Brighamia rockii

H.St.John (1969)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Asterids Order: Asterales Family: Campanulaceae Genus: Brighamia

ālula [alula], hāhā [haha], pua ‘ala [pua ala]

Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Unbranched caudiciform succulents.

Stems:

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Alternate, arranged in a dense apical rosette. Blades 6–22 cm long, 5–15 cm wide. Apex obtuse to rounded. Base cuneate. Surfaces glabrous; blades leathery. Margins entire to weakly and distantly toothed in the apical ½. Petiolate. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers in suberect or spreading axillary, bracteolate racemes. peduncles (including rachis) 3.5–7.5 cm long; pedicels 0.6–1.2 cm long. Flowers bisexual (perfect) or rarely unisexual, resupinate, protandrous, fragrant, 3–8. Hypanthium 9–12 mm long, 5–8 mm wide. Calyx synsepalous; tube 10–ribbed, adnate to the ovary, forming a hypanthium; lobes 5, free, valvate, shorter than the tube. Calyx lobes oblong to elliptic, 2.5–8 mm long. Corolla salverform, white; tube 8–13 cm long, 0.2–0.4 cm wide; lobes 5, elliptic, margins finely erose, 1.7–3.7 cm long, 0.8–1.3 cm wide. Stamens 5, syngenesious, included within the corolla tube, adnate to the corolla tube below the middle; anthers glabrous, dithecal, opening by introrse longitudinal slits, the three dorsal ones longer than the two ventral ones, all with apical tufts of white hairs. Pollen tricolporate, prolate, ellipsoidal. Ovary inferior, 2-locular; ovule placentation axile; style slender, exserted; stigma 2-lobed, appressed and nonreceptive as the style grows through the anther tube, pushing out the pollen, after which the stigmas spread apart and become receptive.

Fruit: Capsules 13–20 mm long; 7–10 mm wide; 3–4 mm thick; ellipsoid; compressed; at first fleshy; eventually drying; each locule dehiscent by two lateral longitudinal slits. Seeds numerous; small; pale; ovoid to ellipsoid; 1.1–1.2 mm long; smooth with a short to spatulate dicotyledonous embryo embedded in oily endosperm.

Ploidy: 2n = 14*.

Habitat: Basaltic cliffs near the ocean.

Elevation Range: Up to 470 m.

Historical Distribution

Uses and Culture

USES

PROPAGATION/CULTIVATION

  • Cultivated plants may begin to flower as early as their first year, but usually not for two or three years. Hand pollination should increase seed production since the native pollinator is presumed to be extinct. To hand pollinate Brighamia, use a small paint brush to transfer the pollen. When the flowers are a couple of days old, the pollen will begin being shed. Use the paint brush to pick up pollen that has fallen onto the flower tube and apply the pollen to the stigma of another flower. The stigma is ready to receive the pollen when it appears shiny and sticky. Koob states that if pollination is successful, the base of the flower will start to swell within a couple of days. The fruit of Brighamia rockii is a green capsule about 1/2 inch long which ripens six to eight weeks after pollination. When mature, the capsule splits open releasing many small, smooth seeds. Hannon states that the capsules may still be green when the open or they may have turned pale yellow or light cream in color. Some seeds may remain stuck to the sides of the capsule. The capsules can be harvested just as they start to crack open. Place the capsules in a paper bag or envelope until the seeds fall out of the open capsule. Most sources state that Brighamia seeds require light to germinate and to sprinkle the seeds on the surface of moist, fine textured medium that drains well such as fine perlite or commercial peat/perlite potting mix. Hannon suggests a light covering of fine potting medium. Use of a mist system is suggested by NTBG. Koob indicates that the seeds will begin germinating in a couple of weeks and that most seeds will sprout at the same time. Hannon reports sporadic germination beginning in two weeks. NTBG (Ragone 1993) reports that while 85% of Brighamia rockii germinated in 6 weeks, additional seeds germinated for up to 4 months with a final germination rate of 97%. Seed can be sown fresh or can be stored. Koob states that they can be kept in a refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 years. Hannon, however, writes that viability declines rapidly after 10 to 12 months. NTBG (Ragone 1993) reports that the seeds were no longer viable after storage at ambient temperature (80 degrees F) and relative humidity (25%) for 17 months. (Hannon 2002; Koob 2000; NTBG 1992; Ragone 1993; Wagner 1999)
  • Johnson reports success micropropagating Brighamia insignis. Seeds are germinated on standard agar growth media or half-strength Murashige and Skoog media. The resulting seedlings are dissected and small pieces grown on Murashige and Skoog media to which NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) has been added. No additional details are provided. (Johnson 1986) [Data from Herring, E. C., & Criley, R. A. (2003). The Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Web Site: Developing a Webbased Information Resource. HortTechnology, 13(3), 545-548. https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hawnprop/]

