers. comm., 1991). Historically, Lipochaeta micrantha var. micrantha 
    appears to have been more widely distributed on Kauai in Olokele 
    Canyon, Hanapepe Valley, and in the Koloa District (HHP 1991k1, 1991k5; 
    HPCC 1991d; T. Flynn and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). This variety 
    is now known only from two to four populations located on State land in 
    Koaie Canyon on Kauai, totalling 150 to 570 individuals (CPC 1992; HHP 
    1991k1, 1991k5; S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991, 1993). The populations 
    encompass an area of 1.4 square miles (2.3 sq km) approximately 1.4 mi 
    (2.3 km) apart. Both varieties generally grow on exposed rocky slopes 
    in diverse lowland mesic forests and sometimes on grassy ridges at an 
    elevation of 1,000 to 1,300 ft (300 to 400 m) (HHP 1991j1 to 1991j3, 
    1991k1 to 1991k5; Wagner et al. 1990). Associated plant taxa include 
    alahe'e, lama, 'ohi'a, Chamaesyce celastroides var. hanapepensis 
    ('akoko), and Neraudia kauaiensis (Gardner 1979; HHP 1991j1, 1991k1, 
    1991k2).
        The major threats to Lipochaeta micrantha are habitat degradation 
    by feral ungulates and competition with alien plant taxa. Feral pigs 
    threaten the habitat of both varieties of Lipochaeta micrantha and 
    signs of damage by feral goats have been seen near individuals of var. 
    micrantha. Alien plant taxa, such as lantana, affect the habitats of 
    both varieties. Pluchea carolinensis (sourbush) is found near var. 
    exigua. Daisy fleabane and Stachytarpheta spp. are components of the 
    habitat of var. micrantha. Both varieties are threatened by stochastic 
    extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of 
    existing populations (HHP 1991j1, 1991j2, 1991k1, 1991k5; HPCC 1990e, 
    1990f; T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991).
        Hobdy collected the first specimen of Lipochaeta waimeaensis in 
    1967. Five years later, St. John (1972) described it as a new species, 
    naming it for the Waimea Canyon where it grows.
        Lipochaeta waimeaensis, a member of the aster family, is a low 
    growing, somewhat woody perennial herb with stems 3 to 6.5 ft (1 to 2 
    m) long that root at the nodes. The linear or narrowly elliptical 
    leaves are 1.9 to 2 in (4.7 to 5 cm) long, 0.2 to 0.3 in (5 to 8 mm) 
    wide, hairy along major veins on the upper surface, and evenly hairy on 
    the lower surface. Flower heads are borne singly or in clusters of two 
    or three. The outer head bracts are lance-shaped and measure 0.1 to 0.2 
    in (3 to 4 mm) long and 0.06 to 0.08 in (1.5 to 2 mm) wide. The oval 
    ray florets number four or five per head and are about 0.13 in (3.2 to 
    3.5 mm) long and about 0.1 in (3 mm) wide. The disk florets number 20 
    to 25 per head. The fruits are knobby, winged achenes 0.1 in (2.2 to 
    2.5 mm) long and about 0.08 in (1.7 to 2.3 mm) wide. The ray achenes 
    are slightly wider and have longer wings than those of the disk. This 
    species differs from the two other taxa of the genus included in this 
    rule (L. fauriei and L. micrantha) in having a different leaf shape and 
    shorter leaf stalks and ray florets (Gardner 1976, 1979; St. John 1972; 
    Wagner et al. 1990).
        Lipochaeta waimeaensis is known only from the type locality, along 
    the rim of Kauai's Waimea Canyon on State land (HHP 1991m1, HPCC 
    1991e). Fewer than 10 plants are scattered over a 2.5 acre (ac) (1-
    hectare (ha)) area (Gerald Carr, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and S. 
    Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). This population grows on eroded soil on a 
    precipitous, shrub-covered gulch in a diverse lowland mesic forest at 
    an elevation between 1,150 and 1,300 ft (350 and 400 m) (HHP 1991m1, 
    Wagner et al. 1990). The vegetation at the site is predominantly alien 
    consisting of Grevillea robusta (silk oak), Leucaena leucocephala (koa 
    haole), and Rhynchelytrum repens (Natal redtop); however, native taxa 
    include Dodonaea viscosa ('a'ali'i) and Lipochaeta connata (nehe) (CPC 
    1989b, 1990; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991) also occur here.
        Alien plant taxa competing with and threatening Lipochaeta 
    waimeaensis include koa haole, Natal redtop, silk oak, and Opuntia 
    ficus-indica (prickly pear, panini). The existing soil erosion problem 
    is exacerbated by the presence of feral goats. The single population, 
    and thus the entire species, is threatened by stochastic extinction 
    and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of existing 
    individuals. Over-collecting for scientific purposes also poses a 
    threat (G. Carr and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991).
        In 1912, Lydgate collected a plant specimen on Kauai that he and 
    Forbes named Lysimachia filifolia (Forbes 1916). They chose the 
    specific epithet, which means ``thread-leaved,'' in reference to the 
    plant's very narrow leaves. Heller (1897) created a new genus, 
    Lysimachiopsis, in which he placed all endemic Hawaiian taxa of 
    Lysimachia, and Otto and Isa Degener (1983) later published 
    Lysimachiopsis filifolia. The current treatment (Wagner et al. 1990) 
    recognizes Lysimachiopsis as a section of Lysimachia. Most recently, 
    St. John (1987b) published many species, varieties, and combinations of 
    Lysimachia, one or more of which may fit into this species (Wagner et 
    al. 1990).
        Lysimachia filifolia, a member of the primrose family 
    (Primulaceae), is a small shrub 0.5 to 1.6 ft (15 to 50 cm) tall. The 
    linear leaves measure 0.6 to 2.1 in (15 to 54 mm) long and 0.01 to 0.07 
    in (0.3 to 1.8 mm) wide and are usually alternately arranged. They are 
    single-veined and sparsely hairy or hairless. The bell-shaped flowers 
    are reddish purple, 0.2 to 0.4 in (6 to 10 mm) long, and borne singly 
    on flower stalks about 0.7 to 1.2 in (18 to 30 mm) long that elongate 
    upon fruiting. Fruits are thick, hard capsules about 0.2 in (5 to 6 mm) 
    long that contain numerous minute, nearly black, irregularly shaped 
    seeds. This species is distinguished from other taxa of the genus by 
    its leaf shape and width, calyx lobe shape, and corolla length (Forbes 
    1916, Wagner et al. 1990).
        Historically, Lysimachia filifolia was known only from the upper 
    portion of Olokele Valley on Kauai (HHP 1991n1). This species is now 
    known from two other areas: The headwaters of the Wailua River on 
    Kauai; and the slopes of Waiahole Valley in the Koolau Mountains of 
    Oahu (HHP 1991n2, 1991n3; HPCC 1990g1, 1990g3). Three closely situated 
    colonies on Kauai are located within a 0.5 sq mi (1.3 sq km) area and 
    total 76 individuals (K. Marr, pers. comm., 1991). The Oahu population 
    contains about 150 to 200 individuals (CPC 1989a; HHP 1991n3; HPCC 
    1990g1, 1990g3). Both populations of this species are located on State 
    land, totalling approximately 225 to 275 individuals. This species 
    typically grows on mossy banks at the base of cliff faces within the 
    spray zone of waterfalls or along streams in lowland wet forests at an 
    elevation of 800 to 2,200 ft (240 to 680 m) (HHP 1991n1 to 1991n3; HPCC 
    1990g1, 1990g3; Wagner et al. 1990; K. Marr, pers. comm., 1991). 
    Associated plant taxa include mosses, ferns, liverworts, pili grass, 
    Cuphea carthagenensis (tarweed), and Pilea peploides (HHP 1991n3; J. 
    Lau, pers. comm., 1991).
        The major threat to Lysimachia filifolia is competition with alien 
    plant taxa. Individuals of this species on Kauai are damaged and 
    destroyed by natural rock slides in their habitat, which is near the 
    bottom of steep cliffs. Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (marsh pennywort), 
    tarweed, and thimbleberry, although not invasive weeds, are present in 
    this near-pristine area of Wailua Stream and may degrade the native 
    ecosystem. At least one feral pig has made its way into this area, 
    indicating that this disruptive animal is a potential threat. 
    Individuals of Lysimachia filifolia on Oahu are vulnerable to rock 
    slides and compete for space with alien plants such as marsh pennywort, 
    tarweed, Ageratina riparia (Hamakua pamakani), and Schefflera 
    actinophylla (octopus tree). Because only one population of Lysimachia 
    filifolia occurs on each of only two islands, the species is threatened 
    by stochastic extinction. Hurricane Iniki caused at least some damage 
    to the Wailua River population (HHP 1991n3; HPCC 1990g2; D. Lorence and 
    S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991; L. Mehrhoff, pers. comm., 1993).
        In 1927, MacDaniels collected a plant specimen on Kauai that St. 
    John (1944) later named Pelea haupuensis. The specific epithet refers 
    to the type locality, Haupu, the only known site for this plant until 
    it was discovered in Waimea Canyon in 1989. Thomas G. Hartley and 
    Benjamin C. Stone (1989, Stone et al. 1990, Wagner et al. 1990) 
    synonymized the genus Pelea with Melicope, resulting in the current 
    name for this taxon, Melicope haupuensis.
        Melicope haupuensis, a member of the citrus family (Rutaceae), is a 
    tree about 26 ft (8 m) tall. The oval leaves, 2 to 5.1 in (5 to 13 cm) 
    long and 1.1 to 2.2 in (28 to 56 mm) wide, are oppositely arranged. 
    Flowers grow in clusters of five to seven on stalks usually 0.1 to 2.8 
    in (2 to 7 mm) long, each flower on a stalk 0.04 to 0.12 in (1 to 3 mm) 
    long. Only female flowers are known. The flowers are about 0.14 in (3.5 
    mm) long, dotted with oil glands, and covered with a dense mat of 
    hairs. Fruits are distinct follicles (a dry fruit that splits open 
    lengthwise), 0.35 to 0.43 in (9 to 11 mm) long, with a hairless exocarp 
    and endocarp (outermost and innermost layers of the fruit wall, 
    respectively). Unlike other taxa of this genus on Kauai, the exocarp 
    and endocarp are hairless and the sepals are covered with dense hairs 
    (St. John 1944, Stone 1969, Stone et al. 1990).
        For 62 years, Melicope haupuensis was known only from the type 
    locality on the north side of Haupu Ridge on Kauai (HHP 1991o3). In 
    1989, two plants were discovered within 1 mi (1.6 km) of each other 
    along the banks of Koaie Stream on State owned land in Waimea Canyon 
    (HHP 1991o1, 1991o2; HPCC 1991f). These plants grow on moist talus 
    slopes in 'ohi'a-dominated lowland mesic forests (Stone et al. 1990) 
    with such associated taxa as 'a'ali'i and hame, at elevations between 
    1,230 and 2,690 ft (375 and 820 m) (HHP 1991o1 to 1991o3).
        Habitat degradation by feral goats and competition with invasive 
    alien plant taxa such as lantana and yellow foxtail threaten Melicope 
    haupuensis. A potential threat to members of this genus is their known 
    susceptibility to black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus), a burrowing 
    beetle ubiquitous in Hawaii at elevations below 2,500 ft (670 m). The 
    existence of only two known trees of this species constitutes a threat 
    of stochastic extinction, over-collecting, and/or reduced reproductive 
    vigor (Hara and Beardsley 1979; HHP 1991o1, 1991o2; Medeiros et al. 
    1986).
        Knudsen sent a plant specimen he found at Waimea to Hillebrand, who 
    named it Pelea knudsenii in honor of its collector (Hillebrand 1888). 
    In an action that was not supported by other taxonomists, Emmanuel 
    Drake del Castillo (1890) transferred several species from the genus 
    Pelea to the genus Evodia. Hartley and Stone (1989) synonymized the 
    genus Pelea with Melicope, resulting in the combination M. knudsenii. 
    Other names now included in M. knudsenii are Pelea multiflora (Rock 
    1911), P. knudsenii var. multiflora (Rock 1918), and P. tomentosa (St. 
    John 1944).
        Melicope knudsenii, a member of the citrus family, is a tree 
    usually 10 to 33 ft (3 to 10 m) tall with smooth gray bark and 
    yellowish brown to olive-brown hairs on the tips of the branches. 
    Leaves are variable, ranging from oblong to elliptic, 3.5 to 9.8 in (9 
    to 25 cm) long and 1.8 to 3.9 in (4.5 to 10 cm) wide. The lower surface 
    of the leaves is uniformly covered with olive-brown hairs, but the 
    upper surface is only sparsely hairy along the midrib. The densely 
    hairy flowers are bisexual or may be unisexual. There are usually 20 to 
    200 flowers per cluster in the leaf axils. The sepals and petals are 
    covered with silky gray hairs and the sepals persist in fruit. The 
    fruits are 0.7 to 1.2 in (18 to 30 mm) wide and are comprised of 
    distinct follicles, 0.3 to 0.6 in (8 to 14 mm) long. The hairless 
    exocarp is dotted with minute glands. The endocarp also lacks hairs. 
    Seeds number one or two per carpel (ovule-bearing structure) and are 
    about 0.2 in (5 to 6 mm) long. The distinct carpels of the fruit, the 
    hairless endocarp, the larger number of flowers per cluster, and the 
    distribution of hairs on the underside of the leaves distinguish this 
    species from M. haupuensis and other species of the genus (Degener et 
    al. 1962a, 1962b; Hillebrand 1888; Rock 1913; Stone 1969; Stone et al. 
    1990).
        Historically, Melicope knudsenii was known only from the southeast 
    slope of Haleakala on Maui and from Olokele Canyon on Kauai (HHP 
    1991p1, 1991p5). This species remains in the Auwahi and Kanaio areas of 
    Maui (R. Hobdy and Arthur Medeiros, Haleakala National Park, pers. 
    comms., 1991) on privately owned land, but its numbers have decreased 
    considerably from being ``very common'' in 1920 to between 20 and 30 
    plants when it was last observed in 1983 (CPC 1990; HHP 1991p1). On 
    Kauai, three populations, each consisting of one individual, remain on 
    State land in the Koaie drainage area of Waimea Canyon (HHP 1991p2 to 
    1991p4; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991) and are distributed across a 
    distance of 1.6 mi (2.6 km). This species, therefore, totals between 23 
    and 33 individuals at present. Melicope knudsenii grows on forested 
    flats or talus slopes in lowland dry to mesic forests at an elevation 
    of about 1,500 to 3,300 ft (450 to 1,000 m) (Stone et al. 1990). The 
    Auwahi population on Maui, however, grows on a substrate of 'a'a lava 
    in a remnant native forest, dominated by a continuous mat of Pennisetum 
    clandestinum (Kikuyu grass) (HHP 1991p1; Medeiros et al. 1986). Plants 
    associated with the Kauai populations include 'a'ali'i, hame, 'ohi'a, 
    and Xylosma (HHP 1991p3, 1991p4).
        Competition with alien plant taxa and habitat degradation by feral 
    and domestic animals are the major threats affecting Melicope 
    knudsenii. On Kauai, this species competes with lantana and is affected 
    by feral goats and pigs. On Maui, Melicope knudsenii grows in an area 
    currently grazed by domestic cattle, where a continuous mat of Kikuyu 
    grass prevents seedlings from establishing. Feral goats and feral pigs 
    are also present in the area of the Maui population. Axis deer (Axis), 
    found on the south slope of Haleakala Mountain and increasing in 
    numbers, are a potential threat. This species is potentially threatened 
    by black twig borer, a ubiquitous insect that lives at elevations up to 
    2,500 ft (670 m) in Hawaii and is known to infest members of Melicope. 
    This species is also threatened by fire, stochastic extinction, and/or 
    reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of existing 
    individuals (HHP 1991p2 to 1991p4; Hara and Beardsley 1979; Medeiros et 
    al. 1986; van Riper and van Riper 1982; Patrick Beil, Puu Mahoe 
    Arboretum, R. Hobdy, A. Medeiros, and Steve Montgomery, Bishop Museum, 
    pers. comms., 1991).
        Hillebrand (1888) described Pelea pallida based on a specimen he 
    collected on Oahu. The specific epithet refers to the plant's pale leaf 
    veins and lower leaf surfaces. Drake del Castillo (1890) transferred 
    the species to the genus Evodia, a combination not accepted by other 
    taxonomists. Faurie described P. leveillei in 1912 based on a specimen 
    collected on Kauai (Stone 1969). Following the transfer of the genus 
    Pelea to Melicope (Hartley and Stone 1989, Wagner et al. 1990), authors 
    of the current treatment of the Hawaiian members of the genus (Stone et 
    al. 1990) now consider Evodia pallida, P. pallida, and P. leveillei to 
    be synonyms of Melicope pallida.
        Melicope pallida, a member of the citrus family, is a 20 to 33 ft 
    (6 to 10 m) tree with grayish white hairs and black, resinous new 
    growth. The leaves, 2.4 to 8.3 in (6 to 21 cm) long and 1 to 3.1 in 
    (2.5 to 8 cm) wide, are grouped in threes, with each leaf loosely 
    folded. Fifteen to 35 pale yellowish-green flowers are also clustered 
    in groups of 3 along a fuzzy white stalk up to 2.4 in (6 cm) long. The 
