(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
OTHER COMMON NAMES -
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CARYOPHYLLALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - AMARANTHACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - ACHYRANTHES,
SPECIES AND SSP - ROTUNDATA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
(No Common Name)
Achyranthes rotundata (Hillebr.) St. John
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Caryophyllales FAMILY: Amaranthaceae
A shrub 1.5 to 6.5 ft (0.5 - 2 m) tall; all the herbage is
densely covered with short, silvery hairs. The leaves are obovate to
suborbicular, about 1.5 to 2.25 inches (3.8 - 5.7 cm) long, and 0.5 to
1.75 inches (1.3 - 4 cm) wide; the leaf stalks are 0.125 to 0.75
inches (0.03 - 1.9 cm) long. Young stems are somewhat square in
cross-section, while the older ones are more round and less hairy.
Small inconspicuous flowers are borne on terminal spikes 2 to 9.5
inches (5.1 - 24.1 cm) long. Instead of petals, the flower has an
inner series of narrow sepals. The outer row of sepals are about
0.25 inches (0.6 cm) long and lance-shaped. About 0.125 inches
(0.03 cm) long, prominent bracts accompany each flower. The fruits
are capsules, less than 0.125 inches (0.03 cm) long (01).
The earliest collection of this taxon was made by Charles
Gaudichaud during the voyage of the "Uranie" in 1819. It was later
formerly described by W. Hillebrand in 1888 as a variety of
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
Achyranthes splendens (07). James Macrae collected it at an
unspecified locality on O'ahu in 1825, as did Jules Remy during his
four-year stay in the Hawaiian Islands from 1851-1855. It was
collected by the United States Exploring Expedition from unspecified
localities in the "Sandwich Islands" in 1840 or 1841. For more than
50 years subsequent to Remy's there were no further collections of
this species. Then in 1911 Charles N. Forbes collected Achyranthes
rotundata between Makua Valley and Ka'ena Point; it was collected in
the Wai'anae Mountains by Joseph F. Rock in 1912, and at Ka'ena Point
by Vaughn MacCaughey in 1915. Only four collections were made at
Ka'ena Point by Vaughn MacCaughey in 1915. Only four collections were
made at Ka'ena after 1915, and the last two known plants in the area
died in the 1970's. The Hawaiian members of the genus recently were
reassessed by Wagner and herbst for inclusion in their Manual of the
flowering plants of Hawai'i (16). In the manual, they recognize four
species of Achyranthes in Hawai'i, three being endemic while the
fourth is a naturalized weed. Two of the native species, A.
atollensis and A. mutica are believed to be extinct. The other native
species, A. splendens, is believed to be comprised of two intergrading
varieties, var. splendens and var. rotundata. Variety splendens is
still a fairly common plant on Maui, and has been collected on Lana'i
in the past but is no longer present on that island. Variety
rotundata was listed as endangered (as A. rotundata), and is known
from Barbers Point and Ka'ena Point on O'ahu. Harold St. John (1976)
first recognized this taxon as a species endemic to the island of
O'ahu (07). In January, 1987, John Obata and Steve Perlman found a
colony of about 100 individuals at Ka'ena Point. The population is
comprised of individuals of different ages and appears to be healthy
and dynamic. The largest and best known population is that at Barbers
Point, 'Ewa District, O'ahu. The first known collection from that
area was made by Joseph Rock in 1919. It was not documented again
from that area until 1931, but since then numerous collections have
been made. In November, 1986 the Barbers Point population was
estimated to be about 4,318 individuals.
The type collected by W. Hillebrand on "O'ahu, Waianae and Cape
Kaena, near the sea" was destroyed during the bombing of Berlin in
World War II. A specimen collected by Brenda Bishop, s.n. (BISH) at
Ka'ena Point on April 4, 1958, was designated the neotype.
Photographs are included in Nagata's status report (01), in Hawai'i's
Vanishing Flora (02), in Rare Endemic Plants of the Hawaiian Islands
(01), and in the Endangered Species Technical Bulletin (03). Drawings
are included in St. John (04) and Char's (05) works. Distributional
maps accompany the Nagata (01,06) and Char (05) articles.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
Ornamental
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Achyranthes rotundata has been designated an Endangered
species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.12;
P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The
species has this status wherever found including the State of Hawai'i.
