`ohai
Sesbania tomentosa Hook. & Arn.
Sesbania tomentosa, known as `ohai, is an endangered plant in the Fabaceae family, endemic to Hawaii and found on Nīhoa and Necker islands. It grows in low shrublands and dry forests up to 760 m elevation. Native plants like `aki`aki and `ilima coexist with it. Habitat loss due to vehicles, fires, grazing, and invasive species threatens it on the main islands, though it remains common on Nīhoa with at least 2,000 specimens.
Description
Sesbania tomentosa, or `ohai, is a rare Fabaceae species native to the main Hawaiian Islands and Nīhoa and Necker islands. It thrives in low shrublands and occasionally in dry forests from sea level to 760 m. It is associated with native plants such as `aki`aki, `ilima, naupaka kahakai, and pili. The plant faces threats from habitat destruction caused by off-road vehicles, wildfires, grazing, and competition from invasive species on the main islands. However, it is more prevalent on Nīhoa, where at least 2,000 individuals are recorded, and on Necker, though in fewer numbers. Conservation efforts are critical to its survival.
Other common names
`ohaiOahu riverhempOʻahu riverhemp
Distribution
Hawaii · Puerto Rico
Synonyms
Sesbania hobdyiSesbania hawaiiensisAgati tomentosaEmerus tomentosusSesbania molokaiensisSesbania tomentosa var. molokaiensis
