Just like Darwin’s finches in the Galapagos, Hawai’i also has a spectacular example of adaptive radiation. Adaptive radiation is the term used to describe a process of diversification from an ancestral species. The ancestral species in this case was a plant in the bellflower family that came out of Africa 13 million years ago when only the Northwest Hawaiian islands existed, and then radiated into well over a hundred species. Another mind-boggler from Mother Nature.
Lobelioids refers to this amazing group of plants we now have in Hawai’i. It is almost impossible to give a description of these plants because they are so varied as to size, leaf shape and flower color. One identification is their flowers which have a tube-like, curved structure that opens to show the stamens inside. Also, the plants usually have a milky sap which comes out when it is damaged (not recommended testing). One of the lobelioids’ pollinators is another example of adaptive radiation, the Hawaiian honeycreepers, who found that these plants just fit the bill.
To see a collection of lobelioids in an easy-to-get-to setting, try the walkway out of Thurston Lava Tube in the National Park. The Park has done a lot of out-planting there over the years and has given special attention to this special group of plants.
Comments