Removal and reduction to possession of any Federally listed plant
from an area under Federal jurisdiction is unlawful (50 CFR 17.61 and
17.71).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to possess
any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) within U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C.
7); or to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wild plant (including
roots, seeds, and other parts) taken, possessed, transported, or sold
in violation of any State law or regulation. It is also unlawful to
import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any
wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken or
possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in
violation of Indian tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
DOD -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control. Also responsible for
management/recovery on Department of Defense lands.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Hawai'i
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: State Department of Land and Nat. Res.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
STATE STATUTE: Hawai'i Revised Statutes, Chapter 195D.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The leaves and inflorescences of Achyranthes, which are gray and
attractive, were used for making leis (flower garlands), but this use
has now stopped.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27924 - Notice of review
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed rule
78/04/26:43 FR 17909/17916 - Summary of comments on proposed rule
79/12/10:44 FR 70796/70797 - Withdrawal of proposed rule
80/12/15:45 FR 82480/82569 - Notice of review update
85/04/22:50 FR 15764/15767 - Proposed rule - Endangered
86/03/26:51 FR 10518/10521 - Final rule - Endangered
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
COASTAL
LAND USE -
Commercial and Services
Industrial
Transportation, communications, and Util
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Bare Exposed Rock
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Marine, intertidal
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
There are two populations of Achyranthes rotundata, the larger
being in the Barbers Point area of the 'Ewa Plains, the other on the
talus slopes of Ka'ena Point.
At Ka'ena, A. rotundata is found in a scrub of Leucaena
leucocephala. Few other species are found in this vegetation type.
Achyranthes rotundata is found in four different community types
in the Barbers Point area. Two small colonies are situated in closed
Prosopis forests dominated by high stature Prosopis pallida trees 25
to 40 ft (7.5 - 12 m) tall. Few species exist in the understory.
Populations and subpopulations occur on U.S. Coast Guard land
behind Barber's Point lighthouse, on a runway safety zone on Barber's
Point Naval Air Station, along a beach road ('Kaomi Loop) between the
cement plant and the C. Brewer chemical/oil refinery area (about 3,900
plants) (08) and may be impacted by activities on these areas.
The 'Ewa Plains is a broad plain of low relief, consisting
largely of a reef that was laid down during the Pleistocene at a time
when the sea level was 25 ft (7.6 m) higher than at present. The
surface of this fossil reef has been modified extensively by erosion.
Sinkholes formed by dissolution of the limestone are common along
certain sections of the western coastline of the plains. Large
coralline outcrops can be found between these sinkholes. Few features
of high relief are present and the elevation ranges from sea level to
approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) four miles (6.4 km) inland (01,05,09).
Portions of the largest colony are situated in the closed
Prosopis forest as well as in open Pluchea scrub, Batis swamp, and a
Prosopis-Myoporum-Achyranthes community. The closed Prosopis forest
which dominates much of the region grades into the open scrub of
Pluchea and the Batis swamp.
Between the Prosopis forest and Pluchea scrub is a small segment
of remnant native vegetation. Achyranthes rotundata is a co-dominant
element of the vegetation and is densest in this region. Centered in
the open Myoporum scrub, the A. rotundata colony extends into the
adjacent closed Prosopis forest, Pluchea scrub, and Batis swamp.
The soils of the 'Ewa Plains has been broadly classified as
"lualualie - Fill land - Ewa association." These are mainly alluvial
soils that are found in drainage ways and inland toward the foot of
the Wai'anae Mountains. In much of the Barbers Point region almost no
soil exists. Small amounts of organic matter accumulate in cracks and
crevasses in the coral but most of the vegetation grows out of
seemingly solid coral. The U.S. Soil Conservation Service has
Habitat Associations - 1 classified the substrate as "Coral Outcrop" (classification code CR)
which consists of coral or cemented calcareous sand. Coral outcrop
occupies 80 to 90 percent of the area. The remaining 10 to 20 percent
consists of very thin soils within the coral (01,08).
Most of the western slope of the Wai'anae shield has been removed
by erosion and steep cliffs 750 to 1000 ft (229 - 305 m) high were
formed at Ka'ena Point, the northwestern tip of O'ahu, by wave action.