    petals are usually lance-shaped and measure 0.1 to 0.2 in (3.5 to 5 mm) 
    long. Fruits contain two shiny black seeds about 0.1 in (3.5 mm) long 
    in each of the usually four distinct carpels. This species differs from 
    M. haupuensis, M. knudsenii, and other members of the genus by the 
    following combination of characteristics: Resinous new growth; leaves 
    folded and in clusters of three; and fruits with separate carpels 
    (Degener et al. 1960, Hillebrand 1888, St. John 1944, Stone et al. 
    1990, Wagner et al. 1990).
        Historically, Melicope pallida was known from various locations in 
    the Waianae Mountains on Oahu and from Hanapepe on Kauai (HHP 1991q2 to 
    1991q4, 1991q7). This species is now known from two locations at the 
    base of Mount Kaala and near Palikea, within TNCH's privately owned 
    Honouliuli Preserve in the Waianae Mountains on Oahu, and from four 
    State owned locations on Kauai in Kalalau Valley, Koaie Stream in 
    Waimea Canyon, and Hanakapiai Valley (HHP 1991q1, 1991q6, 1991q8; HPCC 
    1991g1, 1991g2; T. Flynn, J. Lau, and S. Montgomery, pers. comms., 
    1991). The population near Palikea was last visited in 1960 (HHP 
    1991q1); it is thought to contain only a few plants. Fewer than five 
    plants are known from the island of Oahu (S. Montgomery, pers. comm., 
    1991). Populations were discovered in 1991 near the rim of Kalalau 
    Valley (about 65 plants) and Honopu Rim (12 plants) (Kenneth Wood, 
    HPCC, pers. comm., 1991), giving a total of less than 100 known plants 
    for this species. Melicope pallida usually grows on steep rock faces in 
    drier regions of lowland mesic forests at an elevation of 1,600 to over 
    3,000 ft (490 to 910 m) (Stone et al. 1990; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1991; 
    D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). Associated plant taxa include 
    Abutilon sandwicense, Alyxia oliviformis (maile), Dryopteris sp., 
    'ohi'a, Pipturus albidus (mamaki), Sapindus oahuensis (lonomea), 
    Tetraplasandra sp. ('ohe), and Xylosma hawaiiense (mana) (HHP 1991q1, 
    1991q5, 1991q8; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1991).
        The major threats to Melicope pallida are habitat destruction by 
    feral animals and competition with alien plant taxa. On Kauai, feral 
    goats and feral pigs destroy habitat of Melicope pallida and weeds, 
    such as daisy fleabane and prickly Florida blackberry, compete with the 
    species. The Oahu populations of Melicope pallida face strong 
    competition from introduced plants, especially Clidemia hirta (Koster's 
    curse) and Toona ciliata (Australian red cedar). A potential threat to 
    Melicope pallida is the black twig borer, which is known to occur in 
    areas where this species grows and to feed on members of the genus 
    Melicope. Additional threats to Melicope pallida are fire and 
    stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the 
    small number of existing individuals (Hara and Beardsley 1979; HHP 
    1991q6, 1991q8; Medeiros et al. 1986; T. Flynn, J. Lau, S. Montgomery, 
    and K. Wood, pers. comms., 1991; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991).
        St. John and Edward P. Hume described Melicope quadrangularis, 
    based on a specimen collected by Forbes on Kauai in 1909 (St. John 
    1944). The specific epithet, meaning ``four-angled,'' describes the 
    cube-shaped capsule. Hartley and Stone (1989) synonymized the genus 
    Pelea with Melicope, resulting in the combination M. quadrangularis.
        Melicope quadrangularis, a member of the citrus family, is a shrub 
    or small tree. Young branches are generally covered with fine yellow 
    fuzz but become hairless with age. The thin, leathery, elliptical 
    leaves, 3.5 to 6 in (9.5 to 16 cm) long and 2 to 3 in (4.5 to 7.5 cm) 
    wide, are oppositely arranged. The upper leaf surface is hairless and 
    the lower surface is sparsely hairy, especially along the veins. 
    Flowers are solitary or in clusters of two. The specific floral details 
    are not known. The fruits are somewhat cube-shaped, flattened capsules, 
    about 0.5 in (13 mm) long and about 0.8 in (19 to 22 mm) wide with a 
    conspicuous central depression at the top of the fruit. The capsules 
    are four-lobed and completely fused. The exocarp is sparsely hairy and 
    the endocarp is hairless. This species differs from others in the genus 
    in having the following combination of characters: Oppositely arranged 
    leaves; only one or two flowers per cluster; cube-shaped capsules with 
    fused lobes; and a deep central depression at the top of the fruit (St. 
    John 1944, Stone 1969, Stone et al. 1990).
        Melicope quadrangularis is known from the type locality in the 
    Wahiawa Bog region of Kauai (HHP 1991r1; Stone et al. 1990). One adult 
    plant and two seedlings were discovered in 1991 in that area by Ken 
    Wood of HPCC on an east-facing slope of Wahiawa Ridge at 2,800 ft (850 
    m) elevation on privately owned land. Subsequent exploration has 
    resulted in the location of 13 individuals of this species. The plants 
    are growing in a diverse lowland forest that ranges from mesic to wet 
    conditions with other plants, such as 'ohi'a, opuhe, uluhe, Broussaisia 
    arguta (kanawao), Cyrtandra pickeringii (ha'iwale), other Melicope 
    species (alani), Metrosideros waialealae, and abundant ferns and mosses 
    (K. Wood, pers. comm., 1991, D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991).
        The existence of only 13 known plants of this species causes the 
    species to be threatened by over-collecting for scientific purposes, 
    stochastic extinction, and/or reduced reproductive vigor. The alien 
    strawberry guava grows in the area and is a potential threat (Hara and 
    Beardsley 1979; K. Wood, pers. comm., 1991; D. Lorence et al., in 
    litt., 1991).
        Forbes collected specimens of a tree on Kauai in 1916 that he 
    described the following year (1917b) as Tetraplasandra racemosa. The 
    specific epithet describes the inflorescence that Forbes considered a 
    raceme. Sherff (1952) transferred the species to the new endemic, 
    monotypic genus Munroidendron, named in honor of George C. Munro, who 
    was apparently the first to recognize the plant as a new taxon. Sherff 
    (1952) also published two varieties, Munroidendron racemosum var. 
    forbesii and M. racemosum var. macdanielsii. In the current treatment 
    of the species, Porter P. Lowrey II (1990) recognizes no subspecific 
    taxa.
        Munroidendron racemosum, a member of the ginseng family 
    (Araliaceae), is a tree up to about 23 ft (7 m) in height with a 
    straight gray trunk crowned with spreading branches. The leaves are 6 
    to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) long and comprise five to nine oval or 
    elliptical leaflets with clasping leaf stalks. Each leaflet is 3.1 to 
    6.7 in (8 to 17 cm) long and usually 1.6 to 3.9 in (4 to 10 cm) wide. 
    About 250 pale yellow flowers are borne along a stout hanging stalk 10 
    to 24 in (25 to 60 cm) long. Each flower has five or six lance-shaped 
    petals 0.3 to 0.4 in (8 to 10 mm) long emerging from a cup-shaped or 
    ellipsoid calyx tube. Both the lower surface of the petals and the 
    calyx tube are covered with whitish scaly hairs. The fruit is an egg-
    shaped drupe 0.3 to 0.5 in (8 to 12 mm) long and nearly as wide, 
    situated atop a flat, dark red disk (stylopodium). This species is the 
    only member of a genus endemic to Hawaii, differing from other closely 
    related Hawaiian genera of the family primarily in its distinct flower 
    clusters and corolla (Forbes 1917b, Lamoureux 1982, Lowrey 1990, St. 
    John 1981b, Sherff 1952).
        Historically, Munroidendron racemosum was known from scattered 
    locations throughout the island of Kauai (HHP 1991s1, 1991s3, 1991s6, 
    1991s13). Fifteen populations are now found at elevations of 390 to 
    1,310 ft (120 to 400 m) on private and State land in the following 
    areas: Along the Na Pali Coast within Na Pali Coast State Park and Hono 
    O Na Pali NAR; in the Poomau and Koaie branches of Waimea Canyon; in 
    the Haupu Range area; and on Nounou Mountain (HHP 1991s1 to 1991s12, 
    1991s14, 1991s15; Lamoureux 1982). Although widely distributed, the 
    largest population contains fewer than 50 individuals, with most 
    populations numbering only 1 or 2 individuals. Estimates of the total 
    number of individuals range from 57 to 100 (HHP 1991s1 to 1991s15). 
    Most populations are found on steep exposed cliffs or on ridge slopes 
    in coastal to lowland mesic forests (Lowrey 1990), but a few 
    populations are in mesic Pandanus tectorius (hala) forests, lantana-
    dominated shrubland, or Eragrostis grassland. Other associated plant 
    taxa include common guava, kopiko, kukui, and lama (Gagne and Cuddihy 
    1990; HHP 1991s1, 1991s3 to 1991s5, 1991s8 to 1991s11, 1991s15; 
    Lamoureux 1982).
        Competition with introduced plants is the major threat to 
    Munroidendron racemosum. Kukui and ti, plants introduced by Polynesian 
    immigrants to the Hawaiian Islands, compete with this species for space 
    in the forests of Kauai. Other introduced plants threatening this 
    species' habitat include Chinaberry, common guava, firetree, koa haole, 
    lantana, and Triumfetta semitriloba (Sacramento bur). Feral goats 
    degrade the habitat of Munroidendron and cattle were formerly present 
    in areas where the trees grow. Fire is a threat to the habitat. 
    Predation of the fruit by rats is probable. An introduced insect of the 
    longhorned beetle family (Cerambycidae) that killed a mature, 
    cultivated tree has the potential of affecting wild trees. Because each 
    population of this species contains only one or a few trees, the total 
    number of individuals is small, threatening the species through over-
    collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes, stochastic 
    extinction, and/or reduced reproductive vigor (HHP 1991s1, 1991s3 to 
    1991s5, 1991s8 to 1991s11, 1991s15; HPCC 1990h; Lamoureux 1982).
        First collected on Kauai before 1900, Nothocestrum peltatum was 
    described by Carl J. F. Skottsberg in 1944, based on a specimen 
    collected by Olof H. Selling in 1938. The specific epithet refers to 
    the peltate leaves, attached to the stalk by the lower surface, inside 
    the leaf margin rather than at its edge. St. John (1986) later 
    described N. inconcinnum, but David E. Symon (1990), in the currently 
    accepted treatment of the genus, regards that name as a synonym of N. 
    peltatum.
        Nothocestrum peltatum, a member of the nightshade family 
    (Solanaceae), is a small tree up to 26 ft (8 m) tall with ash-brown 
    bark and woolly stems. The leathery leaves are usually peltate, measure 
    2.4 to 9.1 in (6 to 23 cm) long and 1.4 to 3 in (3.5 to 7.5 cm) wide 
    and vary in shape from oval or elliptic to oblong. The densely hairy 
    flowers number up to 10 per cluster. The corolla is greenish yellow 
    fading to yellow orange and 0.5 to 0.6 in (12 to 14 mm) long. The 
    orange berries are 0.5 to 0.6 in (13 to 14 mm) long and contain 
    numerous irregularly shaped seeds about 0.1 in (2.5 mm) in diameter. 
    The usually peltate leaves and shorter leaf stalks separate this 
    species from others in the genus (St. John 1986, Selling 1947, 
    Skottsberg 1944, Symon 1990).
        Historically, Nothocestrum peltatum was known from Kauai at 
    Kumuwela, Kaholuamanu, and the region of Nualolo (HHP 1991t3, 1991t5, 
    1991t6). This species is now known from five populations on Kauai 
    located near the Kalalau Lookout area, in Awaawapuhi and Makaha 
    Valleys, and in Waimea Canyon (HHP 1991t1, 1991t2, 1991t4, 1991t7; HPCC 
    1990i1, 1990i2, 1990i4; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991, 1993), scattered 
    over a 5.5 by 2.5 mi (8.9 by 4 km) area. These populations, totalling 
    about 15 individuals (CPC 1989b, 1990; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1993), 
    are on State owned land between 3,000 and 4,000 ft (915 and 1,220 m) 
    elevation (Symon 1990). This species generally grows in rich soil on 
    steep slopes in montane mesic forests dominated by koa or a mixture of 
    'ohi'a and koa, with associates such as hame, uluhe, Bobea brevipes 
    ('ahakea lau li'i), Elaeocarpus bifidus (kalia), and more common 
    Melicope species (alani) (HHP 1991t1, 1991t7; Sohmer and Gustafson 
    1987; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1991).
        Competition with alien plants and habitat degradation by introduced 
    animals constitute the major threats to Nothocestrum peltatum. 
    Introduced plants competing with this species include banana poka, 
    daisy fleabane, lantana, prickly Florida blackberry, and Passiflora 
    edulis (passion fruit). Animals disturbing the habitat of this species 
    include feral goats, feral pigs, mule deer, and red jungle fowl (Gallus 
    gallus). Although plants of this species flower, they rarely set fruit; 
    this could be the result of a loss of pollinators, reduced genetic 
    variability, or self-incompatibility (S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991; D. 
    Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). This species is threatened by fire, 
    over-collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes, stochastic 
    extinction, and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number 
    of existing individuals (HHP 1991t7; HPCC 1990i3, 1990i4).
        Hillebrand (1888) described Peucedanum sandwicense based on a 
    specimen collected on Molokai and P. kauaiense based on a specimen 
    collected on Kauai. He also referred to an unnamed variety of P. 
    sandwicense from Maui. Otto and Isa Degener (1960) later named the Maui 
    plant P. sandwicense var. hiroi. In their current treatment, Lincoln 
    Constance and James Affolter (1990) recognize only P. sandwicense for 
    all populations of the genus in the Hawaiian Islands.
        Peucedanum sandwicense, a member of the parsley family (Apiaceae), 
    is a parsley-scented, sprawling herb usually 20 to 40 in (0.5 to 1 m) 
    tall. Hollow stems arise from a short, vertical, perennial stem with 
    several fleshy roots. The compound leaves are generally three-parted 
    with stalkless leaflets, each egg- or lance-shaped and toothed. The 
    larger terminal leaflet is usually one- to three-lobed and 2.8 to 5.1 
    in (7 to 13 cm) long. The other leaflets have leaf stalks 4 to 20 in 
    (10 to 50 cm) long or are stalkless. Flowers are clustered in a 
    compound umbel of 10 to 20 flowers. The round petals are white and bent 
    inward at the tips. The flat, dry, oval fruits are 0.4 to 0.5 in (10 to 
    13 mm) long and 0.2 to 0.3 in (5 to 8 mm) wide, splitting in half to 
    release a single flat seed. This species is the only member of the 
    genus in the Hawaiian Islands, one of three genera of the family with 
    taxa endemic to the island of Kauai. This species differs from the 
    other Kauai members of the parsley family in having larger fruit and 
    pinnately compound leaves with broad leaflets (Constance and Affolter 
    1990, Degener and Constance 1959, Degener and Degener 1960, Hillebrand 
    1888).
        Historically, Peucedanum sandwicense was known from three islands: 
    Kalaupapa, Pauonuakea Kui, Waikolu, and Wailau Valley on Molokai; 
    Wailuku and Waiehu on Maui; and various locations in the Waimea Canyon 
    and Olokele regions of Kauai (HHP 1991u1, 1991u2, 1991u4, 1991u7, 
    1991u9 to 1991u12; HPCC 1991h1, 1991h2). Discoveries in 1990 extended 
    the known distribution of this species to the island of Oahu, where 2 
    populations totalling about 85 individuals exist in the Waianae 
    Mountains on County and State land (J. Lau, in litt. and pers. comm., 
    1991; J. Obata, pers. comm., 1990). One population of 20 to 30 
    individuals is known from State owned Keopuka Rock, an islet off the 
    coast of Maui (HHP 1991u8; Hobdy 1982; R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1991). On 
    Molokai, 3 populations totalling fewer than 30 individuals are found on 
    private and State owned land in Pelekunu Preserve, Kalaupapa National 
    Historical Park, and Huelo, an islet off the coast of Molokai (HHP 
    1991u7, 1991u16, 1991u20; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). The 10 Kauai 
    populations of 130 to 190 individuals are distributed in Waimea Canyon 
    and along the Na Pali Coast within 1.5 mi (2.4 km) of the ocean (HHP 
    1991u1, 1991u3, 1991u5, 1991u6, 1991u13 to 1991u15, 1991u17 to 1991u19; 
    T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991). These populations are found within a 7 by 
    8 mi (11 by 13 km) area on private and State land. The total number of 
    plants in the known populations of this species is estimated to exceed 
