Melanthera tenuifolia (formerly Lipochaeta tenuifolia) is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names Waianae Range nehe and slender-leaf nehe.

Melanthera tenuifolia
Conservation status
Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Melanthera
Species:	M. tenuifolia
Binomial name
Melanthera tenuifolia (A.Gray) W.L.Wagner & H.Rob.

It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the island of Oahu.[1] It grows on mountain slopes and ridges and is limited to the Waianae Range of Oahu. There are 10 occurrences for a total population between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals.[1]

Description

Melanthera tenuifolia is perennial herb produces daisylike yellow flower heads and highly dissected, lacy-looking leaves.

Conservation

It is federally listed as an endangered species of the United States. The main threat to the species is the loss and degradation of its habitat caused by feral ungulates, non-native plants, and fire.[1]

References

External links

• USDA Plants Profile for Melanthera tenuifolia

Media related to Wollastonia tenuifolia at Wikimedia Commons