The ridge tops above the cliffs are approximately parallel to the
original slope of the Wai'anae volcano. The thick beds of the upper
member of the Wai'anae volcanics can be seen under a mantle of soil.
These are usually light in color and are comprised of 'a'a lava. Thin
beds of tholeiitic basalts of the middle and lower members are also
exposed by the cliffs. Boulders and stony colluvium have accumulated
at the base of these cliffs, protecting them from further wave
erosion. These talus slopes range from 40 to 70 percent in
declination (01,09).
Soils of "Rockland - stony steep land association" characterize
the Ka'ena Point region. These are well-drained soils which are found
on steep to precipitous slopes. In the habitat of Achyranthes the
U.S. Soil Conservation Service has classified the land type as "steep
stony land" (classification code rSY). Such land types characterize
the talus, piles of boulders and stones that have tumbled down and
piled up at the foot of cliffs. This rock debris covers 50 to 90
percent of the surface and creates a slope of 40 to 70 percent. Only
small amounts of soil are found between the rocks (01,08).
The climate of the Ka'ena region closely approximates that of the
'Ewa Plains in quantity and pattern of precipitation, aridity, and
intensity of solar radiation. The colony is situated on the west-
facing talus and although not exposed to the prevailing trades, the
plants are subject to the southerly winds during the winter months and
the stronger winds that accompany wide-scale storms. In addition, the
diurnal heating and cooling of the land mass causes local land-sea
breezes along the protected leeward coastline. The desicating effects
of these wind patterns accent an already arid condition. The moisture
availability of the pockets of soil and humus in the talus is
undoubtedly low as the water storage capacity of such land forms is
extremely restricted. The steep slopes are often excessively well-
drained. Minimal cloud cover, large amounts of solar radiation
unimpeded by taller vegetation, pronounced seasonal drought, and
limited soil moisture characterize the micro-environment of the Ka'ena
area.
The climate of the 'Ewa-Barbers Point area is characterized by
long periods of drought. The average annual rainfall is less than
20 inches (51 cm), most of which falls during the winter when Hawai'i
is under the influence of mid-latitude weather systems; large-scale
precipitation during this period is usually associated with cold
fronts, "Kona" storms, and upper level low pressure systems.
Infrequent phenomena such as hurricanes and tropical storms are not
restricted to winter months and are not related to mid-latitude
weather systems. These contribute significant amounts of
precipitation to the area. Frequent and often heavy rainfall usually
occurs on the windward side of mountain ranges during trade wind
conditions which predominate from March to September. By contrast,
the leeward slopes are much drier and receive higher levels of solar
radiation. The 'Ewa-Barbers Point region experiences a prolonged
summer drought in excess of six months. It is possible that the
effects of prolonged drought are somewhat mitigated by an extremely
high water table. The water level in the sinkholes rise and fall with
tidal fluctuations and because of the porosity of the substrate and
subsequent capillary action, ground water is probably available closer
to the surface. It is unlikely that seedlings and small shrubs
Habitat Associations - 2 benefit from this but at least some components of the vegetation
probably derive at least some of their water from this source. Other
environmental requirements of the species are unknown (01,05).
Habitat Associations - 3 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Coastal Features: Rocky offshore islands
G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: Depressions
G Terrestrial Features: Talus
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Achyranthes rotundata is a shrub (01,02,03,04,05,06,07).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (07).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual (01).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Flowering and fruiting appears to depend upon the moisture
regime. Plants with flowers and fruits have been found all months of
the year, except for times of unusual drought (01,07). Germination
usually occurs within one month of sowing. The plant is an evergreen.
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoclinous (01).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Unknown.
