Endangered plant survives volcanic hotspot, but is challenged by invasive species

This Portulaca sclerocarpa (‘Ihi makole) individual (center) surrounded by invasive grass species is a critically endangered plant. The small metal tag to the right notes the plant’s permanent identification number for long-term monitoring purposes. a WEST Systems fluxmeter (chamber at top) measures carbon dioxide emissions on the soil surface and a probe (black handle at bottom) measures soil temperature. (USGS photo by Stephanie Yelenik/Special to West Hawaii Today)

Retired USGS botanist Linda Pratt, USGS research geologists Patricia Nadeau and Jennifer Lewicki, and USGS chemist Tamar Elias (left to right) are part of a team investigating a critically endangered succulent plant, Portulaca sclerocarpa.

Portulaca sclerocarpa (also known as ‘Ihi makole) is a critically endangered small succulent plant in the purslane family (Portulacaceae). It only occurs on Hawaii Island and on a small islet off the coast of Lanai. It can be found in various sites in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including the Puhimau thermal area.