Ōpuhe
Names
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Ōpuhe
- Scientific: Urera kaalae
Conservation Status
- Federally Listed as Endangered
- Critically Endangered (IUCN)
Species Information
Ōpuhe is a long‐lived perennial member of the nettle family (Urticaceae). It grows as a small tree or shrub 10 to 23 feet tall. This species can be distinguished from the other Hawaiian species of the genus by its heart‐shaped leaves. Ōpuhe have large glossy leaves with clustered flowers (Pulelehua Project). Early Hawaiians used ōpuhe’s high levels of fiber to treat constipation and its strong bark for fish nets (Center for Plant Conservation).
Distribution
Found in the central to southern parts of the Wai‘anae Mountains on O‘ahu.
Habitat
Urera kaalae typically grows on slopes and in gulches in diverse mesic forest at elevations of 439 to 1,074 m (1,440 to 3,523 ft).
Threats
Ōpuhe face threats of ungulate grazing and non-native plant growth, browsing by rats, and climate change.
References & Additional Resources
- Opuhe fact sheet: State Wildlife Action Plan, DLNR Forestry and Wildlife
- Pulelehua Host Plants. Pululehua project, University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR). (n.d.). https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/pulelehua/Host-Plants
- Plant Profile: Opuhe. Center for Plant Conservation. (n.d.). https://saveplants.org/plant-profile/?CPCNum=4355#:~:text=This%20shrub%20is%20a%20part,the%20effects%20of%20severe%20constipation.
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