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Kauai cyanea
Scientific Name: Cyanea fissa
Family: Campanulaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cyanea: A Glimpse into Hawaiian Lobelioids
Cyanea is a fascinating genus of flowering plants belonging to the Campanulaceae family, commonly known as the bellflower family. These plants, often referred to as Hawaiian lobelioids, are uniquely endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Cyanea species bear prickles, which could pose a minor physical hazard.
Considerations for Children
- Some Cyanea species bear prickles, which could pose a minor physical hazard.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cyanea
- Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Genus
Several species and subspecies are mentioned, including:
- Cyanea dolichopoda
- Cyanea fauriei
- Cyanea habenata
- Cyanea hamatiflora
- Cyanea eleeleensis (Common name: Eleele cyanea)
- Cyanea fissa (Common name: Kauai cyanea)
- Cyanea fissa subsp. gayana
- Cyanea fissa subsp. fissa
- Cyanea cylindrocalyx (Common name: Splitleaf Cyanea)
- Cyanea leptostegia (Common name: Giant Kokee Cyanea)
- Cyanea grimesiana
- Cyanea grimesiana subsp. grimesiana
- Cyanea kuhihewa
- Cyanea asarifolia (Common name: Haha)
- Cyanea angustifolia
- Cyanea undulata
A synonym for at least one species is:
- Clermontia carinifera H. Lv. (synonym for Cyanea fissa)
Distribution and Habitat
- Cyanea species are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, with a significant concentration on the island of Kauai.
- They thrive in moist and wet forest environments, often growing on steep cliffs.
Ecological Role
- Many Cyanea species are endangered, and some have critical habitats designated for their protection, particularly on Kauai.
- The genus interacts with local fauna; for example, some species are linked to the habitats of endangered forest birds endemic to Kauai.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Some species, like Cyanea leptostegia, grow as trees.
Quirky Facts
- Cyanea leptostegia, also known as giant kokee cyanea, is described as one of the most spectacular of Hawaiian lobelioids.
- One reference mentions a Cyanea asarifolia that only grows in one place on the island of Kauai.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cyanea fissa.
- The National Tropical Botanical Garden in Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii, cultivates endangered plants of Hawaii, including Cyanea species.