Loulu

Loulu

Common Name:

Loulu

Scientific Name:

Pritchardia limahuliensis

Categories:

Endangered

Conservation Status:

Critically endangered

Why is this species important?

This palm is endemic to Kauai, the northernmost and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands chain with the greatest diversity of plant species of any island in Hawaii.

Where is it found?

Pritchardia limahuliensis is found only in the Limahuli valley, growing in lowland moist forest. There are fewer than 300 individuals in the wild and regeneration is limited, mainly because of seed predation by rats and pigs.

Why is it threatened?

Loulu is threatened by grazing and other damage from introduced animals and by competition from invasive exotic plants.

What conservation action is needed?

P. limahuliensis is not yet listed under the US Endangered Species Act.The National Tropical Botanic Garden (NTBG) is currently involved in a restoration project for the species and maintains an ex situ conservation collection.