SafePlants

Cyanea: A Glimpse into Hawaiian Lobelioids

Cyanea is a captivating genus of flowering plants belonging to the Campanulaceae (bellflower) family. These plants, often referred to as Hawaiian lobelioids, are found exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Cyanea species, such as Cyanea leptostegia, are tree-like in form.

Considerations for Children

• Some Cyanea species, such as Cyanea leptostegia, are tree-like in form.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cyanea
• Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Genus
• Synonyms: Mentions Clermontia carinifera H. Lv as a synonym for Kauai Cyanea.

Distribution and Habitat

• Cyanea species are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, with many found on the island of Kauai.
• They typically thrive in moist and wet forest environments and are found on islands like Kauai and Molokai.
• Some species grow on steep cliffs.

Common Names and Species Examples

• Kauai Cyanea: Common name for Cyanea fissa. Also applies to subspecies like Cyanea fissa subsp. gayana and Cyanea fissa subsp. fissa.
• Eleele Cyanea: Common name for Cyanea eleeleensis.
• Haha: Common name associated with several Cyanea species, including Cyanea acuminata, Cyanea dolichopoda, Cyanea eleeleensis, Cyanea kolekoleensis, and Cyanea grimesiana ssp. grimesiana.
• Splitleaf Cyanea: Common name for Cyanea cylindrocalyx.
• Cyanea leptostegia: Also known as giant kokee cyanea.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cyanea leptostegia is noted as being a tree.

Ecological Role

• Several Cyanea species are critically endangered and have critical habitat designated for them, especially on Kauai.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Two endangered forest birds endemic to Kauai are mentioned in proximity to Cyanea species.
• Nesosydne aku interacts with Cyanea tritomantha.

Quirky Facts

• One Cyanea species (Cyanea asarifolia) is stated to only grow in one place on Kauai.
• Cyanea leptostegia is one of the most spectacular of Hawaiian lobelioids.
• A mechanical and visual defense element has been identified in some Cyanea species on Hawaii, where prickles are present.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers resources about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cyanea fissa (Kauai cyanea).
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is referenced in relation to Cyanea fissa ssp. fissa.
• The National Tropical Botanical Garden in Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii, cultivates endangered plants of Hawaii, including Cyanea species.