SEED BIOLOGY:
As is true of most native Hawaiian plants, little is known about
the seed biology of Achyranthes rotundata. The amount and variation
in annual seed production is unknown, but plants in nature are known
to produce abundant seeds (01). Results of independent observations
on seed viability and longevity have proven inconclusive. Propagation
trials at the H.L. Lyon Arboretum and the Waimea Arboretum and
Botanical Gardens on O'ahu, have shown that seed sown a day or two
after collecting germinate readily; the Waimea Arboretum reported a
70 percent germination rate with no special treatment (01). In his
article on the germination of seeds of native plants, John Obata
reported the germination of Achyranthes as "good" (30-75 percent
germination) (11). Carolyn Corn, Botanist, Hawai'i Division of
Forestry and Wildlife, stated that both refrigerated and
unrefrigerated seeds mildewed within a day or two, and that
germination then dropped to practically nothing (12). On the other
hand, Kenneth Nagata of the H.L. Lyon Arboretum has kept seed for
10 days under low humidity with a resulting germination rate of
60 percent (01). Seven accessions at the Lyon Arboretum were started
from seed; germination was considered "good" (ca. 60 percent) to
excellent (90-100 percent); most seeds germinated within one month,
but some took up to four months (06). The dormancy requirements and
germination requirements are unknown, but seed has been germinated
successfully in standard greenhouse vermiculite using standard
greenhouse techniques (01).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Very little is known about the population biology of this plant.
The largest population of Achyranthes grows in an area of Barbers
Point that has been the subject of at least five vegetational surveys
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
since 1972; the population estimates of Achyranthes varied from 0 to
about 3,900 (06). The completeness of the survey, the techniques
employed, and the competence of the surveyors can account for the
great range of numbers of specimens counted. The highest number
resulted from a survey made in November 1986, which estimated that
95-99 percent of the plants, other than seedlings were censused.
Three other subpopulations are known from Barbers Point: one is in
the former Camp Malakole Military Reservation (about 80 plants) (13),
another is on U.S. Coast Guard land behind the Barbers Point light
house (about 230 plants, including ca. 12 on adjacent Campbell Estate
land) (14), the third is in a runway safety zone on the Barbers Point
Naval Air Station (about 60 plants) (14). A second population was
recently discovered at Ka'ena Point, O'ahu. Three subpopulations are
known, consisting of 10, 30, and 8 individuals respectively (15). The
census of all known populations resulted in a total of 4,318
individuals. Survival and mortality are unknown. If not shaded by
other plants, Achyranthes usually can compete successfully in its
habitat. The recovery potential appears to be good if sufficient
habitat remains undeveloped.
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
There are two populations of Achyranthes rotundata, one at the
Barbers Point area of the 'Ewa Plains, the other on the talus slopes
of Ka'ena Point.
The 'Ewa Plains is a broad, low plain consisting largely of a
reef that was laid down during the Pleistocene, when the sea was 25 ft
(7.6 m) higher than at present. The surface of this fossil reef has
been modified extensively by erosion. Sinkholes formed by dissolution
of the limestone with coralline outcrops between them, are common
along parts of the western coastline of the plains. The elevation
ranges between sea level to approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) four miles
(6.4 km) inland (01,05,09).
The soils of the 'Ewa Plains has been broadly classified as
"Lualualei - Fill Land - Ewa association." These are mainly alluvial
soils that are found in drainage ways and inland toward the foot of
the Wai'anae Mountains. In much of the Barbers Point region almost no
soil exists. Small amounts of organic matter accumulate in cracks and
crevasses in the coral but most of the vegetation grows out of
seemingly solid coral. The U.S. Soil Conservation Service has
classified the substrate as "Coral Outcrop" (classification code CR)
which consists of coral or cemented calcareous sand. Coral outcrop
occupies 80 to 90 percent of the area. The remaining 10 to 20 percent
consists of very thin soils within the coral (01,08).
The climate of the 'Ewa-Barbers Point area is characterized by
long period of drought. The average annual rainfall is less than
20 inches (51 cm), most of which falls during the winter when Hawai'i
is under the influence of mid-latitude weather systems; large-scale
precipitation during this period is usually associated with cold
fronts, "Kona" storms, and upper level low pressure systems.
Infrequent phenomena such as hurricanes and tropical storms are not
restricted to winter months and are not related to mid-latitude
weather systems. These contribute significant amounts of
precipitation to the area. Frequent and often heavy rainfall usually
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
occurs on the windward side of mountain ranges during trade wind
conditions which predominate from March to September. By contrast,
the leeward slopes are much drier and receive higher levels of solar
radiation. The 'Ewa-Barbers Point region experiences a prolonged
summer drought in excess of six months. It is possible that the
effects of prolonged drought are somewhat mitigated by an extremely
high water table. The water level in the sinkholes rise and fall with
tidal fluctuations and because of the porosity of the substrate and
subsequent capillary action, ground water is probably available closer
to the surface. It is unlikely that seedlings and small shrubs
benefit from this but at least some components of the vegetation
probably derive at least some of their water from this source. Other
environmental requirements of the species are unknown (01,05).
