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valley cyrtandra

Scientific Name: Cyrtandra calpidicarpa

Family: Gesneriaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cyrtandra: A Diverse Genus of Flowering Plants

Cyrtandra is a large genus of flowering plants encompassing approximately 600 species.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a shrub, some species such as Cyrtandra kalihii can reach a mature height of 4-19 feet, 8 feet spread.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Cyrtandra
  • Family: Gesneriaceae (African Violet family)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Genus

Common Names & Species

  • Cyrtandra crenata: Kahana Valley cyrtandra
  • Cyrtandra polyantha: Niu Valley cyrtandra
  • Cyrtandra kaulantha: Waikane Valley cyrtandra
  • Cyrtandra grandiflora: Largeflower cyrtandra, Palolo Valley cyrtandra
  • Cyrtandra calpidicarpa: Valley cyrtandra

Distribution and Habitat

  • Many species of Cyrtandra are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly Oahu.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Kahana Valley
    • Niu Valley
    • Waikane Valley
    • Palolo Valley
    • Koolau Mountains (windward side)
    • Southern Koolau Mountains
    • Kalihi and Kaipapa'u Valleys
    • Kipahulu Valley, Manawainui
    • Lumaha'i Valley, Kaua'i
  • Some species occur in wet forests and mesic valleys.
  • The genus also has species located in the Solomon Islands.
  • Other collection locations include Ooumu area, top of Tapueahu Valley off new Hwy, River Valley and Bau's limestone valley.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Some Cyrtandra species, such as Cyrtandra kalihii and Cyrtandra kaulantha, are shrubs.
  • Cyrtandra crenata develops into a round-shaped shrub.
  • Cyrtandra leaves can be heart-shaped.
  • The color of Cyrtandra crenata in the spring is orangeyellow.

Conservation Status

  • Some species, like Cyrtandra polyantha, are rare and known from a single population with a limited number of mature individuals.
  • Cyrtandra waiolani is listed as endemic to the Ko'olau Mts. of O'ahu, Kalihi through Kaipapa'u Valleys.

Synonyms and Related Names

  • Cyrtandra cordifolia x C. laxiflora: ha'iwale, kanawao ke'oke'o
  • Cyrtandra paludosa: ha'iwale, kanawao ke'oke'o

Further Information

  • IUCN Red List: www.iucnredlist.org
  • Discover Life: Information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cyrtandra polyantha.
  • ARKive: Photos and facts about Niu Valley cyrtandra.
  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Cyrtandra calpidicarpa TSN 34116