Geniostoma helleri

Geniostoma helleri
Critically Imperiled
Critically Imperiled (NatureServe)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Loganiaceae
Genus: Geniostoma
Species:
G. helleri
Binomial name
Geniostoma helleri
Synonyms

Labordia helleri Sherff (1938)

Geniostoma helleri, the Nā Pali coast labordia or Heller's labordia, is a rare species of flowering plant in the Loganiaceae family. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is found only on Kauai. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. Like other labordias, this plant is known as Kamakahala.

This is a shrub growing up to 4.5 meters tall. It may have climbing stems. The inflorescence is a cyme of 3 to 9 white or greenish yellow flowers.

This species was once found throughout Kauai, but today there are only 10 populations totalling no more than 550 plants. Most are within the Nā Pali Kona Forest Reserve and Kuia Natural Area Reserve.

This plant is threatened by feral ungulates, such as wild boars, which damage habitat by causing erosion. The habitat is also experiencing the introduction of invasive species of plants.

References

  1. ↑ Flynn, T. (2016). "Labordia helleri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T80232348A80232353. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T80232348A80232353.en. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  2. ↑ USFWS. Species List: Endangered Plants.
  3. 1 2 Labordia helleri. Archived 2002-11-27 at the Wayback Machine The Nature Conservancy.
  4. 1 2 USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010.