Development of a DNA Library for Native Hawaiian Plants

Abstract

The native Hawaiian flora is under severe stress because of habitat loss and effects of invasive plants and animals introduced into the ecosystem. These factors are threatening to push many of the endemic species to extinction. In an effort to provide a broad genetic base from which research projects on native species may be initiated, DNA was isolated from endemic and indigenous species from Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Uina'i, Maui, Moloka'i, and O'ahu and included in a newly created Native Hawaiian Plants DNA Library. DNA accession numbers and collection information are presented for 206 species representing 75 families and 128 genera.