No images found for this plant ID: 14213.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "14213" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

leechleaf delissea

Scientific Name: Delissea niihauensis ssp. kauaiensis

Family: Campanulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Delissea kauaiensis

Delissea kauaiensis, with synonyms including Delissea rhytidosperma and Delissea niihauensis, is known by the common names Kauai delissea, Kauai leechleaf delissea, and Leechleaf delissea.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is referred to as having "leech-like" leaves; examination of the plant to determine the risk of physical harm from the leaves is encouraged.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Delissea kauaiensis (Lammers) Lammers
  • Synonyms: Delissea rhytidosperma, Delissea niihauensis subsp. kauaiensis, Delissea undulata subsp. kauaiensis
  • Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower family)
  • Order: Asterales
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species and subspecies

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Recorded from Niihau, Kauai, West Maui, and the west side of Hawaii.
  • Specifically, some information notes it is found on Kauai only, and cultivated on O'ahu.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial plant, meaning it can live for more than two years.
  • Unlike its branching cousin, Delissea rhytidosperma, Delissea kauaiensis is taller, narrow, and rarely branches.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov
  • British Database of World Flora and Fauna
  • Discover Life