    1,000 and possibly 5,000 individuals (CPC 1992; S. Perlman, pers. 
    comm., 1993). This species grows in cliff habitats from sea level to 
    above 3,000 ft (900 m) (Constance and Affolter 1990) with such plant 
    associates as 'akoko, kawelu, lama, 'ohi'a, Artemisia australis 
    ('ahinahina), and alien species such as common guava and lantana (HHP 
    1991u1 to 1991u3, 1991u5 to 1991u8, 1991u14 to 1991u18, 1991u20; J. 
    Lau, in litt. and pers. comm., 1991; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 
    1991).
        Competition with introduced plants and habitat degradation and 
    browsing by feral goats are the major threats to Peucedanum 
    sandwicense. Kauai populations are affected by alien plant species such 
    as Kalanchoe pinnata (air plant), banana poka, common guava, daisy 
    fleabane, firetree, introduced grasses, Java plum, and lantana, as well 
    as by feral goats. The Hanakapiai population on Kauai is close enough 
    to the trail that it is potentially affected by hikers and trail 
    clearing. Oahu populations are threatened by alien plants such as 
    Christmas berry, common guava, daisy fleabane, Hamakua pamakani, silk 
    oak, and Stachytarpheta; feral goats; fire; and landslides. The 
    Kalaupapa, Molokai, population of P. sandwicense competes with 
    Christmas berry, common guava, and molasses grass. The Pelekunu, 
    Molokai, population is threatened by common guava, Hamakua pamakani, 
    Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani), and potentially by axis deer. 
    Plants of this species on Huelo are vulnerable to natural rock slides. 
    The population on Keopuka Rock is threatened by alien grasses, lantana, 
    and sourbush (Clarke and Cuddihy 1980; HHP 1991u1, 1991u3, 1991u5, 
    1991u15, 1991u16; HPCC 1990j1 to 1990j3; R. Hobdy, J. Lau, J. Obata, 
    and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991).
        Peucedanum sandwicense is not in immediate danger of extinction, 
    but if these threats are not curtailed, this species will become 
    endangered in the future.
        Wawra collected a specimen of Phyllostegia waimeae on Kauai in 1870 
    while he was a member of the Austrian East Asiatic Exploring 
    Expedition. In 1872, he described the species, naming it for Waimea 
    Canyon where he collected it. St. John (1987c) recently published many 
    species, varieties, and combinations in Phyllostegia, one or more of 
    which may fit into this species (Wagner et al. 1990).
        Phyllostegia waimeae, a nonaromatic member of the mint family 
    (Lamiaceae), is a climbing perennial plant with hairy four-angled stems 
    that are woody at the base. The oval leaves are 2 to 5 in (5 to 13 cm) 
    long, 1 to 2.4 in (2.5 to 6 cm) wide, and have rounded, toothed 
    margins. They are wrinkled and sparsely dotted with oil glands. Flowers 
    grow in groups of six along an unbranched leafy stalk usually 3.9 to 
    5.9 in (10 to 15 cm) long. The bracts below each flower stalk are broad 
    and partially overlap the flowers. The calyx resembles an inverted cone 
    with broad lobes. The corolla, 0.3 to 0.5 in (8 to 12 mm) long, is 
    pinkish or may be white. The fruits, probably nutlets, have not been 
    observed. Characteristics that distinguish this species from others in 
    the genus are the nearly stalkless bracts that partially overlap and 
    cover the flowers and relatively fewer oil glands on the leaves 
    (Hillebrand 1888, Sherff 1935a, Wagner et al. 1990, Wawra 1872).
        Historically, Phyllostegia waimeae was known from Kaholuamanu and 
    Kaaha on Kauai (HHP 1991v2, 1991v3). In recent years, it is known from 
    State land on Kauai in the Halemanu and Waimea Canyon areas (HHP 
    1991v1, 1991v4). Because the Halemanu population has not been seen for 
    almost 40 years (HHP 1991v1), the number of extant individuals is 
    unknown. The Waimea Canyon population consists of a single plant which 
    has not been observed recently (R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1991; S. 
    Perlman, pers. comm., 1993). This species typically grows on shallow to 
    deep, well-drained soils in clearings (HHP 1991v1) or along the banks 
    of streams of diverse montane mesic to wet forests at elevations from 
    3,000 to 3,600 ft (915 m to 1,100 m) (Wagner et al. 1990). Associated 
    taxa include 'ohi'a and Pritchardia minor (loulu) (HHP 1991v4).
        Habitat destruction by feral goats, erosion, and competition with 
    introduced grasses are the major threats to Phyllostegia waimeae. The 
    species is also threatened by over-collecting for scientific purposes, 
    stochastic extinction, and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the 
    small number of existing individuals (R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1991).
        Based on a specimen collected by Duvel and Harold L. Lyon in 1925, 
    Edward L. Caum (1933) described Pteralyxia kauaiensis, named for the 
    island where it grows. St. John (1981a) later published P. elliptica, 
    but the authors of the current treatment of the genus (Wagner et al. 
    1990) regard that name to be synonymous with P. kauaiensis.
        Pteralyxia kauaiensis, a member of the dogbane family 
    (Apocynaceae), is a tree 10 to 26 ft (3 to 8 m) tall. The leaves are 
    dark green and shiny on the upper surfaces but pale and dull on the 
    lower surfaces. They are generally egg-shaped and usually 4.3 to 8.7 in 
    (11 to 22 cm) long and 1.6 to 2.6 in (40 to 65 mm) wide. The pale 
    yellow flowers are trumpet-shaped, 0.3 to 0.5 in (8 to 12 mm) long, 
    with each of the five lobes 0.1 to 0.2 in (3 to 4 mm) long. The paired 
    fruits, of which usually only one matures, are drupe-like, bright red, 
    and fleshy. The woody endocarp that encloses the single seed has two 
    prominent central wings and two reduced lateral wings. This species 
    differs from the only other taxa in this endemic Hawaiian genus in 
    having reduced lateral wings on the seed (Caum 1933; Degener 1933, 
    1936; Lamb 1981; St. John 1981a; Wagner et al. 1990).
        Historically, Pteralyxia kauaiensis was known from the Wahiawa 
    Mountains in the southern portion of Kauai (HHP 1991w8). This species 
    is now known from the following scattered locations on private and 
    State land on Kauai at elevations between 820 and 2,000 ft (250 and 610 
    m) (Wagner et al. 1990): Mahanaloa-Kuia Valley in Kuia NAR; Haeleele 
    Valley; Na Pali Coast State Park; Limahuli Valley; the Koaie branch of 
    Waimea Canyon; Haupu Range; Wailua River; and Moloaa Forest Reserve 
    (HHP 1991w1 to 1991w7, 1991w9, 1991w10, 1991w11; HPCC 1990k1; HPCC 
    1991j1, 1991j2; T. Flynn and S. Montgomery, pers. comms., 1991). There 
    is an undocumented sighting of one individual at Makaleha, above the 
    town of Kapaa (T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991). The 13 known populations, 
    totaling 170 to 300 individuals, typically grow on the sides of gulches 
    in diverse lowland mesic forests and sometimes lowland wet forests 
    (Wagner et al. 1990). Associated plant taxa include hame, lama, 
    lantana, 'ohi'a, and Pouteria sandwicensis ('ala'a) (Degener 1936; HHP 
    1991w1 to 1991w7, 1991w10; D. Herbst, pers. comm., 1991).
        The major threats to Pteralyxia kauaiensis are habitat destruction 
    by feral animals and competition with introduced plants. Animals 
    affecting the survival of this species include feral goats, feral pigs, 
    and possibly rats, which may eat the fruits. Fire and over-collecting 
    for scientific purposes could threaten some populations. Introduced 
    plants competing with this species include common guava, daisy 
    fleabane, kukui, lantana, strawberry guava, and ti (HHP 1991w1, 1991w4, 
    1991w5, 1991w7; HPCC 1990k1, 1990k2; T. Flynn and S. Perlman, pers. 
    comms., 1991).
        Gray (1854) described Schiedea spergulina based on a specimen 
    collected in 1840 on Kauai during the United States Exploring 
    Expedition. The specific epithet means ``resembling Spergula,'' another 
    genus in the same plant family. Two varieties of S. spergulina are 
    recognized in the current treatment of the genus (Wagner et al. 1990). 
    The typical variety, which includes var. degeneriana, was named by 
    Sherff (1956) and var. leiopoda (Sherff 1944), which includes var. 
    major, was also named by Sherff (1944).
        Schiedea spergulina, a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), 
    is a 1 to 2 ft (30 to 60 cm) tall subshrub. The opposite leaves are 
    very narrow, usually 1.2 to 2.6 in (30 to 65 mm) long and about 0.04 in 
    (1.4 mm) wide, one-veined, and attached directly to the stem. The 
    flowers are unisexual, with male and female flowers on different 
    plants. Flowers occur in compact clusters of three. The sepals usually 
    number five and are green and purple-tinged, 0.08 to 0.13 in (2 to 3.3 
    mm) long. The capsular fruits are about 0.08 to 0.12 in (2 to 3 mm) 
    long and contain nearly smooth, kidney-shaped seeds. Of the 22 species 
    in this endemic genus, only 2 other species have smooth seeds. This 
    species differs from those two in having very compact flower clusters. 
    The two weakly defined varieties differ primarily in the degree of 
    hairiness (Heller 1897; Hillebrand 1888; Sherff 1944, 1945; Wagner et 
    al. 1990).
        Historically, Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda was found on a 
    ridge on the east side of Hanapepe on Kauai (HHP 1991x1). One 
    population of 50 to 100 individuals of this variety is now known to 
    grow in Lawai Valley on Kauai on privately owned land (HHP 1991x2; HPCC 
    1991k; T. Flynn, J. Lau, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). Schiedea 
    spergulina var. spergulina is more numerous, once found in Olokele 
    Canyon but now known from Kalalau Rim and four locations in Waimea 
    Canyon on State land (HHP 1991y1 to 1991y5). One population contains 
    only five plants, whereas others number in the thousands. However, 
    these populations are estimated to total no more than 5,000 individuals 
    (HHP 1991y1 to 1991y5; T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991; S. Perlman, pers. 
    comm., 1993). This taxon is usually found on bare rock outcrops or 
    sparsely vegetated portions of rocky cliff faces or cliff bases in 
    diverse lowland mesic forests at elevations between 590 and 3,000 ft 
    (180 and 800 m) (Wagner et al. 1990). Plants associated with the Lawai 
    population of S. spergulina var. leiopoda are Bidens sandvicensis 
    (ko'oko'olau), Doryopteris (kumuniu), Peperomia leptostachya, and 
    Plectranthus parviflorus ('ala'ala wai nui) (T. Flynn and J. Lau, pers. 
    comms., 1991; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). Plant taxa associated 
    with S. spergulina var. spergulina include 'ahinahina, Chinaberry, 
    lantana, Sacramento bur, and Nototrichium sandwicense (kulu'i) (HHP 
    1991y5, Sherff 1956).
        The major threats to Schiedea spergulina are habitat destruction by 
    feral goats and competition with introduced plants. Variety leiopoda is 
    threatened by competition with alien plant taxa such as koa haole, 
    lantana, and Furcraea foetida (Mauritius hemp), and individuals are 
    also damaged and destroyed by rock slides. This variety is potentially 
    threatened by pesticide use in nearby sugarcane fields. This variety is 
    threatened by stochastic extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor 
    due to the small number of existing individuals (CPC 1990; D. Lorence, 
    T. Flynn, pers. comms., 1991). Variety spergulina is threatened by 
    competition with alien taxa, including daisy fleabane and lantana. The 
    area in which this variety grows is used heavily by feral goats and 
    there is evidence that plants are being browsed and trampled (HHP 
    1991y2, 1991y5; T. Flynn, J. Lau, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991; 
    D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991).
        The intensity of threats and small number of populations known for 
    Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda indicate that this taxon is in 
    serious danger of extinction. Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina has 
    significantly more individuals and populations and is facing less 
    intense threats since it is found on more protected cliffs. However, 
    while the latter taxon is not now in danger of extinction, if these 
    threats are not curtailed, the taxon will become endangered in the 
    future.
        William Jackson Hooker and G.A.W. Arnott (1830-1841) described 
    Solanum sandwicense based on a specimen collected in 1826 or 1827 on 
    Oahu during the voyage of H.M.S. Blossom. The plant was named for the 
    Sandwich Islands, an older name for the Hawaiian Islands. Other names 
    by which portions of this species have been known include S. 
    hillebrandii (St. John 1969a), S. kauaiense (Hillebrand 1888), S. 
    sandwicense var.? kavaiense (Gray 1862), S. woahense (Symon 1990), and 
    S. woahense var. eroso-crenulatum (Symon 1990). In the current 
    treatment of this genus, Symon (1990) considers the Oahu and Kauai 
    populations as Solanum sandwicense and recognizes no subspecific taxa.
        Solanum sandwicense, a member of the nightshade family, is a large 
    sprawling shrub that grows up to 13 ft (4 m) tall. The younger branches 
    are more densely hairy than older branches. The oval leaves are usually 
    4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) long and 2 to 5.5 in (5 to 14 cm) wide and have 
    up to four lobes along the margins. Leaf stalks are 0.8 to 1.6 in (2 to 
    4 cm) long. On the flowering stem, a few to as many as 40 flowers are 
    grouped in threes, with each flower on a stalk about 0.6 in (15 mm) 
    long, bent at the end so that the flower faces downward. The corolla is 
    white with a faint purplish stripe, each lobe is curved somewhat 
    backward. Stamens are attached low on the corolla tube, with anthers 
    curved inward. The fruit is a berry 0.5 to 0.6 in (13 to 15 mm) in 
    diameter, black when ripe. This species differs from others of the 
    genus in having dense hairs on young plant parts, a greater height, and 
    its lack of prickles (Gray 1862, St. John 1969a, Sohmer and Gustafson 
    1987, Symon 1990).
        Historically, Solanum sandwicense was known from widely scattered 
    populations throughout the Waianae Mountains and southern portions of 
    the Koolau Mountains on Oahu (HHP 1991z1 to 1991z5, 1991z7 to 1991z10). 
    On Kauai, this species was known from locations in the Kokee region 
    bounded by Kalalau Valley to the north, Milolii Ridge to the west, and 
    Kawaikoi to the east, extending southward to the Hanapepe River (HHP 
    1991z13 to 1991z17, 1991z21, 1991z22, 1991z24). On Oahu, this species 
    is known from a single population on privately owned land in what is 
    now Honouliuli Preserve (HPCC 1991l). One other recent population was 
    destroyed by a landslide in 1986 (HHP 1991z6; J. Obata, pers. comm., 
    1991; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). The Kauai populations are on 
    private and State land and most are from Kokee and Na Pali Coast State 
    Parks. Of the 12 known populations, only 4 are currently extant; they 
    total about 20 plants (Bruegmann 1990; CPC 1990; HHP 1991z11, 1991z12, 
    1991z19, 1991z20, 1991z26; D. Herbst, pers. comm., 1991; S. Perlman, 
    pers. comm., 1993). This species is typically found in open, sunny 
    areas at elevations between 2,500 and 4,000 ft (760 and 1,220 m) in 
    diverse lowland to montane mesic forests and occasionally in wet 
    forests (HHP 1991z1, 1991z11, 1991z16, 1991z19 to 1991z26; Symon 1990). 
    Associated plant taxa include koa, 'ohi'a, uluhe, and wet forest plants 
    such as kopiko, ho'i'o, and more common Melicope species (alani) (HHP 
    1991z11, 1991z18, 1991z20, 1991z26).
        The major threats to populations of Solanum sandwicense on Kauai 
    are habitat degradation by feral pigs and competition with alien plant 
    taxa. Alien taxa that have heavily invaded this species' habitat on 
    Kauai include banana poka, prickly Florida blackberry, strawberry 
    guava, Hedychium gardnerianum (kahili ginger), and Lonicera japonica 
    (Japanese honeysuckle). This species is also threatened by fire, over-
    collecting for scientific purposes, stochastic extinction, and/or 
    reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of existing 
    individuals. All Oahu populations of Solanum sandwicense except one are 
    now apparently extinct, the result of its habitat being destroyed by 
    urbanization, landslides, feral pigs, and weedy alien taxa (Bruegmann 
    1990; HHP 1991z1 to 1991z7, 1991z18, 1991z25; HPCC 1990m; R. Hobdy, J. 
    Lau, J. Obata, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991; D. Lorence et al., 
    in litt., 1991).
    
