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cheirodendron

Scientific Name: Cheirodendron

Family: Araliaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cheirodendron: A Glimpse into Polynesian Endemism

The genus Cheirodendron, belonging to the ivy family Araliaceae, comprises six species, all uniquely found in Polynesia. This article explores various aspects of this fascinating genus and some of its notable species.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Cheirodendron Nutt. ex Seem.
  • Family: Araliaceae (Ginseng or Ivy Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies

Species Highlights

Cheirodendron trigynum
  • Common Names: &#699&#332lapa, Common Cheirodendron, Olapalapa
  • Synonyms:
    • Cheirodendron trigynum var. acuminatum Skottsb.
    • Cheirodendron trigynum var. confertiflorum
  • Subspecies: Cheirodendron trigynum subsp. helleri trigynum
Cheirodendron platyphyllum
  • Common Names: Lapalapa
  • Subspecies: Cheirodendron platyphyllum subsp. kauaiense platyphyllum
Cheirodendron forbesii
  • Synonym: Cheirodendron kauaiense var. forbesii Sherff
Other Species
  • Cheirodendron fauriei Hochr.
  • Cheirodendron gaudichaudii

Distribution and Habitat

  • All six Cheirodendron species are endemic to Polynesia.
  • The five Hawaiian species include Cheirodendron trigynum and Cheirodendron platyphyllum.
  • Cheirodendron platyphyllum is specifically endemic to the island of O&#699ahu.
  • One Cheirodendron taxon is restricted to Kauai, occurring just below the summit.
  • Cheirodendron trigynum is widespread on the islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Tahuata, Ua Huka, and Ua Pou in the Marquesas.
  • Some species have been found in locations such as Mt. Kahili, Makaleha Mountains, and the Powerline Trail on Kauai Island.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cheirodendron trigynum is a forest tree in Hawaii.
  • Cheirodendron trigynum typically has leaves divided into three to five leaflets emerging from the same point on the leaf stem.

Ecological Role

  • Cheirodendron species often occur in association with other Hawaiian plant species such as Tetraplasandra and Clermontia.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cheirodendron.
  • The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) provides a checklist for Cheirodendron Nutt. ex Seem.
  • Images and information for Cheirodendron trigynum can be found at Plants of Hawaii by Forest and Kim Starr.
  • Revision of the genus Cheirodendron Nutt. ex Seem. for the Hawaiian Islands can be found at: http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/2247.