img

Lepidium owaihiense

Cham. & Schltdl. (1826)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Rosids Order: Brassicales Family: Brassicaceae Genus: Lepidium

‘ānaunau, ‘ānounou, anaunau, anounou, kunana, kūnānā, naunau

img

Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Subshrubs 1.5–6 dm tall, pubescent with simple hairs.

Stems: Stems ascending to weakly erect, herbaceous for most of their length, glabrate.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Alternate or rarely opposite. Blades obovate, spatulate to oblanceolate, rarely nearly linear, 3–7.8(–12) cm long, (0.3–)1–2(–2.5) cm wide. Apex obtuse to acute. Surfaces glabrate; blades thick and somewhat fleshy. Margins usually coarsely serrate or crenate, primarily in upper ⅔ of leaf. Petiolate. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers usually bractless in 1 to several terminal racemes, sparsely to moderately puberulent. Flowers bisexual (perfect), actinomorphic or rarely slightly irregular; white, pale yellow, or greenish, usually 2–3 mm long, sometimes absent. Calyx of 4 sepals, deciduous, erect, usually oblong, sometimes the inner 2 with gibbous bases that hold the nectar; green, ovate to elliptic, ca. 1–1.3 mm long, sparsely puberulent, margins white. Corolla of 4 petals, rarely absent, yellow, white, or lavender, entire to emarginate, rarely lobed or fimbriate, usually with an elongate claw; 1.2–1.6 mm long. Stamens 6, as long or nearly as long as petals, each with a gland at base, the inner 4 usually in pairs, sometimes connate at base in pairs; anthers dithecal, opening by longitudinal slits. Ovary superior, 2(4?)-carpellate, usually 2-celled by means of a false, but usually complete septum, rarely 1-celled, sessile or rarely stipitate; ovules 1 to numerous, borne on parietal placentas on replum margin at periphery of ovary wall, campylotropous or occasionally anatropous; styles short or essentially absent; stigma capitate.

Fruit: Capsules divided into 2 cells by the usually thin and membranous septum; elongate (at least 3 times as long as wide) and referred to as a silique; flattened at right angles to the septum; suborbicular silicles usually 4–5.5 mm long. Seeds 1 to numerous; pale reddish brown; narrowly obovoid; compressed; 1.9–2.5 mm long; 0.8–1.3 mm wide; often becoming mucilaginous when wet; endosperm essentially absent.

Ploidy:

Habitat: Indigenous to coastal sites and low elevation; dry; steep; rocky slopes near the coast.

Elevation Range: 0–240 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

img

Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Endemic

Island Status

Mokupāpapa (Kure atoll) Endemic
Ni'ihau(Incl. Lehua) Extirpated
Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) Endemic
Kaua'i Endemic
Manawai (Pearl & Hermes Atoll) Endemic
O'ahu Endemic
Molokai Endemic
Kamole(Laysan Island) Endemic
Lana'i Endemic
Maui Endemic
Hawai'i Not in flora

