Nehe kuhiwa (Phyllostegia electra) Case Study

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MBZF Grant 172515205
Plant

Continent: North America

Country: United States

Grant Amount: $16,000

Awarded Date: June 01, 2017

Seana Walsh

National Tropical Botanical Garden


3530 Papalina Road

Kalaheo

HI

96741

United States

Tel: 8083327324 ext. 222

Mob: 8083200184

Conservation of the Critically Endangered Hawaiian species Phyllostegia electra (Lamiaceae)

The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving tropical plant diversity and curtailing the wave of extinction - through plant exploration, propagation, habitat restoration, scientific research, and education. Phyllostegia electra, or nehe kuhiwa in Hawaiian, is endemic to mesic and wet forests on the island of Kauaʻi, one of the eight major islands making up the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. The species was assessed by NTBG staff in 2015, using the IUCN Red List criteria, as Critically Endangered. Among approximately 15 subpopulations, there are currently an estimated 40-50 individuals remaining, and these numbers continue to decline. The following specific components of the proposed project: 1) to make robust conservation collections from wild populations, 2) genetic diversity research, 3) outplanting into appropriately protected and managed habitat, and 4) investigating optimal seed storage protocols, will directly contribute to the conservation of this species.

MBZF Grant 172515205 - located in United States, North America