SafePlants

Delissea fallax: Hawai'i Delissea

Delissea fallax, commonly known as Hawai'i Delissea, is a fascinating plant species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that Delissea fallax is a tree or shrub. Consider the potential for small parts (e.g., leaves, branches) to be ingested, especially in households with curious pets or young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Delissea fallax Hillebr.
• Common Name: Hawai'i Delissea
• Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonym: The text mentions several other Delissea species, including Delissea rhytidosperma, Delissea undulata, Delissea fauriei, Delissea niihauensis subsp. kauaiensis, Delissea laciniata, Delissea subcordata Gaud., Delissea rivularis, Delissea argutidentata, and Delissea waianaeensis, some of which may have been considered synonyms at some point, or are closely related.
• Taxonomic Serial No.: 34758

Distribution and Habitat

• Delissea fallax is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
• Specifically mentioned locations include Leeward Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Maui, L?na'i, Moloka'i, O'ahu, Ni'ihau, and the Northwest Islands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Delissea fallax is described as a perennial tree or shrub.
• Other Delissea species are mentioned as shrubs, with Delissea rhytidosperma growing from 0.5-2.5 meters tall and having alternately arranged leaves and flowers largely restricted to the tips of the branches.

Conservation Status

• Several Delissea species are listed as endangered, including Delissea rhytidosperma and Delissea niihauensis subsp. kauaiensis, which are federally listed as endangered and considered Genetic Safety Net Species.
• Many species of Delissea are extinct.
• Delissea argutidentata and Delissea kauaiensis are listed as Extinct in the wild.

Further Information

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Mentions Delissea fallax Hbd. as a species in their database.