Most of the western slope of the Wai'anae shield has been removed
by erosion. Steep cliffs 750 to 1000 ft (229 - 305 m) high were
formed at Ka'ena Point, the northwestern tip of O'ahu, by wave action.
The ridge tops above the cliffs are approximately parallel to the
original slope of the Wai'anae volcano. The thick beds of the upper
member of the Wai'anae volcanics can be seen under a mantle of soil.
These are usually light in color and are comprised of 'a'a lava. Thin
beds of tholeiitic basalts of the middle and lower members are also
exposed by the cliffs. Boulders and stony colluvium have accumulated
at the base of these cliffs, protecting them from further wave
erosion. These talus slopes range from 40 to 70 percent in
declination (01,09).
Soils of "Rockland - stony steep land association" characterize
the Ka'ena Point region. These are well-drained soils which are found
on steep to precipitous slopes. In the habitat of Achyranthes the
U.S. Soil Conservation Service has classified the land type as "steep
stony land" (classification code rSY). Such land types characterize
the talus, piles of boulders and stones that have tumbled down and
piled up at the foot of cliffs. This rock debris covers 50 tp 90
percent of the surface and creates a slope of 40 to 70 percent. Only
small amounts of soil are found between the rocks (01,08).
The climate of the ka'ena region closely approximates that of the
'Ewa Plains in quantity and pattern of precipitation, aridity, and
intensity of solar radiation. The colony is situated on the west-
facing talus and although not exposed to the prevailing trades, the
plants are subject to the southerly winds during the winter months and
the stronger winds that accompany wide-scale storms. In addition, the
diurnal heating and cooling of the land mass causes local land-sea
breezes along the protected leeward coastline. The desiccating
effects of these wind patterns accent an already arid condition. The
moisture availability of the pockets of soil and humus in the talus is
undoubtedly low as the water storage capacity of such land forms is
extremely restricted. The steep slopes are often excessively well-
drained. Minimal cloud cover, large amounts of solar radiation
unimpeded by taller vegetation, pronounced seasonal drought, and
limited soil moisture characterize the micro-environment of the Ka'ena
area.
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (07).
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
In most instances, Achyranthes is a component of the vegetation
of its habitat. However, between the Prosopis forest and Pluchea
scrub vegetation types is a small segment of remnant native
vegetation. In this region, Achyranthes can be a co-dominant element
of the vegetation along with Myoporum.
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
At Ka'ena, A. rotundata is found in a scrub of Leucaena
leucocephala. Few other species are found in this vegetation type.
The sparse herb layer consists of Cenchrus ciliaris and Tricachne
insularis. In the general vicinity, Euphorbia and Jacquemontia
ovalifolium ssp. sandwicensis are present.
Achyranthes rotundata is found in four different community types
in the Barbers Point area. Two small colonies are situated in closed
Prosopis forests dominated by high stature Prosopis pallida trees 25
to 40 ft (7.5 - 12 m) tall. Few species exist in the understory.
Scattered individuals of Leucaena leucocephala comprise an ill-defined
shrub layer that extends to a height of 15 ft (4.5 m). Shade tolerant
species such as Achyranthes aspera, Asystasia gangetica, Euphorbia
heterophylla, Malvastrum coromandelianum, and Setaria verticillata are
found in small numbers in the herb layer. Lack of soil in this
habitat precludes the establishment of dense herb and shrub layers.
