CAPITULUM: The International Compositae Alliance Newsletter

Hesperomannia A. Gray (Vernonieae): Extreme rarity and conservation status of an endemic Hawaiian genus

Susan Ching Harbin

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9836-0170

DOI: https://doi.org/10.53875/capitulum.%2003.1.02

Keywords: Asteraceae, Endangered species, climate change, Compositae, hand pollination, Hawaii, Hawaiian flora, invasive species

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Abstract

Hesperomannia, is a Hawaiian endemic genus of four species and is highly endangered throughout its range. The four species and their habitats are described and a conservation assessment for each species and the genus is provided. Each species is threatened by small population size, climate change, and non-native species- including rodents, ungulates, and invasive plants. Conservation measures such as ungulate fencing, weed control, rodent control, and hand pollination have proven effective but specific funding for these efforts is necessary to prevent the extinction of all four species.