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Specimens

img
img

Bibliography

Name Published In: Linnaea 1: 32 (1826)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:406 (Ku, Mi, PH, La, K, O, Mo, L, M [as L. bidentatum var. owaihiense]); Oppenheimer & Pezzillo 2024:58 (WM); Wagner et al. 2023– (name updated to L. owaihiense Cham. & Schltdl.; accessed Nov 2023); Hooker & Arnott 1830–1841/Wichman & St. John 1990:91 (Ni?†, 1826 [note: spm. likely in a European herbarium, not seen]); Starr & Starr 2013b (Note: La population reintroduced from PH after natural population destroyed by rabbits in early 1900s); Naomi Worcester pers. comm. 2025/Starr et al. 2001 (Note: Ku population reintroduced after natural population died off in 1980s); Starr & Starr 2015b (Note: Mi population reintroduced from La in early 2010, natural population last seen in 1980s); Hank Oppenheimer pers. obs./Forbes 165.L BISH (L†, 1918)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Lepidium owaihiense raised coraline shelf S of Pounders Beach, Laie Not uncommon in openings of the Scaevola thicket. Also present on shelf: Capparis, Lipochaeta integrifolia, Portulaca lutea, Lycium, Heliotropium anomalum, Sesuvium, Boerhavia, Vigna and others. Preserved_Specimen Stemmermann, R.L. 3704 Oahu BISH 1979-02-11
2 Lepidium owaihiense Waianae Mountains: Kealia, cliffs overlooking Dillingham Airfield On a windswept grassy ledge with Eragrostis variabilis, alien grasses, Chenopodium, Schiedea kealiae. Preserved_Specimen Shrub 20 cm tall, with several others of similar size. Lau, J. 2892 Oahu BISH 1986-10-25
3 Lepidium owaihiense Huelo Islet Pritchardia hillebrandii-Canthium odoratum coastal forest w/Chamaesyce celastroides var. amplectens, Mariscus phleoides, Scaevola sericea, Eragrostis variabilis, Dianella, Charpentiera obovata, Diospyros sandwicensis, Peucedanum, Schiedea globosa, Lepidium bidentatum var. o-waihiense, Wikstroemia, Brighamia, Pittosporum. Threats: Kalanchoe, Lantana. Preserved_Specimen 50 cm. tall, subshrub; stems weakly erect. Wood, K.R. 3830 Molokai BISH 1994-12-09
4 Lepidium owaihiense Kawela, Makolelau In new fenced unit in dry forest site with Metrosideros- Leptecophylla, Coprosma foliosa, Sida fallax, Dodnaea viscosa, Bidens menziesii, Schiedea sarmentosa, Diospyros sandwicensis, Silene lanceolata, Carex wahuensis, Luzula hawaiiensis. Preserved_Specimen Plants 1 - 2 ft ht with fls. and frt. Perlman, S. 19940 Molokai BISH 2005-12-28
5 Lepidium owaihiense Kure Atoll Along dunes under the seaevola and in the central plains. Shrub. Preserved_Specimen Flower-tiny white 4 petal. Fruit- flat, lenticular 1/5-1/4 diameter. Caum, E.L. 5 Kure Atoll BISH 1923-04-17
6 Lepidium owaihiense Waialua Gulch One plant on cliff. Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 501 Molokai BISH 1979-10-27
7 Lepidium owaihiense Grass Island Uncommon on the island. Preserved_Specimen Subshrub with white flowers. Herbst, D.R. 6458 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1980-07-05
8 Lepidium owaihiense East Kawela Metrosideros, Styphelia, Melicope, Pleomele, Myrsine, Carex, Eragrostis, Sophora, Sida, Wikstroemia, Diospyros, Dodonaea, Nestegis, Bidens. Threats: Goats, Melinis, Passiflora mollissima, Ageratina adenophora. Preserved_Specimen Collected in basalt wall; rare in area. Wood, K.R. 2897 Molokai BISH 1993-12-08
9 Lepidium owaihiense East Maui, Hana District, Hana, along trail to lighthouse in Hana Bay Common, escecially on slope above trail. Preserved_Specimen Flynn, T.W. 1150 Maui BISH 1985-07-20
10 Lepidium owaihiense Makolelau Gulch, below Puu Kolekole In Dodonaea-Styphelia lowland mesic shrubland with Vaccinum, Psychotria, Diospyros, Sophora chrysophyla, Neraudia sericea, Lipochaeta rockii, Bidens menziesii, Myoporum, Wikstroemia, Metrosideros, Pleomele, Pittosporum, Chamaesyce, Lysimachia, Viola, Pipturus, Scaevola, Urera glabra, Lantana, Melinis minutiflora, Schiedea. Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 6675 Molokai BISH 1987-10-23
11 Lepidium owaihiense Kipu Kai; large colony in ironwood grove, northeastern part of turtle--seen occasionally elsewhere Locally common, but highly restricted in distribution. Preserved_Specimen Sparingly branched plant to 2 feet tall; white flowers. Herbst, D.R. 2912 Kauai BISH 1973-03-22
12 Lepidium owaihiense Southeast Island, W side In sandy soil Preserved_Specimen Upright herb (0.2 -0.3 m tall); white flower. Conant, S. 143 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1983-07-21