Portions of the largest colony are situated in the closed
Prosopis forest as well as in open Pluchea scrub, Batis swamp, and a
Prosopis-Myoporum-Achyrantes community. The closed Prosopis forest
which dominates much of the region grades into the open scrub of
Pluchea and the Batis swamp. Three taxa of Pluchea dominate the open
scrub: P. indica, P. symphytifolia and P. xfosvergii. The shrubs are
generally less than 9 ft (2.5 m) in height. As in other areas in this
region, the lack of soil precludes the establishment of a dense herb
layer. The vegetational cover in this layer varied between 10 and 40
percent and consists of such common wayside species as Atriplex
semibaccata, Desmanthus virgatus, Passiflora foetida, Pennisetum
setosum, and Waltheria indica. Shrubs such as Leucaena leucocephala
and Ricinus communis and low stature Prosopis pallida trees are
scattered throughout this vegetation type.
Batis maritima, the dominant species in the Batis swamp, often
forms mats more than 300 ft (90 m) in diameter and 3 ft (1 m) thick.
Few other species are found within this vegetation type but thick
clumps of Pluchea usually grow at the periphery.
Between the Prosopis forest and Pluchea scrub is a small segment
of remnant native vegetation. Achyranthes rotundata is a co-dominant
element of the vegetation and is densest in this region. The native
Myoporum sandwicensis is also co-dominant in this open scrub
community. Pluchea shrubs and Prosopis have been encroaching from the
adjacent communities and in many areas a low stature open canopied
Prosopis forest 20 ft (6 m) tall has grown over the native species.
Vegetational cover in the herb layer ranges from 10 to 30 percent and
is comprised mostly of Atriplex semibaccata and Sesuvium
portulacastrum. Centered in the open Myoporum scrub, the A. rotundata
colony extends into the adjacent closed Prosopis forest, Pluchea
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
scrub, and Batis swamp.
The second largest colony is found in an open Pluchea scrub
community of slightly differing composition. Pluchea xfosbergii, the
dominant taxon, constitutesmore than 75 percent of the vegetation.
The parasitic vine, Cassytha filiformis, can be found growing over
most of the Pluchea shrubs. Low stature Prosopis, and Myoporum and
Capparis sandwichiana are scattered throughout this community type.
The community stability and successional trends for the Ka'ena
population is unknown. The Barbers Point area is being developed and
is planned as the second population center for O'ahu. Most of the
habitat presently occupied by the species will be completely altered
(01,05).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
None.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 5 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Nonnative Vegetation
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vegetation
Beneficial Maintaining Sperm/Seed Banks
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Adverse Parasites
Existing Parasites
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Approximately 88 percent of the historic range of Achyranthes
rotundata has been developed for industrial, agricultural,
residential, and recreational uses. The remaining 12 percent of its
range has been degraded by the intrusion of exotic shrubs and trees,
and faces the threat of development. Dense thickets of an introduced
shrub, Leucaena leucocephala, at Ka'ena Point competes with the
population there for space, water, and minerals. On the 'Ewa Plains
at Barbers Point, thickets of Pluchea, also exotic, are competing with
the remaining Achyranthes individuals, and encroaching forests of
kiawe or mesquite, Prosopis pallida, another introduced species, are
altering the open, sunny habitat of the species. One sub-population
near Barbers Point lighthouse was partially destroyed when habitat was
converted for industrial uses in 1980 and 1981, resulting in the loss
of 75 percent of the sub-population. The remaining individuals were
on Federal land, which was later bulldozed, resulting in a loss of
about 50 percent of the individuals. The largest existing sub-
population is on privately owned land which is slated for development
as a part of the expansion of the industrial park at Barbers Point.
The 'Ewa Plains has a history of at least 500 years of human
disturbance, and the decline of the species can be directly attributed
to this disturbance (01,07).
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
Other less important threats include the use of the leaves and
inflorescences of Achyranthes, which are gray and attractive, for
making leis (flower garlands), but this use has now stopped. Both a
parasitic vine, Cassytha filiformis, and scale insects have threatened
the species, and a further reduction in population size potentially
could reduce the reproductive capabilities and genetic potential of
the species (01,07).
The 'Ewa Plains area is presently being developed. The existing
industrial park is being expanded, and hotels, condominiums, golf
courses, marina, and other urbanization projects are planned. A city
of 300,000 is proposed for the area (05). Probably only the
approximately 220 plants which are on Federal land, and those at
Ka'ena Point, would not be directly impacted by land development.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
A recovery plan for this species has not yet been initiated. No
target date has been set for its initiation.
Actions recommended for the recovery of this species include:
(1) Establish secure areas within the historic range of the
plant as sanctuaries.
