Hesperocnide sandwicensis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Rosales |
Family: | Urticaceae |
Genus: | Hesperocnide |
Species: | H. sandwicensis
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Binomial name | |
Hesperocnide sandwicensis (Wedd.) Wedd.
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Hesperocnide sandwicensis, the Hawai'i stingingnettle, is a rare species of nettle endemic to the island of Hawai'i. Less than 1000 plants from only 3 occurrences are estimated to exist due to grazing pressure from invasive sheep, goats, and pigs. [2]
The closest relative of H. sandwicensis, and the only other species in the genus Hesperocnide, is the California endemic Hesperocnide tenella.
Hesperocnide sandwicensis is an annual nettle, growing 20-60cm tall. Leaves and stems are covered in small hairs, with leaves growing 1.5-7cm in length. [3] Unlike other Hawaiian nettles which lost their ability to sting due to a lack of large herbivores, H. sandwicensis has retained this ability and its hairs can provide a painful sting if touched. [4]
Hesperocnide sandwicensis grows only in the understory of subalpine dry forests on the volcanic slopes of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai on the big island of Hawai'i.