Natural History

Statewide Status

Endemic

Island Status

Kaua'i Only found in cultivation
Molokai Endemic
Lana'i Endemic
Maui Endemic

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 62: 196 (1969)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:423 (Mo, L? [based on Rock sighting in 1910 at Maunalei Valley of inaccessible plant], M? [based on Remy 1850s voucher]); Staples & Herbst 2005:217 (KEY, DESCR)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Scientific Name Authorship Locality Habitat Basis of Record Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN perlman, s.p. collector number: s.n. Molokai BISH 8/6/1980
2 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Forbes, C.N. 519.Mo Molokai BISH 9/1/1912
3 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN f. r. fosberg 9643 F 7/4/1933
4 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Pritchardia coastal mesic forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN K. R. Wood 8033 Huelo Islet PTBG 11/9/1999
5 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Exposed usually inaccessible coastal cliffs PRESERVED_SPECIMEN h. wiebke 3328 NY 8/17/1928
6 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN K. R. Wood 14025 Molokai PTBG 12/8/2009
7 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Diospyros- Metrosideros lowland forest w/ mixed coastal cliff. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN K. R. Wood 402 Molokai PTBG 8/9/1990
8 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Molokai US
9 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN s. p. perlman 6222 Molokai US 7/31/1987
10 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Forbes, C. N. 519.Mo. Molokai US 9/12/2020
11 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Molokai US
12 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN k. nitta, h. wiebke & o. degener 3328 Molokai US 8/17/1928
13 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN fosberg, f. r. 9643 Maui US 4/7/1933
14 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN c. n. forbes 519.mo. Molokai US
15 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Perlman, S. P. 6222 Molokai US 7/31/1987
16 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN s. p. perlman 6222 Molokai US 7/31/1987
17 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Nitta, K.; Wiebke, H.; Degener, O. 3328 Molokai US 8/17/2028
18 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Perlman, S. P. 6222 Molokai US 7/31/1987
19 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN mann, h. brigham, w.t. collector number: s.n. Molokai BISH
20 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN collector number: s.n. Molokai BISH
21 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information In Diospyros - Metrosideros lowland w/Athyrium sandwichianum, Rauvolfia, Antidesma, Canthium, Myrsine, Artemisia, Bidens, Kalanchoe pinnata, also mixed coastal mesic cliff. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Perlman, S. 6222 Molokai BISH 7/31/1987
22 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN rock, j.f.c. collector number: 574 Molokai BISH 6/1/1910
23 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN s.n. Molokai BISH
24 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Rock, J.F.C. 574 Molokai BISH 6/1/1910
25 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Rock crevices PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Fosberg, F.R. 9643 Molokai BISH 4/4/1933
26 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Mann, H. Brigham, W.T. Collector Number: s.n. Molokai BISH
27 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Rock, J.F.C. Collector Number: 8817 Molokai BISH 4/1/1910
28 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information On cliffs with native mixed coastal mesic cliff plants. With: Artemisia, Bidens, Canthium, Schiedea globosa, Diospyros, Kalanchoe pinnata, Lysimachia. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Perlman, S. 6222 Molokai BISH 7/31/1987
29 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Nevin, N.B. 8817 Molokai BISH 8/1/1911
30 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information On cliffs with native mixed coastal mesic cliff plants. With: Artemisia, Bidens, Canthium, Schiedea globosa, Diospyros, Kalanchoe pinnata, Lysimachia. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN perlman, s.p. collector number: 6222 Molokai BISH 7/31/1987
31 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN rock, j.f.c. collector number: 8817 Molokai BISH 4/1/1910
32 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN F. R. Fosberg 9643 F 7/4/1933
33 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN mann, h. brigham, w.t. collector number: s.n. Molokai BISH
34 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Perlman, S. s.n. Molokai BISH 8/6/1980