(2) Propagate and transplant to increase the size of existing
populations and to establish new ones.
(3) Some habitat maintenance may be required to control plant
species (native and non-native) competing with the
Achyranthes for space.
(4) Seeds should be stored in a seed bank.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Nagata, K.M. 1981. Status report on Achyranthes rotundata (Hbd.)
St. John. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Unpubl. rep. 40 pp.
02 Kimura, B.Y. and K.M. Nagata. 1980. Hawai'i's vanishing flora.
The Oriental Publ. Co. Honolulu, HI. 88 pp.
03 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Protection given to seven
species. Endangered Species Tech. Bull. 11(4):1,4.
04 St. John, H. 1979. Monograph of the Hawaiian species of
Achyranthes (Amaranthaceae). Hawaiian plant studies 56. Pac. Sci.
33(4):333-350.
05 Char, W.P. and N. Balakrishnan. 1979. 'Ewa Plains botanical
survey. Dept. of Bot., Univ. of HI at Manoa. 119 pp.
06 Nagata, K.M. 1986. Master plan for the relocation of Achyranthes
rotundata and Myoporum sandwicense var. stellatum at Campbell
Estate Land, Barbers Point, O'ahu. Campbell Estate Unpubl. rep.
20 pp.
07 Herbst, D.R. 1986. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants;
determination of endangered status for Achyranthes rotundata.
March 26, 1986. Fed. Reg. 51(58):10518-10521.
08 Foote, D.E., et al. 1972. Soil survey of the islands of Kaua'i,
O'ahu, Mau'i, Moloka'i, and Lana'i, State of Hawai'i. U.S. Dept.
of Agri. Soil Conserv. Serv. and Univ. of HI Agri. Exp. Sta. U.S.
Gov't. Printing Office. 231 pp.
09 Macdonald, G.A. and A.T. Abbott. 1970. Volcanoes in the sea.
Honolulu: Univ. Press of Hawai'i. 441 pp.
10 St. John, H. 1981. Rare endemic plants of the Hawaiian Islands.
State of Hawai'i, Dept. Land and Nat. Res. Honolulu. 68 pp.
11 Obata, J. 1967. Seed germination in native Hawaiian plants.
Newslett. Hawaiian Bot. Soc. 6(3):13-19.
12 Corn, C. 1981. Pers. comm. Botanist, Hawai'i State Div. of For.
and Wildl. Honolulu, HI.
13 Whistler, A. 1985. Pers. comm. Botanist on an EIS survey
concerning the realignment of Malakole Road.
14 Herbst, D. 1986. Census update for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
files. Honolulu, HI.
15 Newman, A. 1987. Pers. comm. TNC Heritage Program. File data
from survey by Steve Perlman. Honolulu, HI.
16 Wagner, W.L., D.R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. Manual of the flowering
plants of Hawai'i. Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Accepted.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 St. John, H. 1979. Monograph of the Hawaiian species of
Achyranthes (Amaranthaceae). Hawaiian plant studies 56. Pac. Sci.
33(4):333-350.
02 Hillebrand, W. 1888. Flora of the Hawaiian Islands. Heidelberg:
Carl Winter. 673 pp.
03 Wagner, W.L., D.R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. Manual of the flowering
plants of Hawai'i. Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Accepted.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species ACHYRANTHES ROTUNDATA
Species Id ESIS701046
Date 13 MAR 96
04 Whistler, A. 1985. Pers. comm. Botanist on an EIS survey
concerning the realignment of Malakole Road.
05 Herbst, D. 1986. Census update for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
files. Honolulu, HI.
06 Newman, A. 1987. Pers. comm. TNC Heritage Program. File data
from survey by Steve Perlman.
07 Nagata, K.M. 1981. Status report on Achyranthes rotundata (Hbd.)
St. John. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Unpubl. rep. 40 pp.
08 Nagata, K.M. 1986. Master plan for the relocation of Achyranthes
rotundata and Myoporum sandwicense var. stellatum at Campbell
Estate Land, Barbers Point, Oahu. Unpubl. rep. 20 pp.
09 Herbst, D.R. 1987. Pers. comm. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv.,
Honolulu, HI.
References - 2