SafePlants

Clermontia kakeana

Clermontia kakeana, commonly known as forest clermontia, is a perennial tree shrub belonging to the genus Clermontia.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the presence of Clermontia kakeana in forests. While the text does not detail any specific hazards, caution should be exercised if pets are prone to chewing on wild plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clermontia kakeana Meyen
• Common Name: Forest clermontia
• Synonyms:
  • Clermonia mauiensis
  • Clermontia glabra
  • Clermontia grandiflora
  • Clermontia macrocarpa
  • Clermontia macrophylla
• Family: Campanulaceae (mentioned in relation to Clermontia fauriei, Clermontia grandiflora, and Clermontia kakeana)

Distribution and Habitat

• Clermontia kakeana is native to Hawaii, particularly Maui, where it can be found at Waihee Ridge Trail and Wahinepee.
• It is frequently found in montane rain forest habitats.
• It can also be found on the six largest Hawaiian Islands.
• Grows in areas ranging from Lowland Mesic Shrub land to Lowland Mesic Forest.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is described as a fairly common shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall.
• It has arching branches.
• The leaves are alternately arranged on the stems.

Ecological Role

• Clermontia, with its 22 species, is noted as the most common of Hawaiian lobelioids.
• It occurs in gaps and along forest edges.
• Unlike Cyanea, which are typically found in dense forest, Clermontia are frequently found in more open areas.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It is mentioned in relation to Hawaiian birds and pollinators in Hakalau Forest.

Additional Information

• Other Clermontia species mentioned include:
  • Clermontia arborescens
  • Clermontia drepanomorpha
  • Clermontia fulva
  • Clermontia lindseyana
  • Clermontia parviflora
  • Clermontia peleana ssp. peleana
  • Clermontia pyrularia
• Hawaiian names for some species are: ?oha, haha, ?oha wai, ?oha wai nui.

Resources

• Agriculture Handbook no. 679 by Elbert L. Little Jr. and Roger G. Skolmen
• Discover Life
• Plants of Hawaii by Forest and Kim Starr
• ARKive