Print Report
G399 Aleurites moluccanus - Hibiscus tiliaceus Ruderal Flooded & Swamp Forest Group
Type Concept Sentence: Lowland riparian floodplains dominated by non-native introduced tree species such as Aleurites moluccanus, Cordyline fruticosa, Colocasia esculenta, Hibiscus tiliaceus, and Syzygium malaccense.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Kukui - Hou Ruderal Flooded & Swamp Forest Group
Colloquial Name: Hawaiian Ruderal Flooded & Swamp Forest
Hierarchy Level: Group
Type Concept: This group occurs on low-elevation valley floors (typically up to 122 m [400 feet], but may extend up to 420 m [1380 feet]) containing perennial streams that flood every 1 to 5 years. Valley floors typically widen towards the ocean (up to 1 mile), forming broad floodplains that allow periodic shifting of the stream channel. Soils are alluvial deposits and clay that remain moist due to influence from stream channel flooding, a shallow subsurface water table, and nutrient-rich alluvium deposited during flood events. Vegetation of floodplain forests is typically dominated by Polynesian-introduced lowland wet trees tolerant of occasional flooding. Aleurites moluccanus (Polynesian introduction) and Metrosideros polymorpha (native) can form a patch mosaic with Hibiscus tiliaceus (Polynesian introduction) that extends onto adjacent steeper gulches and coastal areas. Aleurites moluccanus mixes in patches and extends up steep gulches well into the lowland zone. Plant species indicative of Polynesian agriculture dominate the majority of the floodplain forest, including Cordyline fruticosa, Colocasia esculenta, and Syzygium malaccense. These are species that can escape cultivation and invade non-tilled and untended fields, where they may form dominant stands.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This group contains those areas dominated by non-native species Aleurites moluccanus and Hibiscus tiliaceus that may occur in higher elevation wet areas away from the coast or channels, but are generally on stream terraces and lower slopes above channels.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Tall spreading trees 10-20 m tall with native or non-native undergrowth.
Floristics: Stands are dominated by Aleurites moluccanus, Cordyline fruticosa, Colocasia esculenta, Hibiscus tiliaceus, and/ or Syzygium malaccense.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This group occurs on low-elevation valley floors (up to 122 m [400 feet], but may extend up to 420 m [1380 feet]) containing perennial streams that once flooded every 1 to 5 years. Today flows are controlled by dams and irrigation is controlled as much of the valley floor is converted to agriculture. Valley floors typically widen towards the ocean (up to 1 mile), forming broad floodplains that allow periodic shifting of the stream channel.
Climate: The tropical climate varies from arid to humid depending on location. Leeward sites are generally drier than windward sites because of the rainshadow effect from tall mountains and ridges.
Soil/substrate/hydrology: Soils are alluvial deposits and clay that remain moist due to influence from stream channel flooding, a shallow subsurface water table, and nutrient-rich alluvium deposited during flood events. In general Hawaiian watersheds are generally short and steep, and they have small drainage basins and minimal channel storage of water.
Climate: The tropical climate varies from arid to humid depending on location. Leeward sites are generally drier than windward sites because of the rainshadow effect from tall mountains and ridges.
Soil/substrate/hydrology: Soils are alluvial deposits and clay that remain moist due to influence from stream channel flooding, a shallow subsurface water table, and nutrient-rich alluvium deposited during flood events. In general Hawaiian watersheds are generally short and steep, and they have small drainage basins and minimal channel storage of water.
Geographic Range: This group occurs as narrow bands of terrestrial vegetation bordering perennial streams from near sea level to 915 m (3000 feet) elevation on Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i, Lâna`i, Maui, and Hawai`i.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: HI
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.860856
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNA
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 1 Forest & Woodland Class | C01 | 1 |
| Subclass | 1.A Tropical Forest & Woodland Subclass | S17 | 1.A |
| Formation | 1.A.4 Tropical Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation | F029 | 1.A.4 |
| Division | 1.A.4.Ob Polynesian Flooded & Swamp Forest Division | D003 | 1.A.4.Ob |
| Macrogroup | 1.A.4.Ob.90 Polynesian Ruderal Flooded & Swamp Forest Macrogroup | M204 | 1.A.4.Ob.90 |
| Group | 1.A.4.Ob.90.a Kukui - Hou Ruderal Flooded & Swamp Forest Group | G399 | 1.A.4.Ob.90.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, S. Gawler, M. Hall, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, K. Schulz, J. Teague, M. Russo, K. Snow, and P. Comer, editors. 2010-2019a. Divisions, Macrogroups and Groups for the Revised U.S. National Vegetation Classification. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. plus appendices. [in preparation]
- Gagne, W. C., and L. W. Cuddihy. 1990. Vegetation. Pages 45-114 in: W. L. Wagner, D. R. Herbst, and S. H. Sohmer, editors. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii. 2 volumes. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.
- Loope, L. L., R. J. Nagata, and A. C. Medeiros. 1992. Alien plants in Haleakala National Park. In: C. P. Stone, C. W. Smith, and T. Tunison, editors. Alien plant invasions in native ecosystems of Hawaii: Management and research. Cooperative National Park Resources Study Unit, Department of Botany Technical Report. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.