Lepidium arbuscula

Lepidium arbuscula is a rare species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common names `anaunau and Waianae Range pepperwort. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the Waianae Mountains on the island of Oahu. In 2003 there were ten populations remaining with fewer than 1000 individuals in total.[2] It is a federally listed endangered species of the US.

Lepidium arbuscula

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Lepidium
Species:
L. arbuscula
Binomial name
Lepidium arbuscula

This is a shrub growing to a maximum height near 1.2 meters. The leaves are clustered around the ends of the gnarled branches.[1] Little is known about the biology of the species.[2]

It is threatened by the loss and degradation of its habitat, which is mainly due to the presence of feral ungulates such as goats and pigs, and introduced plant species such as fire tree (Morella faya).[1]

References

  1. Lepidium arbuscula. The Nature Conservancy.
  2. USFWS. Lepidium arbuscula Five-year Review. July 2009.


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