Polyscias flynnii

Polyscias flynnii
Conservation status
Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Apiales
Family:	Araliaceae
Genus:	Polyscias
Species:	P. flynnii
Binomial name
Polyscias flynnii (Lowry & K.R. Wood) Lowry & G. M. Plunkett
Synonyms[1][2]
Tetraplasandra flynnii Lowry & K.R. Wood

Polyscias flynnii (known by the common names Flynn's 'ohe^[3] and ohe ohe) is a plant species endemic to the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is rare, found only in one population covering about 1 km² in the Kalalau Valley. It is regarded as threatened.^[4] It is threatened by feral goats and non-native plant species in its habitat. It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010.^[5]

This plant was first discovered in 1988 and described to science as a new species in 2000.^[6] There are only five individuals known to exist.^[7]

Polyscias flynnii is a tree up to 9 m tall. Leaves are pinnately compound, up to 60 cm long, with reddish-brown hairs on the underside but not on the upper side. Inflorescence is a panicle or umbel hanging from the axils of the leaves, with 10-15 flowers. Flowers are yellow-green, some hermaphroditic (both male and female) but others on the same plant staminate (male only).^[6][8]

References

1. Tropicos
2. The Plant List
3. "Tetraplasandra flynii". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
4. Lowry, P.P., & G.M. Plunkett. 2010. Plant Diversity and Evolution 128: 74.
5. Tetraplasandra flynnii. The Nature Conservancy.
6. Lowry, P. P. and K. R. Wood. (2000). A new, threatened species of Tetraplasandra (Araliaceae) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands, and notes on its conservation status. Novon 10(1) 40-44.
7. USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010.
8. photo of isotype at Missouri Botanical Garden