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History
Ancestors of the Hawaiian Palm probably arrived on the Hawaiian Islands millions of years ago. Because of the isolated location of these islands in the Pacific Ocean, plants and animals were able to evolve mostly undisturbed and form unique and remarkable relationships.
It is thought that the long, tube-shaped flowers of the Hawaiian Palm evolved in parallel with a moth species, believed to be the only one capable of pollinating the plant’s flowers.
What went wrong?
The delicate natural balance of the Hawaiian Islands was dramatically disturbed over time with the arrival of people on the islands.
Through clearance and the introduction of non-native plants and animals, the moth’s natural habitat disappeared. It is thought that the moth itself has also disappeared.
Without these moths the plant cannot easily pollinate and reproduce. As a result, no more than seven of these plants are known to exist in the wild on the island of Kaua’i, making the Hawaiian Palm one of the world’s rarest plants.
According to the IUCN Red List www.iucnredlist.org , Brighamia insignis is listed as Critically Endangered.
What is being done about it?
Scientists and enthusiasts concerned about the plight of Hawaii’s threatened plant species have formed the Hawaiian Plant Specialist Group as one of the 120 expert groups of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission (SSC).
Scaling the steep cliffs of Kaua'i, group members have been pollinating the remaining wild specimens of the Hawaiian Palm by hand and collecting seeds for propagation. Successful germination of the seeds has enabled the creation of a reserve in which a large number of plants are being grown to be used in a replanting programme. The group is trying to restore the original natural balance on the islands so that the Hawaiian Palm may be able to survive.
How can you help?
The Species Survival Commission is a volunteer network of scientists, enthusiasts and conservationists all working towards the goal of reducing the loss of species.
Plants are an important part of biological diversity, especially as many species have valuable properties (both known and undiscovered) that can be used for medicinal, agricultural or industrial purposes.
By buying this plant, you are directly supporting IUCN and the SSC Hawaiian Plant Specialist Group and are helping to prevent the extinction of the Hawaiian Palm and many other species.
For information on how you can further support the work of IUCN and SSC, please visit www.iucn.org or www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/.
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