Kadua parvula
Endemic Hawaiian Rubiaceae shrub in the Waianae Range of Oahu, federally endangered, growing on moist cliffs and ledges with erect or spreading branches, densely leathery lance-shaped leaves, and small white flowers, known from two populations totaling 263–263 plants at elevations of 720–830 meters.
Common Names
Rockface Star-Violet
Summary
Rockface star-violet is a small, branching shrub in the Rubiaceae, endemic to Hawaii and confined to the Waianae Range on Oʻahu. It grows erect or spreading with branches 10–40 cm long; leaves are densely spaced, leathery, lance-shaped to pointed oval, up to 4 cm long by 3 cm wide; flowers are bisexual or functionally female, with white funnel-shaped blooms and pink-tipped lobes, arising on cliffs and moist ledges.
Federally endangered, with two known extant populations totaling at least 263 individuals. Threats include habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats and competition from non-native plants. Conservation measures include boundary fencing, fire management, and goat control to aid recovery.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
4-16 inches
Spread
4-16 inches
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade.
Soil Type
Rocky, well-drained, shallow soils
Soil Drainage
Shallow soils
Bloom Color
White with purplish pink tips
Bloom Time
Winter and Summer
Seasons of Interest
Winter and Summer
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- A.Gray
- Publication
- Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 4: 317 (1860)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Gentianales
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Genus
- Kadua