Abutilon Species, Ko'oloa'ula, Red Llima

Ko'oloa'ula, Red Llima (Abutilon menziesii) is native to the Hawaiian Isands. Growing in dry forests on the islands of Lana`i, East Maui,...Read More Oah`u, and Hawai`i, it is is an endangered Hawaiian endemic species. The shrub was discovered in the 1800's. In 1981 in an abandoned cane field at Ewa, a specimen collection was made on the island of Oah`u and it was believed at the time to be escapees from cultivation. However, today plants located at the Ewa location are recognized as a specific naturally occurring population. In 2007, only about 500 plants prosper in fewer than 10 native populations throughout the islands. Its decline can be attributed to the modification of its habitat for agricultural and urban development, from invasive weeds. overgrazing by livestock and feral animals and competition. Implemented by state and federal agencies to protect remaining habitats, a conservation plan is being implemented to establish new populations as well as conserve genetic material in seed banks and botanical gardens. Besides the methods mentioned above, the shrub can be propagated by air-layering.