SafePlants

Clermontia montis-loa – Mauna Loa Clermontia

Clermontia montis-loa, commonly known as Mauna Loa Clermontia, is a rare flowering plant endemic to Hawaii. This plant belongs to the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) and is found primarily on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

It is a tree shrub of the genus Clermontia and is perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant grows up to 2 m high.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clermontia montis-loa Rock
• Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Clermontia montis-loa f. globosa
• Other Scientific Names: Clermontia montis-loa Rock (TSN 34651)

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to Hawaii, specifically found on:
  • Mauna Loa
  • Mauna Kea
  • Hualalai (Leeward side)
• Grows between 3,000 and 7,000 ft (910 and 2,130 m) elevation.
• Occupies cloud forests around 950-1250 m.
• Wet forests, 1,070 - 1,700 m, Hilo, flanks of Mauna Loa and Kilauea
• Observed in fruit and flower in leeward and saddle areas of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is medium in size and can reach 2 m high.
• In the summer it assumes a purple coloring.
• The database entry lacks details on whether it keeps its leaves.
• It is a tree shrub.

Ecological Role

• The Clermontia montis-loa is a Hawaiian plant that has lost its native pollinator.

Quirky Facts

• It is one of several Hawaiian lobelioids in genus Clermontia that are known as `oha.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)
• Discover Life (for biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution information)
• British Database of World Flora and Fauna (for taxonomic information)
• International Plant Names Index
• NCBI
• USDA Plants