35 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Rock, J.F.C. 8817 Molokai BISH 4/1/1910
36 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Rock crevices PRESERVED_SPECIMEN fosberg, f.r. collector number: 9643 Molokai BISH 4/4/1933
37 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Perlman, S. s.n. Molokai BISH 8/6/1980
38 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Mann, H. Brigham, W.T. Collector Number: s.n. Molokai BISH 1864-01-01
39 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Mann, H. s.n. Molokai BISH 2/6/1905
40 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Rock, J.F.C. 8817 Molokai BISH 1910-00-00
41 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN wysong, m.l. collector number: 862 Molokai BISH 1/25/2006
42 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN forbes, c.n. collector number: 519.mo Molokai BISH 9/1/1912
43 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Forbes, C.N. 519.Mo Molokai BISH 9/1/1912
44 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN nevin, n.b. collector number: 8817 Molokai BISH 8/8/1911
45 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN mann, h. brigham, w.t. collector number: s.n. Molokai BISH 1864-08-08
46 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Brigham, W.T. s.n. Molokai BISH 2/6/1905
47 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Growing at base of Cibotium in closed Acacia koa - Metrosideros - Cibotium forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN brigham, w.t. collector number: s.n. Hawaii BISH 1864-08-08
48 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN perlman, s.p. Molokai BISH 8/6/1980
49 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Rock, J.F.C. Collector Number: 574 Molokai BISH 6/1/1910
50 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information In Diospyros - Metrosideros lowland w/Athyrium sandwichianum, Rauvolfia, Antidesma, Canthium, Myrsine, Artemisia, Bidens, Kalanchoe pinnata, also mixed coastal mesic cliff. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN perlman, s.p. collector number: 6222 Molokai BISH 7/31/1987
51 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Wysong, M.L. 862 Molokai BISH 1/25/2006
52 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN rock, j.f.c. collector number: 8817 Molokai BISH 4/1/1910
53 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN W. B. Hillebrand F
54 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN waimea arboretum waimea arboretum s.n. #8 MO 9/15/1997
55 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Exposed usually inaccessible coastal cliffs PRESERVED_SPECIMEN k. nitta 3328 NY 8/17/1928
56 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN c. n. forbes 519mo. NY 9/7/1912
57 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Exposed almost inaccessible coastal cliffs PRESERVED_SPECIMEN o. degener 7868 NY 8/11/1928
58 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Cultivated PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Steve Perlman s.n. Kauai PTBG 11/1/1999
59 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Cultivated. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN David H. Lorence 10709 Kauai PTBG 9/8/2017
60 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Cultivated. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN David H. Lorence 10711 Kauai PTBG 9/8/2017
61 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Cultivated. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN David H. Lorence 10710 Kauai PTBG 9/8/2017
62 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Pritchardia coastal mesic forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN K. R. Wood 8034 Huelo Islet PTBG 11/9/1999
63 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Pritchardia coastal mesic forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN K. R. Wood 8031 Huelo Islet PTBG 11/9/1999
64 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Diospyros-Metrosideros lowland, also mixed coastal mesic cliff. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Steve Perlman 6222 Molokai PTBG 7/31/1987
65 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN K. R. Wood 14027 Molokai PTBG 12/8/2009
66 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Pritchardia coastal mesic forest. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN K. R. Wood 8032 Huelo Islet PTBG 11/9/1999
67 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Coastal mesic seacliffs. PRESERVED_SPECIMEN K. R. Wood 14794 Molokai PTBG 11/15/2011
68 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information Eragrostis variabilis Mixed Coastal Cliff; open, vertical, dry to mesic crest PRESERVED_SPECIMEN Steve Perlman 11326 Molokai PTBG 9/28/1990
69 Brighamia rockii H.St.John Contact Bishop Museum Botany department for locality information PRESERVED_SPECIMEN kazuto nitta; henry wieblse CHRB 11/8/1928