Schenkia sebaeoides
Overview
Schenkia sebaeoides, known as ʻĀwiwi in Hawaiian and lavaslope centaury in English, is a rare species of flowering plant. It is endemic to low shrublands in the state of Hawaiʻi in the United States. It is present on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, and Maui. At the time it was added to the endangered species list of the United States in 1991, it was known from seven populations for a total of fewer than 1,000 individuals. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Schenkia sebaeoides faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to coastal development and tourism infrastructure along Mediterranean shorelines. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change-induced sea level rise and increased storm intensity threaten its coastal wetland habitats. Agricultural expansion and water extraction for irrigation have further reduced available suitable habitat.
Habitat
Schenkia sebaeoides inhabits coastal salt marshes, brackish wetlands, and saline depressions along Mediterranean coastlines. The species requires specific salinity levels and seasonal flooding patterns typical of temporary coastal pools and salt marsh margins.
Other threatened species in GENTIANACEAE
Threatened in United States
Frequently asked questions
Why is Schenkia sebaeoides classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Schenkia sebaeoides live?
What are the main threats to Schenkia sebaeoides?
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