dgrossman@mauinews.com
Cyanea heluensis, a newly described native plant, is shown in a recent photo. The only known individual was discovered in wet ohia forest on Mauna Kahalawai in West Maui.
Plant Extinction Prevention Program photo
A new native flower was discovered in a remote location in West Maui last week, and it’s the only known plant of its kind to exist so far.
While exploring the steep slopes of Helu above Lahaina, botanists Hank Oppenheimer and Jennifer Higashino found a single large Cyanea heluensis. This new species is related to other native plants known as haha, but has different features, including unique leaves and curved, long, white flowers.