Maui Chaff Flower
Scientific Name: Achyranthes splendens Mart. ex Moq.
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| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Usda Symbol | ACSP3 |
| Group | Dicot |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Habits | Shrub |
| Native Locations | ACSP3 |
Plant Guide
Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Maui Chaff Flower.
Fact Sheet
Status
Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e,g, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Maui Chaff Flower.,, threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values), Achyranthes splendens var, rotunda is listed by the U,S, Federal Government as an Endangered Species,
Description and Adaptation
Adaptation
Adaptation
Achyranthes splendens is a small shrub 2 to 6 feet in height. The leaves are arranged opposite and are obovate to broadly elliptic or suborbicular in shape, ranging in size from ¾ to 4 ½ inches long and ½ to 2 ½ inches wide. The leaves are also covered with white hairs, especially on the lower surface giving them a silvery appearance. Its flower is a densely-congested spike with a silvery appearance as well and can measure from 1 to 9 ½ inches long. Achyranthes splendens is an endemic shrub. It occurs naturally at low elevations, generally from sea level to 100 feet, in open, dry areas. It is known to survive plantings up to 1000 feet. It is currently known to occur naturally along the western coast of Oahu, on the Kalaupapa peninsula on Molokai, near Manele and Maunalei Gulch on Lanai, in West Maui, and near Kula on East Maui. There are 2 varieties recognized in The Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii (Wagner 1990); A. splendens var. rotundata, and A. splendens var. splendens. Achyranthes splendens distribution from USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. For updated distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.
Establishment
Achyranthes splendens will propagate easily either by seed or by vegetative cuttings. Dibble tubes and a sterile planting medium with good drainage are recommended to start propagules. Cuttings should be started under 50% shade. Seeds should be started in full sunlight and should germinate within 7-10 days. Out-plant A. splendens in areas where it can enjoy full sunlight. A. splendens will tolerate low fertility soils, but soil amendments based on soil tests will benefit any planting. When out-planting seedlings, moderate moisture should be provided until plants become established. This could take at least 1-2 months.
Management
Achyranthes splendens is well adapted to low rainfall areas and requires very little moisture, if any, once it has become established. A. splendens will thrive with no to very little soil amendments. It tolerates pruning and will recover easily from the occasional broken branch. There have been instances at the Hoolehua PMC where the major stem had broken off and the remaining stump had re-grown completely.
Pests and Potential Problems
There are no known pests or potential problems.
Environmental Concerns
Achyranthes splendens is primarily threatened by urban development. Other threats include invasive alien plants, wildfires, introduced deer and cattle ranching. Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) None. Prepared By: David Duvauchelle – Natural Resource Specialist