    Previous Federal Action
    
        Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of 
    the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), which directed the 
    Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on plants 
    considered to be endangered, threatened, or extinct in the United 
    States. This report, designated as House Document No. 94-51, was 
    presented to Congress on January 9, 1975. In that document, Brighamia 
    insignis (as B. insignis and B. citrina var. napaliensis), Delissea 
    rhytidosperma, Exocarpos luteolus, Hibiscus clayi (as H. clayi and H. 
    newhousei), Lipochaeta fauriei, Lipochaeta micrantha (as L. exigua), 
    Melicope haupuensis (as Pelea haupuensis), Melicope knudsenii (as Pelea 
    multiflora), Melicope pallida (as Pelea pallida and P. leveillei), 
    Melicope quadrangularis (as Pelea quadrangularis), Nothocestrum 
    peltatum, Peucedanum sandwicense (as P. kauaiense), Pteralyxia 
    kauaiensis, and Solanum sandwicense were considered to be endangered. 
    Diellia pallida (as D. laciniata), Lipochaeta fauriei, Lipochaeta 
    micrantha, Lipochaeta waimeaensis, Lysimachia filifolia, and Solanum 
    sandwicense (as S. kauaiense) were considered to be threatened. 
    Hedyotis cookiana, Melicope knudsenii (as Pelea knudsenii and P. 
    tomentosa), Munroidendron racemosum (as M. racemosum var. 
    macdanielsii), and Solanum sandwicense (as S. hillebrandii) were 
    considered to be extinct.
        On July 1, 1975, the Service published a notice in the Federal 
    Register (40 FR 27823) of its acceptance of the Smithsonian report as a 
    petition within the context of section 4(c)(2) (now section 4(b)(3)) of 
    the Act, and giving notice of its intention to review the status of the 
    plant species named therein. As a result of that review, on June 16, 
    1976, the Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (41 
    FR 24523) to determine endangered status pursuant to section 4 of the 
    Act for approximately 1,700 vascular plant species, including all of 
    the above species considered to be endangered or thought to be extinct. 
    The list of 1,700 plant species was assembled on the basis of comments 
    and data received by the Smithsonian Institution and the Service in 
    response to House Document No. 94-51 and the July 1, 1975, Federal 
    Register publication.
        General comments received in response to the 1976 proposal are 
    summarized in an April 26, 1978, Federal Register publication (43 FR 
    17909). In 1978, amendments to the Act required that all proposals over 
    two years old be withdrawn. A one-year grace period was given to 
    proposals already over two years old. On December 10, 1979, the Service 
    published a notice in the Federal Register (44 FR 70796) withdrawing 
    the portion of the June 16, 1976, proposal that had not been made 
    final, along with four other proposals that had expired. The Service 
    published updated notices of review for plants on December 15, 1980 (45 
    FR 82479), September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39525), and February 21, 1990 (55 
    FR 6183). In these notices, 10 of the species (including synonymous 
    species) that had been in the 1976 proposed rule were treated as 
    Category 1 candidates for Federal listing. Category 1 species are those 
    for which the Service has on file substantial information on biological 
    vulnerability and threats to support preparation of listing proposals. 
    Other than Diellia pallida (as D. laciniata), Hedyotis cookiana, 
    Lipochaeta fauriei, Lipochaeta micrantha (as L. exigua), Lysimachia 
    filifolia, Melicope knudsenii (as Pelea knudsenii), Melicope pallida, 
    M. quadrangularis, Peucedanum sandwicense, and Solanum sandwicense (as 
    S. hillebrandii), all the aforementioned species that were either 
    proposed as endangered or thought to be extinct in the June 16, 1976, 
    proposed rule were considered Category 1 candidates on all three 
    notices of review.
        In the 1980 and 1985 notices, Lipochaeta fauriei, Melicope 
    knudsenii (as Pelea knudsenii), and Solanum sandwicense (as S. 
    hillebrandii) were considered Category 1* species. Category 1* species 
    are those that are possibly extinct. Lysimachia filifolia appeared as a 
    Category 2 species and Hedyotis cookiana as a Category 3A species in 
    the 1980 and 1985 notices. Category 2 species are those for which there 
    is some evidence of vulnerability, but for which there are not enough 
    data to support listing proposals at the time. Category 3A species are 
    those for which the Service has persuasive evidence of extinction. 
    Because new information indicated their current existence or provided 
    support for listing, the above five species were conferred Category 1 
    status in the 1990 notice. Lipochaeta exigua appeared as a Category 3B 
    species in the 1980 and 1985 notices; in the 1990 notice, it was 
    considered synonymous with L. micrantha, a Category 1 species. Category 
    3B species are those which, on the basis of current taxonomic 
    understanding, do not represent distinct taxa meeting the Act's 
    definition of ``species.'' Diellia pallida (as D. laciniata), Melicope 
    pallida, and M. quadrangularis were accorded Category 1* status in the 
    1990 notice, but because new information regarding their existence has 
    become available, they are included herein for listing. In 1980, 
    Peucedanum sandwicense appeared as a Category 2 species and retained 
    that status in the 1985 and 1990 notices. Information obtained since 
    the 1990 notice suggests that its numbers and distribution are 
    sufficiently restricted to warrant listing. Schiedea spergulina first 
    appeared on the 1985 notice of review as a Category 1 species. In the 
    1990 notice, two varieties were recognized: Variety spergulina as a 
    Category 1 species; and variety leiopoda as a Category 1* species for 
    which recently obtained information indicates that it is extant. 
    Cyrtandra limahuliensis first appeared in the 1990 notice of review as 
    Category 1 species after it was described in 1987. The 1990 notice also 
    recognized Cyanea asarifolia and Phyllostegia waimeae as Category 1 
    species for the first time.
        Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Secretary to make 
    findings on certain pending petitions within 12 months of their 
    receipt. Section 2(b)(1) of the 1982 amendments further requires all 
    petitions pending on October 13, 1982, be treated as having been newly 
    submitted on that date. On October 13, 1983, the Service found that the 
    petitioned listing of these species was warranted, but precluded by 
    other pending listing actions, in accordance with section 
    4(b)(3)(B)(iii) of the Act; notification of this finding was published 
    on January 20, 1984 (49 FR 2485). Such a finding requires the petition 
    to be recycled, pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act. The 
    finding was reviewed in October of 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 
    and 1990. The proposed rule published on October 30, 1991 (56 FR 55862) 
    to list 23 plant species primarily from the island of Kauai as 
    endangered species constituted the final 1-year finding that was 
    required for the species discussed above.
        Based on comments and recommendations received in response to the 
    proposal (see Comments and Recommendations, below), the Service now 
    determines 21 plant species to be endangered and 3 plant species to be 
    threatened with the publication of this rule. One of the species 
    proposed in 1991 is now being listed as two separate entities: Schiedea 
    spergulina var. spergulina (as threatened); and Schiedea spergulina 
    var. leiopoda (as endangered). This results in the apparent increase 
    from 23 species in the proposed rule to 24 species in the final rule.
    
    Summary of Comments and Recommendations
    
        In the October 30, 1991, 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 listing decision. The public comment period ended on December 30, 
    1991. 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 Garden Island'' on November 10, 1991. Fifteen 
    letters of comment, including 2 from State agencies, 11 from 
    organizations, and 2 from individuals, were received and are discussed 
    below. A public hearing was requested by Kamehameha Schools/Bernice 
    Pauahi Bishop Estate on December 1, 1992. On January 13, 1993, the 
    Service published a notice (58 FR 4145) reopening the comment period 
    until February 20, 1993, to accommodate the requested public hearing 
    which was held in Kapaa, Kauai, on February 10, 1993. A newspaper 
    notice announcing the public hearing was published in ``The Garden 
    Island'' on February 10, 1993. Eleven people presented oral comments; 
    their testimony is included in the following summary.
        Two respondents acknowledged receipt of the proposed rule but had 
    no comments. Of the remaining 13 letters, 7 supported the listing of 
    these taxa from the island of Kauai and 6 opposed 1 or more of the 
    listings. Additional information included in the letters has been 
    incorporated into this final rule. Comments of similar content were 
    grouped into a number of general issues for discussion. These issues 
    and the Service's response to each are discussed below.
        Issue 1: Status of Cyrtandra limahuliensis: Two respondents stated 
    that more populations of Cyrtandra limahuliensis exist than were 
    discussed in the proposed rule and that there is a good possibility 
    that more populations await discovery. One respondent asked whether 
    this species should still be considered endangered, while the second 
    stated that this species does not warrant listing as endangered.
        Response: At the time the proposed rule was written, only 9 
    populations of Cyrtandra limahuliensis were known; however, 3 
    additional populations were subsequently discovered in Waioli Valley, 
    bringing the total number of plants to 2,800 to 3,000 (D. Lorence, in 
    litt., 1993). This information has been included in the final rule. 
    Based on additional information, the Service determines that Cyrtandra 
    limahuliensis is not now in danger of extinction, but that Cyrtandra 
    limahuliensis is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future 
    if the threats posed by competition from alien species are not curbed. 
    Thus, Cyrtandra limahuliensis is designated a threatened species.
        Issue 2: Status of Peucedanum sandwicense: One respondent stated 
    that more populations of Peucedanum sandwicense exist than were 
    discussed in the proposed rule and that this species is not immediately 
    threatened with extinction. The proposed rule indicated that only 16 
    populations of the species were known, 2 on Oahu, 3 on Molokai, 10 on 
    Kauai, and 1 on Maui. Additional populations are now known from the 
    Wailau sea cliffs on Molokai and the Kalalau Valley rim on Kauai (D. 
    Lorence et al., in litt., 1991).
        Response: At the time the proposed rule was written, 250 to 350 
    individuals of Peucedanum sandwicense were known; however, several 
    additional colonies were subsequently brought to the Service's 
    attention, bringing the totals to between 1,000 to 5,000 individuals 
    (CPC 1992; D. Lorence et al., in litt., 1991). This information has 
    been included in the final rule. Based on the above information, the 
    Service determines that Peucedanum sandwicense is not now in danger of 
    extinction, but that it is likely to become endangered in the 
    foreseeable future if the threats posed by competition from alien plant 
    species and feral goats are not curbed. Thus, Peucedanum sandwicense is 
    designated a threatened species.
        Issue 3: Status of Schiedea spergulina: One respondent stated that 
    one variety of Schiedea spergulina, var. spergulina, is not immediately 
    threatened with extinction. The proposed rule treated the species as 
    one entity in terms of listing.
        Response: Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda is known from only 1 
    population of 50 to 100 individuals (HHP 1991x2; T. Flynn, J. Lau, and 
    S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). The numbers of plants and populations 
    of this variety are sufficiently small that, given its threats, it is 
    in immediate danger of extinction and meets the definition of an 
    endangered species as defined in the Act. Schiedea spergulina var. 
    spergulina is known from 5 locations with from 1,000 to 5,000 
    individuals total. Based on the above information, the Service 
    determines that Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina is not now in 
    danger of extinction, but that it is likely to become endangered in the 
    foreseeable future if the threats posed by competition from alien taxa 
    and feral goats are not curbed. Thus, Schiedea spergulina var. 
    spergulina is designated a threatened species and S. spergulina var. 
    leiopoda is designated as an endangered species.
        Issue 4: Changes to the Act: Several concerns were expressed in 
    letters of comment and in testimony at the public hearing about the 
    Endangered Species Act and its effect on private citizens and 
    landowners. One individual asked both during testimony at the hearing 
    and in multiple letters of comment that the ability of the Federal 
    government to seize land with endangered species be removed from the 
    Act. Concern was expressed by four individuals during their testimony 
    and in three letters of comment that the Endangered Species Act does 
    not allow private citizens to grow and propagate endangered species. 
    Many respondents asked that the permit process be streamlined for 
    propagation and scientific research purposes.
        Response: The Act does not require the seizure or acquisition of 
    private lands containing endangered species. The Act also does not 
    restrict the growth and propagation of endangered plant taxa by private 
    citizens as long as the plants are not collected from Federal lands, 
    are not transported between states or outside of the U.S., and that 
    these actions do not violate State laws. A Federal permit for 
    collecting is only required if the collection involves Federal actions, 
    Federal funding, or activities on Federal lands.
        Issue 5: Changes to State regulations: Concern was expressed by 
    four individuals during their testimony and in three letters of comment 
    that State regulations might make the propagation or cultivation of 
    these 24 taxa more difficult if they were listed as endangered, since 
    State regulations prohibit possessing endangered plants or collecting 
    their propagules. Permits to collect or possess endangered plants may 
    be issued by the State to enhance the propagation or survival of the 
    species, but the respondents believe that it is difficult and 
    burdensome to obtain these permits. One individual was also concerned 
    about the seizure of private lands by the State to protect endangered 
    species. Another individual stated that rezoning for conservation 
    districts should be limited to public lands.
        Response: Hawaii Administration Rule 13-124-4(a) allows for 
    ``Permits to * * * possess * * * any endangered or threatened species 
    of wildlife or plants'' to be issued ``to enhance the propagation or 
    survival of the species.'' To date, the State has worked with private 
    landowners to reach a cooperative agreement for management of 
    endangered species habitat or to reach a fair purchase price. Concerns 
    about the State's endangered species law and how it affects private 
    citizens, and any requests to change State requirements, should be 
    addressed to State authorities. The Service believes that existing 
    State policies should not delay or prevent the Federal protection that 
    listing would afford the species.
        Issue 6: Threat of game mammals: One individual at the hearing was 
    concerned that there is inadequate information on the effects of feral 
    ungulates to indicate that their eradication would truly benefit the 
    proposed plants.
        Response: The Service is not proposing the eradication of feral 
    ungulates from the island of Kauai. However, several studies verify 
    that feral ungulates damage native plants and habitats. Feral goats 
    have been implicated in the damage of native vegetation ranging from 
    lowland to subalpine areas (Mueller-Dombois and Spatz 1972, Spatz and 
    Mueller-Dombois 1973, Scowcroft and Sakai 1983). Goat browsing damage 
    has been observed on individuals of Exocarpus luteolus, Lipochaeta 
    micrantha, and Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina (HHP 1991k5; T. 
    Flynn, pers. comm., 1991; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1993). Goats 
    threaten 12 other species through habitat degradation.
        Pigs have been similarly implicated in damaging native habitats. 
    Specific studies have demonstrated that native vegetation recovers 
    significantly after the exclusion of pigs in rainforests and subalpine 
    grasslands (Spatz and Mueller-Dombois 1975, Stone 1985). Eleven species 
    in this rule are threatened by habitat degradation caused by pigs. 
    Elimination or reduction of habitat damage by feral ungulates will be 
    addressed during the recovery process for these species.
        Issue 7: Lack of adequate management: Four respondents and three 
    individuals in their testimony stated that inadequate management of 
    State and Federal lands in the past has caused the decline of many of 
    the 24 taxa.
        Response: Listing a species as either endangered or threatened does 
    enable States, such as Hawaii, to apply for Federal funds to undertake 
    programs aimed at conserving endangered species. Additional concerns 
    about the management of State lands should be addressed to State 
    authorities. None of the 24 taxa are found on federally owned lands. 
    Populations of one species, Peucedanum sandwicense, are found on State 
    land managed under a cooperative agreement with the National Park 
    Service. The National Park Service assumed management of the area in 
    1980. A natural resource management plan will be developed for the area 
    soon, but must be approved by the State before it can be implemented 
    (Gary Barbano, National Park Service, pers. comm., 1993).
    
