Cyanea hardyi (Haha in Hawaiian) is an endangered branched shrub or tree 1 to 7 meters (3-23 ft) tall. Cyanea hardyi leaves are elliptic to oblanceolate in shape, with blades that are about 18 to 28 cm (7-11 in) long, and 2.5-5 cm (1-2 in) wide. It's inflorescence are 15-30 flowered, and pendent. The berries of Cyanea hardyi are purple, globose, and 8-10 mm long.
This database entry has been complied by Matthew Kahokuloa, Jr.
In-situ and ex-situ cultivation and propagule storage of Cyanea hardyi is ongoing. Cyanea hardyi exists also in NTBG’s Conservation and Horticulture Centre nursery, and individuals are outplanted in the NTBG Limahuli Garden and preserve. In addition, nearly 20,000 seeds are stored in NTBG’s Seed Bank and Laboratory.
Cyanea hardyi is endemic to Kaua'i island, occurring between 219 - 1,000 meters elevation in mesic valleys and diverse mesic forest.
Clermontia and four other Hawaiian lobeliad genera (Delissea Gaud., Cyanea Gaud., Lobelia L. and Trematolobelia A. Zahlbr.) are believed to have evolved flowers adapted for pollination by nectarivorous Hawaiian Drepanidae (Hawaiian honeycreepers) and Hawaiian Mohoidae (previously known as Hawaiian honeyeaters.)
IUCN Status: Endangered (E): Cyanea hardyi is endemic to the island of Kaua’i. Approximately 600 individuals occur among 10 subpopulations within three locations. The taxon has experienced severe and ongoing decline in habitat and numbers due to the impacts of invasive plants and animals.
Federal Listing Status: No Status: The taxon is not on the U.S. Endangered Species List, nor the State of Hawai'i Endangered Species List. It should be proposed for listing/protection by the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Major threats to this taxon include direct competition by invasive non-native plant species. Pigs, goats, deer and rats also predate the species and degrade habitat.
We currently have 21 herbarium specimens for Cyanea hardyi in our collection. Click on any specimen below to view the herbarium sheet data.