13 Lepidium owaihiense Mokapu Pt. Lighthouse Locally common, on mixed native cliff with Schiedea globosa, Sida, Lipochaeta integrifolia, Lycium, Scaevola, Casuarina, Sesuvium, Leucaena. Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 6145 Oahu BISH 1987-07-04
14 Lepidium owaihiense Makolelau Gulch, below Puu Kolekole In Dodonaea-Styphelia lowland mesic shrubland with Vaccinum, Psychotria, Diospyros, Sophora chrysophyla, Neraudia sericea, Lipochaeta rockii, Bidens menziesii, Myoporum, Wikstroemia, Metrosideros, Pleomele, Pittosporum, Chamaesyce, Lysimachia, Viola, Pipturus, Scaevola, Urera glabra, Lantana, Melinis minutiflora, Schiedea. Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 6675 Molokai BISH 1987-10-23
15 Lepidium owaihiense East Maui, Hana District, Kauiki on E side of Hana Bay, Along trail to lighthouse Dominated by Casuarina planted in late 1930s but with numerous other alien species (Terminalia, Syzygium, Ardisia). Preserved_Specimen Locally common herb. Flynn, T.W. 2520 Maui BISH 1987-10-21
16 Lepidium owaihiense Makapuu Lighthouse area, ca. 275 meters bearing ca. 12.2 degrees from Makapuu Lighthouse Exposed windward cliffs on mostly bare lava. Preserved_Specimen Semi-prostrate to erect. Snow, N. 10049 Oahu BISH 2011-03-05
17 Lepidium owaihiense Puu Ku Common. Found over much of the islet. A series of healthy looking patches were observed on the north and east slopes, in open areas and occasionally mixed in with maiapilo and naupaka. Also observed on tall rock west of Puu Ku where there was one small plant on the north east face near the bottom. Preserved_Specimen Starr, F. 6042203 Maui BISH 2006-04-22
18 Lepidium owaihiense Mokapu, islet E of Kalaupapa Peninsula, below station 7, E side Chamaesyce celastroides, Chenopodium oahuense; Diospyros, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Artemisia australis, Sida fallax, Schiedea globosa, Plumbago zeylanica, Dianella sandwicensis, Melanthera integrifolia, Lepidium bidentatum, Senna gaudichaudii, Portulaca lutea, Pittosporum halophilum, Pritchardia hillebrandii Preserved_Specimen 35 cm subshrub; stems green, petals white, silicles flattened immature green Wood, K.R. 8321 Molokai BISH 2000-03-08
19 Lepidium owaihiense Kipu Kai; large colony in ironwood grove, northeastern part of turtle--seen occasionally elsewhere Locally common, but highly restricted in distribution. Preserved_Specimen Sparingly branched plant to 2 feet tall; white flowers. Herbst, D.R. 2912 Kauai BISH 1973-03-22
20 Lepidium owaihiense East Maui, Hana District, Hana, Hana Bay, at navigational light on Puukii Island, just off Kauiki Head Dry coastal rocks. Preserved_Specimen Fleshy herb; corolla white. Lammers, T.G. 5852 Maui BISH 1985-07-06
21 Lepidium owaihiense E of East Kawela, W of Makolelau, unnamed drainage steep SW facing slope near gulch bottom, thin gray soil; Dodonaea, Leptecophylla, Wikstroemia, Schiedea sarmentosa, Silene alexandri, Lepidium bidentatum, Metrosideros, Ageratina, Melinis, Bidens, Lipochaeta, Cocculus, Sicyos, Myoporum, Doryopteris, Cyperus, Alyxia, Antidesma, Sida, Luzula, Diospyros, Chenopodium oahuensis,Wahlenbergia, Osteomeles, Deparia petersenii, Solanum amiericanum Preserved_Specimen to 30 cm; upright Oppenheimer, H.L. 90804 Molokai BISH 2008-09-17
22 Lepidium owaihiense Na Pali Coast, Honopu Beach, elevation near sea level Growing in sand near fresh water stream. Preserved_Specimen Small dry shrub. No flowers. Corn, C. 23 Kauai BISH 1979-07-20
23 Lepidium owaihiense Waimea Arboretum diffuse subshrub 30 cm tall, In full sun Preserved_Specimen Petals white Perlman, S. 2522 Oahu BISH 1986-06-16
24 Lepidium owaihiense Mokapu Islet dry; Chamaesyce celastroides, Chenopodium oahuense, Diospyros sandwicensis, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Cassytha filiformis, Artemisia australis, Sida fallax, Plumbago zeylanica, Dianella sandwicensis, Melanthera integrifolia, Lepidium bidentatum Preserved_Specimen sub-shrub; diffuse branches 15-35 cm long, young silicle green maturing brown Wood, K.R. 11719 Molokai BISH 2006-01-10
25 Lepidium owaihiense Kealia Dry, steep slope. Preserved_Specimen Herb. Flower whitish. St.John, H. 17649 Oahu BISH 1936-11-08
26 Lepidium owaihiense Lauiloa Point Growing in sandy hollow between eroded lava boulders. Preserved_Specimen Leaves rosette bright green. Flowers white. Fruit pale straw. A Few specimens only. van Royen, P. 10248 Oahu BISH 1968-07-05
