Wawae'iole

Phlegmariurus nutans

Description

Phlegmariurus nutans (Wawae'iole) is an erect or pendulous herbaceous epiphyte (plant growing above ground on other plants) of the clubmoss family. Its stiff and light green branches, 10-16 in (25-40 cm) long and about 0.2 in (0.5 cm) thick, are covered with stiff, flat, leathery leaves; these overlap at acute angles and are 0.5-0.6 in (1.2-1.5 cm) long and about 0.1 in (2.5 mm) wide. The leaves are arranged in six rows and arise directly from the branches. The branches end in thick, 2.8-5.1 in (7-13 cm) long fruiting spikes that are unbranched or branched once or twice and taper toward a downward-curving tip. Densely layered bracts on the fruiting spikes are between 0.1 and 0.2 in (2.5 and 5 mm) long and conceal the spore capsules.

This species is distinguished from others of the genus in Hawaii by its epiphytic habit, simple or forking fruit spikes, and larger, stiffer leaves. P. nutans has been observed fertile, with spores, in May and December. The species has also been classified as Lycopodium nutans.

Habitat

P. nutansgrows on tree trunks, usually on open ridges and slopes in 'ohi'a-dominated wet forests and occasionally mesic forests at elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 ft (610 and 1,070 m). The vegetation in those areas usually includes kanawao, uluhe, 'uki, hame, kopiko, kokio, and kokeo.

Distribution

Historically, P. nutans was known from the island of Kauai and from scattered locations in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu bounded by Kaluanui Valley to the north, Paalaa to the west, and Mount Tantalus to the south. This species is now known from only two sites within its historic range on Oahu—Kaluanui Valley and along Waikane-Schofield Trail.

One population, located on state land, was described as scarce when last observed in 1965. The other population, located about 5 mi (8 km) away on the boundary of the Ewa Forest reserve and Schofield Military Barracks Reserve, grew in several places in this area at the time of its collection in 1961. Two individuals of this population were observed in 1993 by Joel Lau. The entire species totals less than 50 known individuals. The populations at Kaukonahua Ridge, Kaukonahua Gulch, and along Waikane-Schofield Trail on Oahu contained just four individuals in 1997.

Threats

The primary threat to P. nutans is stochastic extinction and reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of remaining individuals and their limited distribution. It is also threatened by extinction due to random natural events. An additional threat is competition from noxious alien plants, especially Koster's curse and strawberry guava.

Conservation and Recovery

Propagation of P. nutans was unsuccessfully attempted at the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Contact

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Regional Office, Division of Endangered Species
Eastside Federal Complex
911 N. E. 11th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181
(503) 231-6121
http://pacific.fws.gov/

Reference

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. Recovery Plan for Oahu Plants. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 207 pp., plus appendices.