Cyanea st-johnii
Overview
Cyanea st.-johnii is a rare species of flowering plant in the bellflower family known by the common name St. John's rollandia. It is endemic to Oahu, where it is known only from the Koʻolau Mountains. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. Like other Cyanea it is known as haha in Hawaiian.
Cyanea st-johnii faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation in its montane forest ecosystem. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, trample and destroy individual plants while degrading the understory habitat essential for regeneration. The species' extremely limited population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks that could drive it to extinction.
Habitat
Cyanea st-johnii is endemic to the montane wet forests of Hawaii, typically found in native ohia-dominated ecosystems at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. The species requires intact understory conditions with high humidity and protection from direct sunlight provided by the forest canopy.
Other threatened species in CAMPANULACEAE
Threatened in United States
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cyanea st-johnii classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Cyanea st-johnii live?
What are the main threats to Cyanea st-johnii?
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