    Summary of Factors Affecting the Species
    
        After a thorough review and consideration of all information 
    available, the Service has determined that Brighamia insignis ('olulu), 
    Cyanea asarifolia (haha), Delissea rhytidosperma (no common name 
    (NCN)), Diellia pallida (NCN), Exocarpos luteolus (heau), Hedyotis 
    cookiana ('awiwi), Hibiscus clayi (Clay's hibiscus), Lipochaeta fauriei 
    (nehe), Lipochaeta micrantha (nehe), Lipochaeta waimeaensis (nehe), 
    Lysimachia filifolia (NCN), Melicope haupuensis (alani), Melicope 
    knudsenii (alani), Melicope pallida (alani), Melicope quadrangularis 
    (alani), Munroidendron racemosum (NCN), Nothocestrum peltatum ('aiea), 
    Phyllostegia waimeae (NCN), Pteralyxia kauaiensis (kaulu), Schiedea 
    spergulina var. leiopoda (NCN), and Solanum sandwicense 
    (popolo'aiakeakua) should be classified as endangered species; and that 
    Cyrtandra limahuliensis (ha'iwale), Peucedanum sandwicense (makou), and 
    Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina (NCN) should be classified as 
    threatened species. The provisions of section 4 of the Endangered 
    Species Act (16 U.S.C 1533) and regulations (50 CFR part 424) 
    promulgated to implement the listing provisions of the Act were 
    followed in making these determinations. 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). The threats facing these 24 taxa 
    are summarized in Table 1. 
    
                                                                   Table1.--Summary of Threats                                                              
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Alien mammals                                                                                  
                   Species                 -------------------------------------------------- Insects     Alien     Fire      Natural     Human     Limited 
                                             Cattle     Deer     Goats      Pigs      Rats               plants             disaster*   impacts    numbers**
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Brighamia insignis....................  ........  ........        X   ........  ........        X         X         X           X         X        X1,3 
    Cyanea asarifolia.....................  ........  ........  ........        P         P   ........  ........  ........          X         X        X1,2 
    Cyrtandra limahuliensis...............  ........  ........  ........        X   ........  ........        X   ........          P         P             
    Delissea rhytidosperma................  ........        X         X         X         X   ........        X         X           X         X        X1,2 
    Diellia pallida.......................  ........        X         X         X   ........  ........        X   ........          X         X        X1,2 
    Exocarpos luteolus....................  ........  ........        X         X         X   ........        X         X           X         P             
    Hedyotis cookiana.....................  ........  ........        P         P   ........  ........        P   ........          P         P        X1,3 
    Hibiscus clayi........................  ........  ........  ........        P   ........  ........        X   ........  ..........        X        X1,2 
    Lipochaeta fauriei....................  ........  ........        X         P   ........  ........        X         X   ..........        P        X1,3 
    Lipochaeta micrantha var. exigua......  ........  ........  ........        X   ........  ........        X   ........  ..........        P          X1 
    Lipochaeta micrantha vir. micrantha...  ........  ........        X         X   ........  ........        X   ........  ..........        P          X1 
    Lipochaeta waimeaensis................  ........  ........        X   ........  ........  ........        X   ........          X         X        X1,2 
    Lysimachia filifolia..................  ........  ........  ........        P   ........  ........        X   ........          X         P          X1 
    Melicope haupuensis...................  ........  ........        X   ........  ........        P         X   ........  ..........        X        X1,2 
    Melicope knudsenii....................        X         P         X         X   ........        P         X         P   ..........        P        X1,3 
    Melicope pallida......................  ........  ........        X         X   ........        P         X         X   ..........        P          X3 
    Melicope quadrangularis...............  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........        P         P   ........  ..........        P        X1,3 
    Munroidendron racemosum...............  ........  ........        X   ........        P         P         X         X           X         P          X3 
    Nothocestrum peltatum.................  ........        X         X         X   ........  ........        X         X   ..........        X        X1,3 
    Peucedanum sandwicense................  ........        P         X   ........  ........  ........        X         X           X         X             
    Phyllostegia waimeae..................  ........  ........        X   ........  ........  ........        X   ........          X         X        X1,2 
    Pteralyxia kauaiensis.................  ........  ........        X         X         P   ........        X         X   ..........        P             
    Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda.....  ........  ........        X   ........  ........  ........        X   ........          X         P        X1,3 
    Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina...  ........  ........        X   ........  ........  ........        X   ........  ..........        P          X1 
    Solanum sandwicense...................  ........  ........  ........        X   ........  ........        X         X           X         X        X1,3 
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    X=Immediate and significant threat.                                                                                                                     
    P=Potential threat.                                                                                                                                     
    *=Natural disasters include hurricanes, erosion, rock slides, and landslides.                                                                           
    **=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.                                                                                                                         
    
        These factors and their application to Brighamia insignis A. Gray 
    ('olulu), Cyanea asarifolia St. John (haha), Cyrtandra limahuliensis 
    St. John (ha'iwale), Delissea rhytidosperma H. Mann (no common name 
    (NCN)), Diellia pallida W.H. Wagner (NCN), Exocarpos luteolus C. Forbes 
    (heau), Hedyotis cookiana (Cham. and Schlechtend.) Steud. ('awiwi), 
    Hibiscus clayi Degener and I. Degener (Clay's hibiscus), Lipochaeta 
    fauriei H. Levl. (nehe), Lipochaeta micrantha (Nutt.) A. Gray (nehe), 
    Lipochaeta waimeaensis St. John (nehe), Lysimachia filifolia C. Forbes 
    and Lydgate (NCN), Melicope haupuensis (St. John) Hartley and Stone 
    (alani), Melicope knudsenii (Hillebr.) Hartley and Stone (alani), 
    Melicope pallida (Hillebr.) Hartley and Stone (alani), Melicope 
    quadrangularis (St. John and E. Hume) T. Hartley and B. Stone (alani), 
    Munroidendron racemosum (C. Forbes) Sherff (NCN), Nothocestrum peltatum 
    Skottsb. ('aiea), Peucedanum sandwicense Hillebr. (makou), Phyllostegia 
    waimeae Wawra (NCN), Pteralyxia kauaiensis Caum (kaulu), Schiedea 
    spergulina var. leiopoda Sherff (NCN), Schiedea spergulina A. Gray var. 
    spergulina (NCN), and Solanum sandwicense Hook. and Arnott. 
    (popolo'aiakeakua) are as follows:
    
    A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
    of Its Habitat or Range
    
        The habitats of the plants included in this rule have undergone 
    extreme alteration because of past and present land management 
    practices, including deliberate alien animal and plant introductions, 
    agricultural development, and recreational use. Natural disturbances 
    such as storms and landslides also destroy habitat and can have a 
    significant effect on small populations of plants. Destruction and 
    modification of habitat by introduced animals and competition with 
    alien plants are the primary threats facing the 24 plant taxa in this 
    rule (see Table 1).
        When Polynesian immigrants settled in the Hawaiian Islands, they 
    brought with them water-control and slash-and-burn systems of 
    agriculture and encouraged plants that they introduced to grow in 
    valleys. Their use of the land resulted in erosion, changes in the 
    composition of native communities, and a reduction of biodiversity 
    (Cuddihy and Stone 1990; HHP 1990b; Kirch 1982; Wagner et al. 1985). 
    Hawaiians settled and altered many areas of Kauai including areas in 
    which some of the taxa in this rule grew (DLNR 1981a; HHP 1990a, 
    1990b). Many forested slopes were denuded in the mid-1800s to supply 
    firewood to whaling ships, plantations, and Honolulu residents. Native 
    plants, such as the historic population of Lipochaeta micrantha var. 
    micrantha in Koloa District (HHP 1991k4), were undoubtedly affected by 
    this practice. Also, sandalwood and tree fern harvesting occurred in 
    many areas, changing forest composition and affecting native taxa 
    (Cuddihy and Stone 1990).
        Beginning with Captain James Cook in 1792, early European explorers 
    introduced livestock, which became feral, increased in number and 
    range, and caused significant changes to the natural environment of 
    Hawaii. The 1848 provision for land sales to individuals allowed large-
    scale agricultural and ranching ventures to begin. So much land was 
    cleared for these enterprises that climatic conditions began to change 
    and the amount and distribution of rainfall were altered (Wenkam 1969). 
    Plantation owners supported reforestation programs that resulted in 
    many alien trees being introduced in the hope that the watershed could 
    be conserved. Beginning in the 1920s, water collection and diversion 
    systems were constructed in upland areas to irrigate lowland fields. It 
    is probable that individuals and populations of native plants were 
    destroyed. Some of the taxa, such as a Kokee population of Exocarpos 
    luteolus and a Waimea Canyon population of Schiedea spergulina var. 
    spergulina, which now occur near ditches of the irrigation system, may 
    have been affected (HHP 1991f4, 1991y2). The irrigation system also 
    opened new routes for the invasion of alien plants and animals into 
    native forests (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Culliney 1988, Wagner et al. 
    1990, Wenkam 1969).
        Past and present activities of introduced alien mammals are the 
    primary factor in altering and degrading vegetation and habitats on 
    Kauai, Niihau, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. Feral ungulates trample and eat 
    native vegetation and disturb and open new areas. This causes erosion 
    and allows the entry of alien plant taxa (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, 
    Wagner et al. 1990). Nineteen taxa in this proposal are directly 
    threatened by habitat degradation resulting from introduced ungulates: 
    17 taxa are threatened by goats; 10 by pigs; 3 by deer; and 1 by 
    cattle. In addition, an introduced ground-nesting bird potentially 
    threatens one taxon by disturbing its habitat.
        Goat (Capra hircus), a species originally native to the Middle East 
    and India, was successfully introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1792 
    and there currently are populations on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and 
    Hawaii. All feral goats were removed from Niihau about 1910, but by 
    that time they had caused considerable damage to the island's dry and 
    mesic forests. On Kauai, feral goats have been present in drier, more 
    rugged areas since the 1820s. They still occur in Waimea Canyon and 
    along the Na Pali Coast, as well as in the drier perimeter of Alakai 
    Swamp and even in its wetter areas during periods with low rainfall. 
    Goats have been on Oahu since about 1820 and they currently occur in 
    the northern Waianae Mountains. On Molokai, goats degrade dry forests 
    at low elevations and they are expanding their range (J. Lau, pers. 
    comm., 1991). On Maui, goats have been widespread for 100 to 150 years 
    and are common throughout the south slope of Haleakala (Medeiros et al. 
    1986). Goats are managed in Hawaii as a game animal, but many herds 
    populate inaccessible areas where hunting has little effect on their 
    numbers (HHP 1990c). Goat hunting is allowed year-round or during 
    certain months, depending on the area (DLNR n.d.-a, n.d.-b, n.d.-c, 
    1990). Goats browse on introduced grasses and native plants, especially 
    in drier and more open ecosystems. Feral goats eat native vegetation, 
    trample roots and seedlings, cause erosion, and promote the invasion of 
    alien plants. They are able to forage in extremely rugged terrain and 
    have a high reproductive capacity (Clarke and Cuddihy 1980, Cuddihy and 
    Stone 1990, Culliney 1988, Scott et al. 1986, Tomich 1986, van Riper 
    and van Riper 1982).
        Although many of the plants survive on steep cliffs inaccessible to 
    goats, their original range was probably much larger. Plants are 
    vulnerable to the long-term, indirect effects of goats, such as large-
    scale erosion (Corn et al. 1979). The habitats of many of the 24 plant 
    taxa in this rule were damaged in the past by goats and these effects 
    are still apparent today in the form of alien vegetation and erosion. 
    One or more populations of 17 of the following taxa are currently 
    threatened by direct damage from feral goats, such as trampling of 
    plants and seedlings and erosion of substrate: Brighamia insignis; 
    Delissea rhytidosperma; Diellia pallida; Exocarpos luteolus; Lipochaeta 
    fauriei; Lipochaeta micrantha var. micrantha; Lipochaeta waimeaensis; 
    Melicope haupuensis; Melicope knudsenii; Melicope pallida; 
    Munroidendron racemosum; Nothocestrum peltatum; Peucedanum sandwicense; 
    Phyllostegia waimeae; Pteralyxia kauaiensis, and both varieties of 
    Schiedea spergulina. In addition, it is probable that goats have 
    invaded the area in which the only known population of Hedyotis 
    cookiana occurs (Bruegmann 1990; Clarke and Cuddihy 1980; Culliney 
    1988; HHP 1991a1, 1991e3, 1991f6, 1991i3, 1991k5, 1991o1, 1991o2, 
    1991p1 to 1991p4, 1991q6, 1991q8, 1991s1, 1991s8 to 1991s10, 1991s15, 
    1991t7, 1991u14, 1991w5, 1991y5; HPCC 1990a, 1990i4, 1990j2, 1990j3, 
    1990k1, 1990k2; Lammers 1990; Lamoureux 1982; Medeiros et al. 1986; 
    Perlman 1979; St. John 1981b; Scott et al. 1986; Takeuchi 1982; van 
    Riper and van Riper 1982; C. Christensen, T. Flynn, R. Hobdy, J. Lau, 
    D. Lorence, S. Montgomery, S. Perlman, and K. Wood, pers. comms., 
    1991).
        Pig (Sus scrofa) is a species originally native to Europe, northern 
    Africa, Asia Minor, and Asia. European pigs, introduced to Hawaii by 
    Captain James Cook in 1778, became feral and invaded forested areas, 
    especially wet and mesic forests and dry areas at high elevations. They 
    are currently present on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, and 
    inhabit rain forests and grasslands. Pig hunting is allowed on all 
    islands either year-round or during certain months, depending on the 
    area (DLNR n.d.-a, n.d.-b, n.d.-c, 1990). While rooting in the ground 
    in search of the invertebrates and plant material they eat, feral pigs 
    disturb and destroy vegetative cover, trample plants and seedlings, and 
    threaten forest regeneration by damaging seeds and seedlings. They 
    disturb soil substrates and cause erosion, especially on slopes. Alien 
    plant seeds are dispersed on their hooves and coats as well as through 
    their digestive tracts. The disturbed soil is fertilized by their 
    feces, helping these plants to establish. Pigs are a major vector in 
    the spread of banana poka, firetree, and strawberry guava and enhance 
    populations of common guava, kahili ginger, Hamakua pamakani, prickly 
    Florida blackberry, sweet granadilla, and yellow ginger, all of which 
    threaten one or more of the taxa (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Medeiros et 
    al. 1986, Scott et al. 1986, Smith 1985, Stone 1985, Tomich 1986, 
    Wagner et al. 1990).
        Feral pigs pose an immediate threat to 1 or more populations of 11 
    of the taxa. At least one population of each of the following taxa is 
    threatened by feral pigs: Pteralyxia kauaiensis; Solanum sandwicense; 
    both varieties of Lipochaeta micrantha; Cyrtandra limahuliensis; 
    Delissea rhytidosperma; Diellia pallida; Exocarpos luteolus; Lipochaeta 
    fauriei; Melicope knudsenii; Melicope pallida; and Nothocestrum 
    peltatum. Pigs also constitute a potential threat to Cyanea asarifolia, 
    Hedyotis cookiana, Hibiscus clayi, Lipochaeta fauriei, and Lysimachia 
    filifolia (Bruegmann 1990; HHP 1991f6, 1991p1, 1991p3; HPCC 1990i3, 
    1990i4; J. Obata, pers. comm., 1990; C. Christensen, T. Flynn, R. 
    Hobdy, J. Lau, D. Lorence, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991).
        Cattle (Bos taurus), the wild progenitor of which was native to 
    Europe, north Africa, and southwestern Asia, were introduced to the 
    Hawaiian Islands in 1793. Large feral herds developed as a result of 
    restrictions on killing cattle decreed by King Kamehameha I. Feral 
    cattle formerly occurred on Niihau and, along with goats and sheep 
    (Ovis aries), caused much damage on the island (Stone 1985). On Kauai, 
    parts of Kokee were leased for cattle grazing in the 1850s and both 
    sides of Waimea Canyon were supporting large cattle ranching operations 
    by the 1870s (Joesting 1984, Ryan and Chang 1985). Cattle grazing began 
    about 1920 in the Na Pali region (DLNR 1981a). Cattle roamed lowland 
    areas and eventually began invading wet forests from adjacent mesic 
    areas. Around 1900, Augustus Knudsen, the district forester of Kauai 
    and a rancher, realizing the amount of destruction being caused to the 
    forests by cattle, initiated some fencing (Daehler 1973). Sugar company 
    interests funded additional fencing as well as feral cattle removal to 
    protect the forest from further degradation and to safeguard water 
    reserves for their crops (Wenkam 1969). On Kauai, feral cattle were 
    still present in Kokee as late as 1960 and in the Puu Ka Pele area in 
    the 1980s. Feral cattle roamed Oahu, but most were removed by the early 
    1960s. Today, only a few can be found in the northwestern part of the 
    island (J. Lau, pers. comm., 1990). Feral cattle were formerly found on 
    Molokai and Maui and damaged the forests there. Hunting of feral cattle 
    is no longer allowed in Hawaii (DLNR 1985). Cattle eat native 
    vegetation, trample roots and seedlings, cause erosion, create 
    disturbed areas into which alien plants invade, and spread seeds of 
    alien plants in their feces and on their bodies. The forest, in areas 
    grazed by cattle, becomes degraded to grassland pasture. Plant cover is 
    reduced for many years following removal of cattle from an area. 
    Several alien grasses and legumes purposely introduced for cattle 
    forage have become noxious weeds (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Scott et al. 
    1986, Tomich 1986).
        The habitats of many of the plants included in this rule were 
    degraded in the past by feral cattle. This has had effects which still 
    persist. Examples of plant taxa whose habitats have been altered by 
    feral cattle include Hibiscus clayi and Munroidendron racemosum. The 
    Maui population of Melicope knudsenii, growing in an area currently 
    used as a domestic cattle pasture, is directly threatened by trampling 
    by this animal (Degener and Degener 1959a; HHP 1991h3, 1991p1; 
    Lamoureux 1982).
        Individuals of mule deer or black-tailed deer (Odocoileus 
    hemionus), native from western North America to central Mexico, were 
    brought to Kauai from Oregon in the 1960s for game hunting and have not 
    been introduced to any other Hawaiian island. In part, mule deer were 
    introduced to provide another animal for hunting, since the State had 
    planned to reduce the number of goats on Kauai because they were so 
    destructive to the landscape (Kramer 1971). There are about 400 animals 
    in and near Waimea Canyon, with some invasion into Alakai Swamp in 
    drier periods. Mule deer, legally hunted during only one month each 
    year, trample native vegetation and cause erosion by creating trails 
    and removing vegetation (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, DLNR 1985, Tomich 
    1986). They are a threat to Delissea rhytidosperma, Diellia pallida, 
    and Nothocestrum peltatum (Bruegmann 1990; HPCC 1990b, 1990i3, 1990i4; 
    S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991).
        Axis deer (Axis), native to Sri Lanka and India, were first 
    introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1868 as a game animal on Molokai, 
    later to Oahu and Lanai, and finally to East Maui in 1960. Hunting of 
    axis deer is allowed only on Molokai and Lanai during two months of the 
    year. Considerable damage has been done to the forests on Molokai and 
    Lanai by this animal, especially through browsing of vegetation and 
    compaction of the soil (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Culliney 1988, DLNR 
    1985, Scott et al. 1986, Tomich 1986). With a population of about 100 
    animals on the lower southwest slope of Haleakala, the range of the 
    axis deer is expanding on East Maui and constitutes a potential threat 
    to Melicope knudsenii (Medeiros et al. 1986). On Molokai, axis deer are 
    encroaching on Pelekunu Valley and are already present in Kalaupapa, 
    thus posing a potential threat to populations of Peucedanum sandwicense 
    in these areas (HHP 1991u7, 1991u16; J. Lau, pers. comm., 1990).
        Red jungle fowl (Gallus), ground-nesting chickens native to India 
    and southeast Asia, were introduced to Hawaii by the Polynesian 
    immigrants and became feral in the forests. A current threat to the 
    Makaha Valley, Kauai, population of Nothocestrum peltatum, red jungle 
    fowl disturb the ground cover while searching for seeds, fruits, and 
    small invertebrates, thus disrupting seedling establishment (Cuddihy 
    and Stone 1990, HPCC 1990i3, Scott et al. 1986).
        Substrate loss due to agriculture, grazing animals (especially 
    goats), hikers, and vegetation change results in habitat degradation 
    and loss. This particularly affects plant populations located on cliffs 
    or steep slopes, including Lipochaeta waimeaensis, Brighamia insignis, 
    Diellia pallida, Exocarpos luteolus, Peucedanum sandwicense, and 
    Phyllostegia waimeae (Bruegmann 1990; Christensen 1979; HHP 1991f6; 
    Takeuchi 1982; G. Carr, R. Hobdy, and J. Obata, pers. comms., 1991).
    
