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Further Exploring Makaha Valley
Posted: November 4, 2009
We hiked to some of the more remote enclaves within Makaha Valley to look for rare native plants and animals that can some times be found in isolated little pockets.
Due to its remoteness, large size, and many sheltered gullies, Makaha Valley is a good place to look for rare and endangered endemic species found no where else in the world. We decided to continue our exploration in Makaha by hooking up with some of the hardiest trail blazers on the island.
Our adventure was led by “Waianae Steve”, Stanka, and Gene, who hike frequently in the valley and know the trails in the valley like the back of their hands.
Our trek took us up the side of the ridge above the valley floor where the vegetation becomes more native. After gaining several hundred feet of elevation we began to see endemic trees such as auulu (Sapindus oahuensis) and olopua (Nestigis sanwichensis).
Hao trees (Rauvolfia sanwichensis) became more common the higher we climbed up the gully.
One of our more exciting finds were several endangered Abutilon sanwichensis about 10 feet high with droopy heart-shaped leaves. Black seeds pods dangled from its thin branches.
While we admired the endangered Abutilon, we searched the boulder field for native lands snails. We found small native land snails — Leptachatina crystallina – about a quarter inch long under the rocks.
These endemic snails used to be found in large numbers on the ground but their range has been restricted and localized. They can be found on the underside of rocks and boulders and between the rocks.
One of the snails which was no more than a quarter inch long crawled on the moss leaving a silvery trail of slime behind. These endemic land snails are able to tolerate much drier conditions than their tree-loving cousins.
After climbing up a number of chutes deeper into the gully, we came to places where moisture collected and supported more vegetation.
One of the more charming sights was a patch of tiny white mushrooms no more than the size of a pencil esaser growing along side maiden hair ferns.
When we reached the end of the gully and could climb no higher, we stumbled upon the remains of a dead mehamehame tree (Flueggea neowawraea), whose trunk has curious folds. Mehamehame trees are extremely rare and are rapidly declining. In 2002, only 70 living individuals were known to exist. This is the second dead mehame I have seen — I have yet to see a living one.
Turning around to head back out, we hiked through a large grove of dead christmas berry trees with large formosan koa trees above. When we descended broad flat sections we looked for the foundation of an old coffee plantation house which is believed to be in this area.
Soon we made our way down the ridge and to the trail leading out. As we descended through haole koa and tall grasses, I reflected on our great fortune seeing the rare plants and animals which survive in these small pockets. Many thanks to Steve, Gene, and Stanka for guiding us through the valley. What a great place to explore!
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Flueggea neowawraea, mehamehame, Native Hawaiian Plants,
Flueggea neowawraea, Center for Plant Conservation, National Collection of Imperilled Plants
Hey you guys….Ready to look for the rare Mehamehame next time!? Let us know when your ready again for an adventure back in Makaha…Let us know!
Promise no more narrow ridges……..maybe
Gene-o