27 Lepidium owaihiense Seal Kittery Island Associated vegetation: Solanum nelsonii, Boerhavia repens, Tribulus cistoides, Lepturus repens. Preserved_Specimen Johnson, D. 9906132 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1999-06-13
28 Lepidium owaihiense Lanai Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 343 Lanai BISH 1864-01-01
29 Lepidium owaihiense Na Pali Coast, Honopu Beach, elevation near sea level Growing at base of sand dune with Scaevola taccada shrubs and Bidens sp. near stream and arched rock between beaches. Preserved_Specimen Small dry shrub. No flowers. Corn, C. 23 Kauai BISH 1979-07-20
30 Lepidium owaihiense North Island, Pearl and Hermes Reef Sometimes in pure stands. Preserved_Specimen White flowers, height 0.4 m. Conant, S. 368 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1983-08-10
31 Lepidium owaihiense North Island, Pearl and Hermes Reef Scattered throughout the central plain to beach with Tribulus, Eragrostis, Sicyos, Solanum, Boerhavia. Preserved_Specimen Herb with white flowers. 0.2-0.3 m tall Young, A.L. 124 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1964-08-20
32 Lepidium owaihiense Green Island Abundant in fairly open areas. Preserved_Specimen Lamoureux, C.H. 2787 Kure Atoll BISH 1964-08-14
33 Lepidium owaihiense southern side of the eastern part of the island. Common Preserved_Specimen subshrub with white flowers. Herbst, D.R. 6487 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1980-07-07
34 Lepidium owaihiense Kalaupapa; greenhouse Preserved_Specimen subshrub Wysong, M.L. 599 Molokai BISH 2005-02-06
35 Lepidium owaihiense Maunalei Valley Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 69 Lanai BISH 1913-09-06
36 Lepidium owaihiense Kaala Mts Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 593 Oahu BISH 1864-01-01
37 Lepidium owaihiense Pearl & Hermes - Seal - Kittery lsland ) Collected from a large colony on the southwest part of the island Preserved_Specimen Subshrub with white flowers. Herbst, D.R. 6463 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1980-07-05
38 Lepidium owaihiense Pearl & Hermes Reef Preserved_Specimen Subshrub with white flowers. Herbst, D.R. 6473 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1980-07-06
39 Lepidium owaihiense Beyond Kalaupapa Beach Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 6190 Molokai BISH 1910-03-26
40 Lepidium owaihiense Southeast Island. This herb in fruit was collected on the west end of the island Preserved_Specimen Long, C.R. 2286 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1964-09-16
41 Lepidium owaihiense Kaala Mts Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 593 Oahu BISH 1864-01-01
42 Lepidium owaihiense Nuuanu Pali: (east? side) Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1420 Oahu BISH 1909-12-12
43 Lepidium owaihiense At the Nuuanu Pali Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 2365 Oahu BISH 1895-05-24
44 Lepidium owaihiense Kure Atoll Preserved_Specimen Lamoureux, C.H. 1891 Kure Atoll BISH 1961-09-12
45 Lepidium owaihiense NORTH I. Pearl and Hermes Reef Preserved_Specimen Erect yellowish herb, common in coral rubble in Tribulus mats around the margins of the island. With Boerhaavia diffusa and Lepturus repens. Carlquist, S. 2323 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1966-09-22
46 Lepidium owaihiense Palehua, Waianae Range Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1695 Oahu BISH 1911-05-01
47 Lepidium owaihiense At the Nuuanu Pali Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 2365 Oahu BISH 1895-05-24
48 Lepidium owaihiense Dillingham area, above Camp Erdman On cliffs with Bidens, Leucaena leucocephala, Sida fallax, Sicyos, Canthium, Plumbago, Syzygium cumini, Schinus, Lepidium bidentatum, Lipochaeta remyi, Myoporum, Hibiscus arnottianus with flowers and fruit. Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 7005 Oahu BISH 1987-11-22
49 Lepidium owaihiense Pearl & Hermes Reef Preserved_Specimen Subshrub with white flowers. Herbst, D.R. 6473 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1980-07-06
50 Lepidium owaihiense East Molokai, North Coast, east end of Kikipua On a goat-free slope. Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 2156 Molokai BISH 1984-08-26
51 Lepidium owaihiense Mokulua Islets; off Lanikai Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1936-06-14