    B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
    Educational Purposes.
    
        Unrestricted collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes 
    and excessive visits by individuals interested in seeing rare plants 
    could result from increased publicity. This is a potential threat to 
    all 24 of the taxa, but especially to Cyanea asarifolia, Delissea 
    rhytidosperma, Diellia pallida, Hibiscus clayi, Lipochaeta waimeaensis, 
    Melicope haupuensis, and Phyllostegia waimeae, each of which has only 1 
    or 2 populations and a total of 10 or fewer individuals. Collection of 
    whole plants or reproductive parts of any of these seven taxa could 
    cause an adverse impact on the gene pool and threaten the survival of 
    the taxa. Some taxa, such as Brighamia insignis, Exocarpos luteolus, 
    Hibiscus clayi, Nothocestrum peltatum, Peucedanum sandwicense, and 
    Solanum sandwicense, have populations close to trails or roads and are, 
    thus, easily accessible to collectors (HHP 1991a3, 1991f6, 1991h1, 
    1991t1, 1991t2, 1991t4, 1991t7, 1991u1, 1991u3, 1991u5, 1991u7, 
    1991u15, 1991z11, 1991z12, 1991z18, 1991z20, 1991z23, 1991z25, 1991z26; 
    HPCC 1990c, 1990i1 to 1990i4, 1990m).
        Many of the plants occur in recreational areas used for hiking, 
    camping, and hunting. Tourism is a growing industry in Hawaii and as 
    more people seek recreational activities, they are more likely to come 
    into contact with rare native plants. People can transport or introduce 
    alien plants through seeds on their footwear and they can cause 
    erosion, trample plants, and start fires (Corn et al. 1979). Brighamia 
    insignis, Hibiscus clayi, and Peucedanum sandwicense have populations 
    next to trails and are considered to be immediately threatened by 
    recreational use of the areas in which they occur (Clarke and Cuddihy 
    1980; Takeuchi 1982; T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991).
    
    C. Disease or Predation
    
        Browsing damage by goats has been verified for the following taxa: 
    Brighamia insignis; Exocarpos luteolus; Peucedanum sandwicense; and 
    Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina (HHP 1991y5; Takeuchi 1982; T. 
    Flynn, J. Lau, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991; L. Mehrhoff, pers. 
    comm., 1993). The remaining taxa are not known to be unpalatable to 
    goats, deer, or cattle and, therefore, predation is a probable threat 
    where those animals have been reported, potentially affecting 15 
    additional taxa. These taxa include Delissea rhytidosperma, Diellia 
    pallida, Hedyotis cookiana, Hibiscus clayi, Lipochaeta fauriei, 
    Lipochaeta micrantha, Lipochaeta waimeaensis, Melicope haupuensis, 
    Melicope knudsenii, Melicope pallida, Munroidendron racemosum, 
    Nothocestrum peltatum, Phyllostegia waimeae, Pteralyxia kauaiensis, and 
    Solanum sandwicense. The lack of seedlings of many of the taxa and the 
    occurrence of individuals of several taxa only on inaccessible cliffs 
    appear to indicate the effect that browsing mammals, especially goats, 
    have had in restricting the distribution of these plants (HHP 1990b, 
    Takeuchi 1982).
        Of the four species of rodents that have been introduced to the 
    Hawaiian Islands, the species with the greatest impact on the native 
    flora and fauna is probably the black or roof rat (Rattus rattus), 
    which now occurs on all the main Hawaiian Islands around human 
    habitations, in cultivated fields, and in dry to wet forests. Black 
    rats, and to a lesser extent house mouse (Mus musculus), Polynesian rat 
    (Rattus exulans), and Norway rat (R. norvegicus) eat the fruits of some 
    native plants, especially those with large, fleshy fruits. Many native 
    Hawaiian plants produce their fruit over an extended period of time and 
    this produces a prolonged food supply that supports rodent populations. 
    Black rats strip bark from some native plants (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, 
    Tomich 1986). Rats threaten Delissea rhytidosperma by damaging the 
    fruits and stems (Bruegmann 1990). Rats eat fruits of Exocarpos 
    luteolus, threatening this species as well. It is probable that rats 
    damage the fruit and stems of Cyanea asarifolia, Munroidendron 
    racemosum, and Pteralyxia kauaiensis, which have fleshy fruits and 
    populations in areas where rats occur (Lamoureux 1982; T. Flynn and D. 
    Herbst, pers. comms., 1991).
        Black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) is a small beetle about 
    1.6 mm (0.06 in) in length that burrows into branches, introduces a 
    pathogenic fungus as food for its larvae, and lays its eggs. Twigs, 
    branches, and even the entire plant can be killed from such an 
    infestation. In the Hawaiian Islands, black twig borer has many hosts, 
    disperses easily, and is probably present at most elevations up to 
    2,500 ft (670 m). It is known to attack species of Melicope and is a 
    potential threat to Melicope haupuensis, M. knudsenii, M. pallida, and 
    M. quadrangularis, all of which grow in areas where the insect is 
    believed to be present (Davis 1970; Hara and Beardsley 1979; Hill 1987; 
    Medeiros et al. 1986; Samuelson 1981; S. Montgomery, pers. comm., 
    1991).
    
    D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    
        Hawaii's Endangered Species Act states, ``Any species of aquatic 
    life, wildlife, or land plant that has been determined to be an 
    endangered species pursuant to the [Federal] Endangered Species Act 
    shall be deemed to be an endangered species under the provisions of 
    this chapter * * *'' (HRS, sect. 195D-4(a)). Federal listing would 
    automatically invoke listing under Hawaii State law, which prohibits 
    taking of endangered plants in the State and encourages conservation by 
    State agencies (HRS, sect. 195D-4).
        None of the 24 taxa in this final rule are listed by the State. 
    Twelve taxa have populations located on privately owned land. Two taxa, 
    Melicope quadrangularis and Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda, are 
    found exclusively on private land. Peucedanum sandwicense is found on 
    City and County of Honolulu land and federally managed land, as well as 
    State land. At least one population of each taxon except Schiedea 
    spergulina var. leiopoda and Melicope quadrangularis occur on State 
    land. Eleven of the taxa are located in State parks, NARs, or the 
    seabird sanctuary, which have rules and regulations for the protection 
    of resources (DLNR 1981b; HRS, sects. 183D-4, 184-5, 195- 5, and 195-
    8). One or more populations of each of the 24 tax a except Schiedea 
    spergulina var. leiopoda is located on land classified within 
    conservation districts and owned by the City and County of Honolulu, 
    the State of Hawaii, or private companies or individuals. Regardless of 
    the owner, lands within these districts are regarded as necessary for 
    the protection of endemic biological resources and for the maintenance, 
    enhancement, or conservation of natural resources. Activities permitted 
    in conservation districts are chosen by considering how best to make 
    multiple use of the land (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 land use change proposed to occur on county or State lands and 
    funded, in part or in whole, by county or State funds, or would occur 
    within land classified as conservation district, an environmental 
    assessment is required to determine whether or not the environment 
    would be significantly affected (HRS, chapt. 343). If it is found that 
    an action would 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, would trigger operation of these other 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)). If listing were to occur, 
    funds for these activities could be made available under section 6 of 
    the Federal Endangered Species Act (State Cooperative Agreements). The 
    DLNR 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).
        Ten of the taxa are threatened by plants considered by the State of 
    Hawaii to be noxious weeds. The State has provisions for eradication 
    and control of noxious weeds on State and private land in conservation 
    districts and other areas (HRS, chapt. 152; DOA 1981, 1991). State and 
    Federal agencies have programs to locate, eradicate, and deter 
    marijuana cultivation, which is a potential threat to six taxa (HHP 
    1990c). Federal listing of these 24 plant taxa would reinforce and 
    supplement the protection available under the Hawaii State Endangered 
    Species Act and other laws. The Federal Endangered Species Act would 
    offer additional protection to these 24 taxa because, if they were to 
    be listed as endangered or threatened, it would be a violation of the 
    Federal Endangered Species 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
    
