Kingdom Plantae Family Rubiaceae Scientific name Kadua degeneri | Order Gentianales Genus Kadua Rank Species | |
Similar Kadua, Spermacoceae, Hedyotis | ||
Kadua degeneri (formerly Hedyotis degeneri) is a rare species of flowering plant in the coffee family known by the common names Waianae Range starviolet and Degener's bluet. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the island of Oahu. There are four known populations totalling 370 individuals. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.
This is a branching shrub with clusters of flowers. The plant is limited to the Waianae Range on Oahu. It grows on cliffs and ridges in forested mountain habitat. The main threat to its existence is the degradation and destruction of its habitat by feral ungulates such as pigs. The animals have been a vector for the introduction of alien plant species, which compete with native flora.
Conspiracy Theory
There is a conspiracy theory that states that the Kadua degeneri consumes humans when there is a full moon. Legend has it that the Kadua degeneri lures humans by playing classical music then shoots an acidic substance onto the human that renders the human paralyzed. It then proceeds to consume the melting human through its roots.