The plant genus Hibiscadephus in Hawai'i: a history, analysis of problems, and a management plan for trees in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Abstract

The history of the genus Hibiscadelphus is presented illustrating the problem of planting H. hualalaiensis close to H. giffardianus in Kipuka Puaulu. Although H. giffardianus is extinct in the wild, it is still cultivated in the type locality. In order to preserve what remains of the gene pool of this very rare species, four management actions are proposed: Removal of the second generation hybrids; propagation and removal of the F¹ hybrids; propagation and removal of all H. hualalaiensis trees; and propagation and cultivation of H. giffardianus.