        One or more of the almost 50 taxa of introduced plants threaten 21 
    of the 24 plant taxa in this rule and potentially threaten the other 
    three. The original native flora of Hawaii consisted of about 1,000 
    taxa, 89 percent of which were endemic. Of the total native and 
    naturalized Hawaiian flora of 1,817 taxa, 47 percent were introduced 
    from other parts of the world and nearly 100 taxa have become pests 
    (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). Naturalized, introduced taxa degrade 
    the Hawaiian landscape and compete with native plants for space, light, 
    water, and nutrients (Cuddihy and Stone, 1990; D. Lorence, pers. comm., 
    1991). Some of these taxa were brought to Hawaii by various groups of 
    people, including the Polynesian immigrants, for food or cultural 
    reasons. Plantation owners, alarmed at the reduction of water resources 
    for their crops caused by the destruction of native forest cover by 
    grazing feral animals, supported the introduction of alien tree taxa 
    for reforestation. Ranchers intentionally introduced pasture grasses 
    and other taxa for agriculture and sometimes inadvertently introduced 
    weed seeds as well. Other plants were brought to Hawaii for their 
    potential horticultural value (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Scott et al. 
    1986, Wenkam 1969).
        A small tree, Acacia confusa (Formosa koa), was introduced to 
    Hawaii for reforestation purposes and is naturalized in dry to mesic, 
    disturbed habitats on most of the Hawaiian Islands (Smith 1985, Wagner 
    et al. 1990). Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) was introduced as a 
    cultivated plant and has naturalized on five islands in pastures and 
    dry to mesic forests (Wagner et al. 1990). It threatens Exocarpos 
    luteolus (T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991). Two subshrubs in the genus 
    Ageratina have naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands and are classified 
    as noxious weeds by the State (Hawaii, Department of Agriculture (DOA) 
    1981). Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani), naturalized in dry areas 
    to wet forests on four islands, is also classified as a noxious weed by 
    the Federal government (7 CFR 360). It threatens Peucedanum sandwicense 
    (HHP 1991u16, Wagner et al. 1990). Ageratina riparia (Hamakua pamakani) 
    is naturalized in disturbed, dry to mesic areas and wet forest on four 
    islands and is a threat to Lysimachia filifolia, as well as to 
    Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1991u16; HPCC 1990g2, 1990j1, 1990j3; 
    Wagner et al. 1990). Ageratum conyzoides (maile hohono), an herb that 
    is a common weed in many areas of the main Hawaiian Islands, threatens 
    Brighamia insignis in some areas (HHP 1991a1; Wagner et al. 1990).
        Although it is the official State tree of Hawaii, Aleurites 
    moluccana (kukui) is not a native Hawaiian plant. It was originally 
    native to Malesia. It was brought to Hawaii by the Polynesian 
    immigrants and is now a component of mesic valley ecosystems on all of 
    the main islands except Kahoolawe (Wagner et al. 1990). One or more 
    populations of Hibiscus clayi, Lipochaeta fauriei, Munroidendron 
    racemosum, and Pteralyxia kauaiensis grow in areas with kukui, which 
    may compete with these native species for space. Hibiscus clayi and 
    Lipochaeta fauriei do not grow under a dense canopy, so kukui could 
    prevent them from regenerating in an area. Munroidendron racemosum and 
    Pteralyxia kauaiensis, overstory trees in native forests, are displaced 
    when kukui dominates (HHP 1991h2, 1991s1, 1991s4, 1991s5, 1991s8, 
    1991s10, 1991s15, 1991w1, 1991w4, 1991w5; HPCC 1990d3; Lamoureux 1982; 
    T. Flynn, J. Lau, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). Araucaria 
    columnaris (columnar araucaria), planted in Hawaii for reforestation 
    and timber production and now found on all the main islands, is 
    reseeding and threatens Hibiscus clayi (Little and Skolman 1989; Neal 
    1965; D. Bates, pers. comm., 1991). Bidens pilosa (Spanish needle), an 
    annual herb naturalized on all the main Hawaiian Islands, is a threat 
    to Peucedanum sandwicense (Ganders and Nagata 1990, HHP 1991u15).
        Classified as a noxious weed by the State of Hawaii, Clidemia hirta 
    (Koster's curse) is an aggressive shrub found in mesic to wet forests 
    on at least five islands in Hawaii (Almeda 1990, DOA 1981). It is a 
    threat to Melicope pallida and Peucedanum sandwicense. It is a 
    potential threat to Cyrtandra limahuliensis (HHP 1990c; T. Flynn and S. 
    Montgomery, pers. comms., 1991). Cordyline fruticosa (ti) is a shrub 
    that was brought to Hawaii by the Polynesian immigrants. Its original 
    range is unknown, but in Hawaii it is now naturalized on all the main 
    islands except Kahoolawe in hala forest and mesic valleys and forests, 
    sometimes forming dense stands (Wagner et al. 1990; J. Lau, pers. 
    comm., 1991). One or more populations of the following taxa compete for 
    space with ti: Delissea rhytidosperma; Hibiscus clayi; Lipochaeta 
    micrantha var. exigua; Lysimachia filifolia; Munroidendron racemosum; 
    and Pteralyxia kauaiensis (HHP 1991d2, 1991h1, 1991h2, 1991j1, 1991s1, 
    1991w7; HPCC 1990c, 1990e, 1990g2; J. Lau, T. Flynn, and S. Perlman, 
    pers. comms., 1991). Corynocarpus laevigatus (karakanut), a tree 
    introduced to Hawaii for reforestation, is now found on four islands 
    and is a threat to Exocarpos luteolus (Wagner et al. 1990; T. Flynn, 
    pers. comm., 1991).
        Brought to Hawaii as a cultivated herbaceous plant, Erigeron 
    karvinskianus (daisy fleabane) is naturalized in wetter areas of four 
    islands (Wagner et al. 1990). Invasion by daisy fleabane threatens 
    Exocarpos luteolus, Lipochaeta micrantha var. micrantha, Melicope 
    pallida, Nothocestrum peltatum, and Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1991k1; 
    HPCC 1990f, 1990i4, 1990j2; T. Flynn and K. Wood, pers. comms., 1991). 
    Furcraea foetida (Mauritius hemp), a large rosette plant naturalized on 
    most islands in Hawaii on rocky ledges, slopes, and in pastures, 
    threatens Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda (Wagner et al. 1990; T. 
    Flynn, pers. comm., 1991). Grevillea banksii (kahili flower), 
    considered a noxious weed by the State of Hawaii, was introduced as a 
    cultivated tree and has naturalized in disturbed, dry to wet forests on 
    most of the main Hawaiian Islands (DOA 1981, Wagner et al. 1990). It 
    threatens Cyrtandra limahuliensis (T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991). 
    Grevillea robusta (silk oak) was extensively planted in Hawaii for 
    timber and is now naturalized on most of the main islands (Smith 1985, 
    Wagner et al. 1990). Silk oak threatens Lipochaeta waimeaensis and 
    Peucedanum sandwicense (HPCC 1990j1; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991).
        Three species of Hedychium (ginger), native to the Himalayas and 
    surrounding areas, were brought to Hawaii as ornamentals and are now 
    naturalized in mesic or wet forests. Two of these species threaten one 
    or more of the 24 taxa in this rule. Their rhizomes produce rapid, 
    vegetative growth, forming dense ground cover that excludes other 
    plants. The Wainiha population of Cyrtandra limahuliensis is threatened 
    by H. flavescens (yellow ginger) (T. Flynn and K. Wood, pers. comms., 
    1991). Hedychium gardnerianum (kahili ginger) produces red seeds that 
    are distributed by alien fruit-eating birds; it threatens Solanum 
    sandwicense (Cuddihy and Stone 1990; HPCC 1990m; Nagata 1990; Smith 
    1985; T. Flynn and K. Wood, pers. comms., 1991). 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). 
    Populations of Brighamia insignis and Peucedanum sandwicense are 
    threatened by competition with air plant (HHP 1991u15, Takeuchi 1982).
        Lantana camara (lantana), brought to Hawaii as an ornamental plant, 
    is an aggressive, thicket-forming shrub that can now be found on all of 
    the main islands in mesic forests, dry shrublands, and other dry, 
    disturbed habitats (Wagner et al. 1990). One or more populations of 
    each of the following taxa are threatened by lantana: Brighamia 
    insignis; Delissea rhytidosperma; Diellia pallida; Hibiscus clayi; 
    Lipochaeta fauriei; both varieties of Lipochaeta micrantha; Melicope 
    haupuensis; Melicope knudsenii; Munroidendron racemosum; Nothocestrum 
    peltatum; Peucedanum sandwicense; Pteralyxia kauaiensis; and both 
    varieties of Schiedea spergulina (HHP 1991a1 to 1991a3, 1991e3, 1991i1, 
    1991j1, 1991k1, 1991o1, 1991p2 to 1991p4, 1991s1, 1991s5, 1991s11, 
    1991s15, 1991t7, 1991u1, 1991u3, 1991u5, 1991w4, 1991w7, 1991y5; HPCC 
    1990a, 1990d1, 1990d2, 1990e, 1990f, 1990k1, 1990k2; T. Flynn, R. 
    Hobdy, D. Lorence, and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991).
        Leucaena leucocephala (koa haole), a shrub naturalized and 
    sometimes the dominant species in low elevation, dry, disturbed areas 
    on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, threatens the following plants: 
    Lipochaeta waimeaensis; Munroidendron racemosum; and Schiedea 
    spergulina var. leiopoda (Geesnick et al. 1990; HHP 1991s3; Lamoureux 
    1982; T. Flynn and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). Lonicera japonica 
    (Japanese honeysuckle) is becoming naturalized in mesic to wet areas on 
    Kauai and Hawaii and threatens Solanum sandwicense Bruegmann 1990, HPCC 
    1990m, Wagner et al. 1990). Melastoma candidum, a small cultivated tree 
    that is now naturalized in mesic to wet areas of Kauai, threatens some 
    populations of Cyrtandra limahuliensis. Melia azedarach (Chinaberry), a 
    small tree widely cultivated and naturalized on most of the main 
    Hawaiian Islands, threatens Diellia pallida, Munroidendron racemosum, 
    and Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina (HHP 1991e3, 1991y5; HPCC 
    1990h; Wagner et al. 1990). The aggressive Myrica faya (firetree) has 
    become a dominant plant in many mesic to wet forests on five Hawaiian 
    Islands. Populations of Exocarpos luteolus, Munroidendron racemosum, 
    and Peucedanum sandwicense are threatened by firetree (HHP 1991u3; HPCC 
    1990h; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly 
    pear, panini) is a cactus found in dry, disturbed habitats on five 
    islands and poses a threat to Lipochaeta waimeaensis (Solomon 1990; S. 
    Perlman, pers. comm., 1991).
        Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) is a woody vine that occurs on 
    five Hawaiian Islands in mesic forests and shrublands and threatens 
    Nothocestrum peltatum (Escobar 1990, HPCC 1990i3). Passiflora ligularis 
    (sweet granadilla) is a woody vine that now occurs in diverse mesic 
    forest and wet forest on four islands and threatens Delissea 
    rhytidosperma (Escobar 1990; S. Perlman, pers. comm., 1991). Passiflora 
    mollissima (banana poka), another woody vine, poses a serious problem 
    to mesic forests on Kauai and Hawaii by covering trees, reducing the 
    amount of light that reaches trees as well as understory. It causes 
    damage and death to trees by the weight of the vines. Animals, 
    especially feral pigs, eat the fruit and distribute the seeds (Cuddihy 
    and Stone 1990, Escobar 1990). Banana poka threatens Delissea 
    rhytidosperma, Nothocestrum peltatum, Peucedanum sandwicense, 
    Pteralyxia kauaiensis, and Solanum sandwicense (HHP 1991d1, 1991u5; 
    HPCC 1990i3, 1990m; D. Herbst, R. Hobdy, and J. Lau, pers. comms., 
    1991). Pluchea carolinensis (sourbush), a shrub naturalized in dry, 
    coastal areas and mesic and wet forest on all of the main Hawaiian 
    Islands, threatens Lysimachia filifolia and Peucedanum sandwicense 
    (HPCC 1990g2; Wagner et al. 1990; R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1991).
        Two shrubs or small trees, Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava) 
    and Psidium guajava (common guava) were brought to Hawaii and have 
    become widely naturalized on all the main islands, forming dense stands 
    in disturbed areas. Strawberry guava, found in mesic and wet forests, 
    develops into stands in which few other plants grow, physically 
    displacing natural vegetation and greatly affecting Hawaiian plants, 
    many of which are narrowly endemic taxa. Pigs use strawberry guava for 
    food and, in turn, disperse the plant's seeds through the forests 
    (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). Strawberry guava is considered to be 
    the greatest weed problem in Hawaiian rain forests and is known to pose 
    a threat to Brighamia insignis, Cyrtandra limahuliensis, Hibiscus 
    clayi, Lipochaeta fauriei, and Lipochaeta micrantha var. exigua, and it 
    is a potential threat to Melicope quadrangularis (HHP 1991a1; HPCC 
    1990c, 1990e; Smith 1985; T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991; D. Lorence et 
    al., in litt., 1991). Common guava invades disturbed sites, forming 
    dense thickets in dry as well as mesic and wet forests (Smith 1985, 
    Wagner et al. 1990). Common guava threatens Brighamia insignis, 
    Cyrtandra limahuliensis, Hibiscus clayi, Lipochaeta fauriei, Melicope 
    pallida, Munroidendron racemosum, Peucedanum sandwicense, and 
    Pteralyxia kauaiensis (Lamoureux 1982; HHP 1991a1, 1991a4, 1991s1, 
    1991s4, 1991s5, 1991u3, 1991u16; HPCC 1990d1, 1990h; T. Flynn, R. 
    Hobdy, and J. Lau, pers. comms., 1991).
        Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry), an aggressive alien 
    species in disturbed mesic to wet forests and subalpine grasslands on 
    four islands, is considered a noxious weed by the State of Hawaii (DOA 
    1981, Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). Prickly Florida blackberry 
    threatens Exocarpos luteolus, Melicope pallida, Melicope 
    quadrangularis, Nothocestrum peltatum, and Solanum sandwicense (HHP 
    1991z18, 1991z25; HPCC 1990i3, 1990i4, 1990m; T. Flynn, D. Herbst, R. 
    Hobdy, J. Lau, S. Perlman, and K. Wood, pers. comms., 1991). Schefflera 
    actinophylla (octopus tree), brought to Hawaii as a cultivated tree, is 
    shade tolerant and becomes established in undisturbed forests (Lowrey 
    1990, Smith 1985). It is now naturalized on at least four islands and 
    is a threat to Lysimachia filifolia as well as a potential threat to 
    Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1990c, HPCC 1990g2).
        After escaping from cultivation, Schinus terebinthifolius 
    (Christmas berry) became naturalized on most of the main Hawaiian 
    Islands (Wagner et al. 1990). It threatens Hibiscus clayi and is a 
    potential threat to Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1990c, 1991h1; HPCC 
    1990j1, 1990j3; T. Flynn, pers. comm., 1991). Four species of the genus 
    Stachytarpheta have naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, usually in 
    disturbed areas (Wagner et al. 1990). These alien herbs or subshrubs 
    threaten Brighamia insignis and Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1991a1, 
    HPCC 1990j1). Syzygium cumini (Java plum), a tree naturalized in 
    disturbed mesic forests on most of the main Hawaiian Islands, threatens 
    Brighamia insignis, Hibiscus clayi, Melicope quadrangularis, and 
    Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1991a1, 1991a2, 1991h1, 1991h2, 1991u1, 
    1991u3; HPCC 1990a; Wagner et al. 1990; K. Wood, pers. comm., 1991). 
    Triumfetta semitriloba (Sacramento bur) is a subshrub now found on four 
    Hawaiian Islands and considered to be a noxious weed by the State of 
    Hawaii (DOA 1981, Wagner et al. 1990). Populations of Munroidendron 
    racemosum and Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina are threatened by 
    Sacramento bur (HHP 1991y5, HPCC 1990h). Toona ciliata (Australian red 
    cedar), a tree now naturalized on four Hawaiian Islands, is quickly 
    spreading in forests of the Waianae Mountains on Oahu and threatens 
    Melicope pallida (Wagner et al. 1990; S. Montgomery, pers. comm., 
    1991).
        Several hundred species of grasses have been introduced to the 
    Hawaiian Islands, many for animal forage. Approximately 100 grass 
    species have become naturalized. 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. Formed mats smother out other plants and fuel more 
    intense fires than would normally affect an area (Cuddihy and Stone 
    1990, O'Connor 1990, Smith 1985). Plants threatened by molasses grass 
    are Brighamia insignis, Lipochaeta fauriei, and populations of 
    Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1991a1, 1991a3, 1991u3; HPCC 1990a; R. 
    Hobdy and S. Perlman, pers. comms., 1991). Oplismenus hirtellus 
    (basketgrass) is a perennial grass that is naturalized in shaded mesic 
    valleys and forests and sometimes in wet forests on most of the main 
    Hawaiian Islands (O'Connor 1990). Diellia pallida, Hibiscus clayi, and 
    Lipochaeta fauriei are threatened by basketgrass (HHP 1991h1; HPCC 
    1990c, 1990d3; W.H. Wagner, pers comm., 1991). The perennial grass, 
    Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo grass), naturalized in moist to wet, 
    disturbed areas on most Hawaiian Islands, produces a dense ground 
    cover, even on poor soil, and threatens Cyrtandra limahuliensis and 
    Hibiscus clayi (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, O'Connor 1990, Smith 1985; T. 
    Flynn and R. Hobdy, pers. comms., 1991).
        Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu grass), an aggressive, perennial 
    grass introduced to Hawaii as a pasture grass, withstands trampling and 
    grazing and has naturalized on four Hawaiian Islands in dry to mesic 
    forest. It produces thick mats that choke out other plants and prevent 
    their seedlings from establishing and has been declared a noxious weed 
    by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (7 CFR 360) (DOA 1991, Medeiros 
    et al. 1986, O'Connor 1990, Smith 1985). Kikuyu grass threatens 
    Melicope knudsenii (R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1991). Rhynchelytrum repens 
    (Natal redtop) is an annual or perennial grass that is naturalized in 
    disturbed, usually dry areas on all the main Hawaiian Islands and 
    threatens Lipochaeta waimeaensis (O'Connor 1990; S. Perlman, pers. 
    comm., 1991). Setaria gracilis (yellow foxtail), a perennial grass 
    naturalized in wet to dry, disturbed habitat on most of the main 
    Hawaiian Islands, threatens Brighamia insignis, Melicope haupuensis, 
    and Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1991a1, 1991a3, 1991o1, 1991u3; 
    O'Connor 1990). A perennial grass naturalized in disturbed areas on 
    most of the main Hawaiian Islands, Sporobolus africanus (smutgrass) 
    threatens Brighamia insignis and Peucedanum sandwicense (HHP 1991a1, 
    1991a3, 1991u15; O'Connor 1990).
        Because Hawaiian plants were subjected to fire during their 
    evolution only in areas of volcanic activity and from occasional 
    lightning strikes, they are not adapted to recurring fire regimes and 
    are unable to recover well following a fire. Alien plants are often 
    better adapted to fire than native plant taxa and some fire-adapted 
    grasses have become widespread in Hawaii. The presence of such taxa in 
    Hawaiian ecosystems greatly increases the intensity, extent, and 
    frequency of fire. Fire-adapted alien taxa can reestablish in a burned 
    area, resulting in a reduction in the amount of native vegetation after 
    each fire. Fire is a serious, immediate threat along the Na Pali coast, 
    especially during drier months. Fires are caused by people pursuing 
    recreational activities and prevailing winds spread fires to inland 
    areas. Fire could destroy dormant seeds as well as plants, even on 
    steep cliffs (Clarke and Cuddihy 1980, Corn et al. 1979, Cuddihy and 
    Stone 1990). Fire is a threat to Brighamia insignis, Exocarpos 
    luteolus, Melicope pallida, Munroidendron racemosum, Nothocestrum 
    peltatum, Peucedanum sandwicense, Pteralyxia kauaiensis, and Solanum 
    sandwicense. In addition, Lipochaeta fauriei is threatened by fire 
    because it occurs with molasses grass, a fire-adapted alien plant. The 
    only population of Delissea rhytidosperma is also considered to be 
    threatened by fire. The Maui population of Melicope knudsenii is 
    potentially threatened by fire, since it grows in a pasture area 
    covered by a thick mat of Kikuyu grass (Bruegmann 1990; Cuddihy and 
    Stone 1990; HHP 1991a1, 1991a3, 1991f3, 1991f6, 1991q6, 1991s2, 1991s5 
    to 1991s8, 1991s10, 1991s14, 1991s15, 1991t1, 1991t2, 1991u1, 1991u5, 
    1991u6, 1991u15, 1991u17, 1991w2, 1991w4, 1991z11, 1991z12, 1991z18, 
    1991z25; HPCC 1990i4; Medeiros et al. 1986; St. John 1981b; R. Hobdy, 
    pers. comm., 1991).
        Illegal cultivation of Cannabis sativa (marijuana) occurs in 
    isolated portions of public and private lands in the Hawaiian Islands. 
    This agricultural practice opens areas in native forests into which 
    alien plants invade after the patches are abandoned (HHP 1990c). 
    Marijuana cultivation is considered a management problem in Hono O Na 
    Pali and Kuia NARs and is a potential threat to the following taxa, 
    which have populations in those areas: Brighamia insignis; Delissea 
    rhytidosperma; Munroidendron racemosum; Peucedanum sandwicense; 
    Pteralyxia kauaiensis; and Solanum sandwicense (HHP 1991a1, 1991d1, 
    1991s5, 1991s6, 1991u6, 1991w1, 1991z25; HHP and DOFAW 1989).
        The small numbers of populations and individuals of most of these 
    taxa increase the potential for extinction from stochastic events. The 
    limited gene pool may depress reproductive vigor or a single human-
    caused or natural environmental disturbance could destroy a significant 
    percentage of the individuals or the only known extant population. 
    Eight of the taxa, Cyanea asarifolia, Delissea rhytidosperma, Hedyotis 
    cookiana, Hibiscus clayi, Lipochaeta waimeaensis, Melicope haupuensis, 
    Melicope quadrangularis, and Schiedea spergulina var. leiopoda are 
    known from a single population. Ten other taxa are known from only two 
    to five populations (see Table 1). Seventeen of the taxa are estimated 
    to number no more than 100 known individuals (see Table 1). Seven of 
    these taxa, Cyanea asarifolia, Delissea rhytidosperma, Diellia pallida, 
    Hibiscus clayi, Lipochaeta waimeaensis, Melicope haupuensis, and 
    Phyllostegia waimeae, number no more than 10 individuals.
        Erosion, landslides, and rock slides due to natural weathering, 
    result in the death of individual plants as well as habitat 
    destruction. This especially affects the continued existence of taxa 
    with limited numbers and/or narrow ranges, such as Cyanea asarifolia, 
    Delissea rhytidosperma, Lysimachia filifolia, Schiedea spergulina var. 
    leiopoda, and Solanum sandwicensis (CPC 1990; HHP 1991b2; HPCC 1990g1, 
    1990g2; T. Flynn and W.L. Wagner, pers. comms., 1991; D. Lorence et 
    al., in litt., 1991). Individuals of other species, such as Hedyotis 
    cookiana and Cyrtandra limahuliensis, are potentially threatened by 
    substrate loss. This process is often exacerbated by human disturbance 
    and land use practices (see Factor A).
        In November 1982, Hurricane Iwa struck the Hawaiian Islands and 
    caused extensive damage, especially on the island of Kauai. Many forest 
    trees were destroyed, opening the canopy and, thus, allowing the 
    invasion of light-loving alien plants. These plants are a threat to the 
    continued existence of many of the taxa in this rule. Hurricane Iniki 
    hit the island of Kauai in September 1992 and caused significant damage 
    to rare plant populations on that island. Populations of at least four 
    taxa in this rule were seriously damaged by this hurricane, Cyanea 
    asarifolia, Brighamia insignis, Lysimachia filifolia, and Delissea 
    rhytidosperma. Damage by additional hurricanes could further decrease 
    the already reduced habitat of all 24 taxa.
        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, the preferred action is to list 21 of 
    these plant taxa as endangered, Brighamia insignis ('olulu), Cyanea 
    asarifolia (haha), Delissea rhytidosperma (no common name (NCN)), 
    Diellia pallida (NCN), Exocarpos luteolus (heau), Hedyotis cookiana 
    ('awiwi), Hibiscus clayi (Clay's hibiscus), Lipochaeta fauriei (nehe), 
    Lipochaeta micrantha (nehe), Lipochaeta waimeaensis (nehe), Lysimachia 
    filifolia (NCN), Melicope haupuensis (alani), Melicope knudsenii 
    (alani), Melicope pallida (alani), Melicope quadrangularis (alani), 
    Munroidendron racemosum (NCN), Nothocestrum peltatum ('aiea), 
    Phyllostegia waimeae (NCN), Pteralyxia kauaiensis (kaulu), Schiedea 
    spergulina var. leiopoda (NCN), and Solanum sandwicense 
    (popolo'aiakeakua). The preferred action for the remaining three plant 
    taxa is to list them as threatened, Cyrtandra limahuliensis (ha'iwale), 
    Peucedanum sandwicense (makou), and Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina 
    (NCN). Nineteen of the taxa determined to be endangered either number 
    no more than 100 individuals or are known from 5 or fewer populations. 
    Small population size and limited distribution make these taxa 
    particularly vulnerable to extinction and/or reduced reproductive vigor 
    from stochastic events. The 21 taxa are threatened by 1 or more of the 
    following: Habitat degradation and/or predation by feral goats, feral 
    cattle, feral pigs, rats, and deer; competition from alien plants; 
    natural disaster; human impacts; and lack of legal protection or 
    difficulty in enforcing laws that are already in effect. Because these 
    21 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.
        Populations of three taxa (Cyrtandra limahuliensis, Peucedanum 
    sandwicense, and Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina) are threatened to 
    some degree by fire, competition with alien plant taxa, and predation 
    by feral animals. The widespread distribution of populations and total 
    number of individuals reduces the likelihood that these taxa will 
    become extinct in the near future. For these reasons, these taxa are 
    not now in immediate danger of extinction throughout all or a 
    significant portion of their ranges. However, Cyrtandra limahuliensis, 
    Peucedanum sandwicense, and Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina are 
    likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future if these threats 
    are not curtailed. As a result, Cyrtandra limahuliensis, Peucedanum 
    sandwicense, and Schiedea spergulina var. spergulina fit the definition 
    of threatened species as defined in the Act.
        Critical habitat is not being designated for the 24 taxa included 
    in this rule, for reasons discussed in the ``Critical Habitat'' section 
    of this rule.
    