52 Lepidium owaihiense On dry rocky slope. Kealia, Waianae Mts Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1322 Oahu BISH 1936-02-02
53 Lepidium owaihiense Green Island. Occasional; from a small colony at the east of the runway Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 6284 Kure Atoll BISH 1979-01-04
54 Lepidium owaihiense Kaala Mountains Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 593 Oahu BISH 1864-01-01
55 Lepidium owaihiense Central open area under antenna Preserved_Specimen Long, C.R. 2234 Kure Atoll BISH 1964-09-14
56 Lepidium owaihiense Makaleha Valley Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 17012 Oahu BISH 1918-04-01
57 Lepidium owaihiense Makaleha Valley Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 17012 Oahu BISH 1918-04-01
58 Lepidium owaihiense Laysan Preserved_Specimen Schauinsland, H.H. 905 Laysan Island BISH 1896-01-01
59 Lepidium owaihiense Maunalei Valley Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 165 Lanai BISH 1918-06-01
60 Lepidium owaihiense Pearl & Hermes Reef Preserved_Specimen Caum, E.L. 51 Pearl & Hermes Atoll BISH 1923-04-27
61 Lepidium owaihiense East Maui, Hana Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 1101 Maui BISH 1909-09-01
62 Lepidium owaihiense Kaapahu beach cliffs, Near Kipahulu Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1773 Maui BISH 1919-12-09
63 Lepidium owaihiense Maunalei Valley Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 144 Lanai BISH 1913-06-06
64 Lepidium owaihiense Kailua Preserved_Specimen Stokes, J.F.G. 10 Oahu BISH 1916-03-01
65 Lepidium owaihiense Makaleha Valley Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 17012 Oahu BISH 1918-04-01
66 Lepidium owaihiense Laysan Preserved_Specimen Schauinsland, H.H. Laysan Island BISH 1899-01-01
67 Lepidium owaihiense Kapapa Islet Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1938-09-24
68 Lepidium owaihiense Central open plain Preserved_Specimen Clay, H.F. Kure Atoll BISH 1959-10-03
69 Lepidium owaihiense Kure Atoll Preserved_Specimen Woodside, D. Kure Atoll BISH 1973-01-01
70 Lepidium owaihiense Midway Atall (Honolulu) Preserved_Specimen Chisholm, D.R. Oahu BISH 1931-12-01
71 Lepidium owaihiense Laniloa Point Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1938-07-31
72 Lepidium owaihiense unknown Preserved_Specimen Gaudichaud-Beaupré, C. 233 BISH 1836-01-01
73 Lepidium owaihiense East Maui, Hana Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 266 Maui BISH 1910-07-01
74 Lepidium owaihiense West Maui, Makamakaole Stream, just inland from beach on south slope of gulch. Northing: 2320128; Easting: 757270 Common; withother neative vegetation mid slope. Dry coastal scrub. Scaevola, Schiedea, Panicum, Psydrax, Schinus, Portulaca, Bidens, Coleus, Plumbago, Artemesia, Pandanus, Wollastonia Preserved_Specimen small plants mixed in with other native vegetation Pezzillo, Z. 18 Maui BISH 2022-06-30
75 Lepidium owaihiense Point of Makapuu Head, just below the lookout point. Steep slope, more than 200 plants Preserved_Specimen Obata, J.K. 399 Oahu BISH 1978-06-23
76 Lepidium owaihiense Waimanalo Preserved_Specimen MacCaughey, v. 12925 Oahu BISH 1912-01-01
77 Lepidium owaihiense Kure Island Preserved_Specimen Lamoureux, C.H. 1872 Kure Atoll BISH 1961-09-12
78 Lepidium owaihiense East Maui, Hana District, Hana Bay, Puuku Islet Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 1363 Maui BISH 1982-04-17
79 Lepidium owaihiense Lanai Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 343 Lanai BISH 1864-01-01
80 Lepidium owaihiense Molokai Preserved_Specimen Hillebrand, W.B. Molokai BISH
81 Lepidium owaihiense Malaekahana Bay Preserved_Specimen Cooke Jr., C.M. Oahu BISH 1919-01-26
82 Lepidium owaihiense Kaneohe Bay, Kapapa Islet Preserved_Specimen Wilder, G.P. Oahu BISH 1932-01-31
83 Lepidium owaihiense Kapapa Islet Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1938-09-24
84 Lepidium owaihiense Beyond Kalaupapa Beach Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 6190 Molokai BISH 1910-03-26
85 Lepidium owaihiense East Maui, Hana District, Hana, Kauiki Head In loose red cinders slong windy coast. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 12530 Maui BISH 1939-08-30
86 Lepidium owaihiense Kalaupapa Trail Found growing along the trail among grasses. Preserved_Specimen Shinsato, H. Molokai BISH 1958-12-26
Back to Top