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Hesperocnide sandwicensis

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Hesperocnide sandwicensis

Vulnerable  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Hesperocnide
Species:
H. sandwicensis
Binomial name
Hesperocnide sandwicensis
(Wedd.) Wedd.

Hesperocnide sandwicensis, the Hawai'i stingingnettle, is a rare species of nettle endemic to the island of Hawai'i. Less than 1000 plants from only 3 occurrences are estimated to exist due to grazing pressure from invasive sheep, goats, and pigs.[2]

The closest relative of H. sandwicensis, and the only other species in the genus Hesperocnide, is the California endemic Hesperocnide tenella.

Description

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Hesperocnide sandwicensis is an annual nettle, growing 20-60cm tall. Leaves and stems are covered in small hairs, with leaves growing 1.5-7cm in length.[3] Unlike other Hawaiian nettles which lost their ability to sting due to a lack of large herbivores, H. sandwicensis has retained this ability and its hairs can provide a painful sting if touched.[4]

Distribution and habitat

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Hesperocnide sandwicensis grows only in the understory of subalpine dry forests on the volcanic slopes of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai on the big island of Hawai'i.

References

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  1. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
  2. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
  3. ^ "Flora of the Hawaiian Islands - Species Page/ Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution". naturalhistory2.si.edu. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
  4. ^ "Hesperocnide". Restore Mauna Kea. 2016-02-19. Retrieved 2023-08-07.