Kulu ka lā: The Daily Drip - Caly, the Last of the Cyanea Calycina

Caly (cyanea calycina), or haha, in Honouliuli Forest Reserve. (Credit: USGS)

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Caly is a Hawaiian plant, the Cyanea calycina. Cyanea calycina are a critically endangered species of the Campanulaceae family endemic to O'ahu. The first arrival of campanulaceae occurred 13 million years ago with all 140 known Hawaiian species descending from that single arrival. 

What is Caly's current condition?

Human colonization has taken a toll on Caly. Scientists have identified 70 known Cyanea species, with 40 tagged as endangered and 20 species presumed extinct. Invasive plants have also displaced Caly's native vegetation due to overgrowth. Complicating this situation is the presence of invasive animals such as feral pigs, rats, and mosquitoes, and the ever-changing environment due caused by climate change.

Oh no! What is being done to reverse this?

Conservation teams and researchers from the University of Hawai'i have been working to improve Caly's living conditions on the Wai'anae mountain range by clearing invasive plants, protecting Caly with fencing, and trapping rats to slow destructive tendencies. Planting more native species helps to restore the ecosystem, and gives land managers an opportunity to study Caly's lifecycle.

Check out how this important work is being carried out. Visit Caly here!