SafePlants

Clermontia

Clermontia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Several species are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clermontia Gaudich.
• Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)

Common Names

• Pele clermontia (Clermontia peleana)
• Hamakua clermontia (Clermontia pyrularia)
• Pear clermontia (Clermontia pyrularia)
• Hana clermontia (Clermontia samuelii)
• ??h? wai (Clermontia drepanomorpha, Clermontia kakeana, Clermontia parviflora)
• Kohala Mountain clermontia (Clermontia drepanomorpha)
• Kohala clermontia

Distribution and Habitat

• Many Clermontia species are endemic to Hawai?i.
• Clermontia peleana was specifically endemic to the islands of Hawaii and Maui.
• These plants are fairly common branching shrub-form lobelioids in some mid-elevation areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Clermontia are typically branched shrubs or small trees, reaching up to 7 meters (23 ft) tall.
• They possess fleshy leaves.
• The genus includes attractive plants with neatly arranged sprays.

Genetic Information

• Studies of evolution within Clermontia have been hampered by the lack of a reliable, well-resolved phylogeny based on suitable genetic markers.
• The double-corolla phenotype involves ectopic expression of PISTILLATA B-function MADS box gene homologs.

Ecological Role

• The genera *Brighamia, Clermontia, Cyanea, Delissea, Lobelia, and Trematolobelia are believed to have originated from a single colonization event involving a *Lobelia* species from Africa or nearby regions.

Further Information

• ARKive may contain photos and facts related to Clermontia species.
• EOL (Encyclopedia of Life) may contain further information about Clermontia.