    Critical Habitat
    
        Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, requires that, to the 
    maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Secretary designate 
    critical habitat at the time the taxa is listed. The Service finds that 
    designation of critical habitat is not presently prudent for these 
    species. As discussed under Factor B in the ``Summary of Factors 
    Affecting the Species,'' the species face numerous anthropogenic 
    threats. The publication of precise maps and descriptions of critical 
    habitat in the Federal Register, as required for the designation of 
    critical habitat, would increase the degree of threat to these plants 
    from take or vandalism and, therefore, could contribute to their 
    decline and increase enforcement problems. The listing of these species 
    under the Act publicizes the rarity of the plants and, thus, can make 
    these plants attractive to researchers, curiosity seekers, or 
    collectors of rare plants. All involved parties and the major 
    landowners have been notified of the importance of protecting the 
    habitat of these species. Protection of the habitat of the species will 
    be addressed through the recovery process and through the section 7 
    consultation process. There is only one Federal activity within the 
    currently known habitats of these plants. One species is located on 
    land owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and is currently 
    under a cooperative management agreement with the National Park Service 
    in Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the island of Molokai. As 
    protection of the species is now under the jurisdiction of the National 
    Park Service, Federal laws protect all plants in the park from damage 
    or removal. Therefore, the Service finds that designation of critical 
    habitat for these species is not prudent at this time, because such 
    designation would increase the degree of threat from vandalism, 
    collecting, or other human activities and because it is unlikely to aid 
    in the conservation of these species.
    
    Available Conservation Measures
    
        Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
    threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition, 
    recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions 
    against certain activities. Recognition through listing encourages and 
    results in conservation actions by Federal, State, and private 
    agencies, groups, and individuals. The Endangered Species Act provides 
    for possible land acquisition and cooperation with the State and 
    requires that recovery actions be carried out for all listed species. 
    The protection required of Federal agencies and the prohibitions 
    against certain activities involving listed plants are discussed, in 
    part, below.
        Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to 
    evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or 
    listed as endangered 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)(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 a listed species or to 
    destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action 
    may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible 
    Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the Service. 
    One population of Peucedanum sandwicense is located in Kalaupapa 
    National Historical Park. Laws relating to national parks prohibit 
    damage or removal of any plants growing in the parks. There are no 
    other known Federal activities that occur within the present known 
    habitat of these 24 plant species.
        The Act and its implementing regulations found at 50 CFR 17.61, 
    17.62, and 17.63 for endangered plants and 17.71 and 17.72 for 
    threatened plants not covered by a special rule, set forth a series of 
    prohibitions and exceptions that apply to listed plant species. With 
    respect to the 24 plant species listed as endangered or threatened in 
    this rule, the prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented 
    by 50 CFR 17.61 or 17.71, 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; remove and reduce to possession any such species 
    from areas under Federal jurisdiction; maliciously damage or destroy 
    any such species on any area under Federal jurisdiction; or remove, 
    cut, dig up, damage, or destroy any such species on any other area in 
    knowing violation of any State law or regulation or in the course of 
    any violation of a State criminal trespass law. Seeds from cultivated 
    specimens of threatened plant species are exempt from these 
    prohibitions provided that a statement of ``cultivated origin'' appears 
    on their containers. Section 4(d) of the Act allows for the provision 
    of such protection to threatened species. Certain exceptions apply to 
    agents of the Service and State conservation agencies. The Act and 50 
    CFR 17.62, 17.63, and 17.72 also provide for the issuance of permits to 
    carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving endangered or 
    threatened plant species under certain circumstances. It is anticipated 
    that few trade permits would ever be sought or issued because the 
    species are not common in cultivation or in the wild.
        Requests for copies of the regulations concerning listed plants and 
    inquiries regarding prohibitions and permits may be addressed to the 
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Permits Branch, 
    911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (503/231- 6241; FAX 
    503-231-6243).
    
    National Environmental Policy Act
    
        The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that an Environmental 
    Assessment, as defined under the authority of the National 
    Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be prepared in connection 
    with regulations adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of the Endangered 
    Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice outlining the Service's 
    reasons for this determination was published in the Federal Register on 
    October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).
    
    References Cited
    
        A complete list of all references cited herein is available upon 
    request from the Pacific Islands Office (see ADDRESSES above).
    
    Author
    
        The authors of this final rule are Loyal A. Mehrhoff, Marie M. 
    Bruegmann, Derral R. Herbst, Joan E. Canfield, Z.E. Ellshoff, and Joan 
    M. Yoshioka, Ecological Services, Pacific Islands Office, U.S. Fish and 
    Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, room 6307, P.O. Box 50167, 
    Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 (808/541-3441). Substantial data was generously 
    contributed by Tim Flynn and David Lorence, National Tropical Botanical 
    Garden; and Steve Perlman and Ken Woods, Hawaii Plant Conservation 
    Center, and Joel Lau, Hawaii Heritage Program.
    
    List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
    
        Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
    recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.
    
    Regulation Promulgation
    
        Accordingly, part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the 
    Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as set forth below:
    
    PART 17--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C. 
    4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.
    
        2. Section 17.12(h) is amended by adding the following, in 
    alphabetical order under the families indicated, to the List of 
    Endangered and Threatened Plants:
    
    
    Sec. 17.12  Endangered and threatened plants.
    
    * * * * *
        (h) * * *
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Species                                                                                                                             
    ------------------------------------------------    Historic range           Status            When listed        Critical habitat      Special rules   
         Scientific name            Common name                                                                                                             
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Apiaceae--Parsley family:                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Peucedanum             Makou...............  U.S.A. (HI)........  T..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
         sandwicense.                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Apocynaceae--Dogbane                                                                                                                                    
     family:                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Pteralyxia kauaiensis  Kaulu...............  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Araliaceae--Ginseng                                                                                                                                     
     family:                                                                                                                                                
        Munroidendron          None................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
         racemosum.                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Aspleniaceae--Spleenwort                                                                                                                                
     family:                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Diellia pallida......  None................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Asteraceae--Aster family:                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Lipochaeta fauriei...  Nehe................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Lipochaeta micrantha.  Nehe................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Lipochaeta             Nehe................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
         waimeaensis.                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Campanulaceae--Bellflower                                                                                                                               
     family:                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Brighamia insignis...  'Olulu..............  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Cyanea asarifolia....  Haha................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Delissea               None................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
         rhytidosperma.                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Caryophyllaceae--Pink                                                                                                                                   
     family:                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Schiedea spergulina    None................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
         var. leiopoda.                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Schiedea spergulina    None................  U.S.A. (HI)........  T..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
         var. spergulina.                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Gesneriaceae--African                                                                                                                                   
     Violet family:                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Cyrtandra              Ha'iwale............  U.S.A. (HI)........  T..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
         limahuliensis.                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Lamiaceae--Mint family:                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Phyllostegia waimeae.  None................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Malvaceae--Mallow family:                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Hibiscus clayi.......  Clay's hibiscus.....  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Primulaceae--Primrose                                                                                                                                   
     family:                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Lysimachia filifolia.  None................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Rubiaceae--Coffee family:                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Hedyotis cookiana....  'Awiwi..............  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Rutaceae--Citrus family:                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Melicope haupuensis..  Alani...............  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Melicope knudsenii...  Alani...............  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Melicope pallida.....  Alani...............  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Melicope               Alani...............  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
         quadrangularis.                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Santalaceae--Sandalwood                                                                                                                                 
     family:                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Exocarpos luteolus...  Heau................  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    Solanaceae--Nightshade                                                                                                                                  
     family:                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Nothocestrum peltatum  'Aiea...............  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
        Solanum sandwicense..  Popolo 'aiakeakua...  U.S.A. (HI)........  E..................  530................  NA.................  NA                 
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                          * * * * * * *                                                                     
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Dated: February 10, 1994.
    Mollie H. Beattie,
    Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
    [FR Doc. 94-4038 Filed 2-24-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
02/25/1994
Department:
Fish and Wildlife Service
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
94-4038
Dates:
March 28, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: February 25, 1994
RINs:
1018-AB69
CFR: (1)
50 CFR 17.12