Geranium arboreum

{{Short description|Species of flowering plant}}

{{Speciesbox

|image = Starr 030603-0002 Geranium arboreum.jpg

|status = G1

|status_system = TNC

|status_ref =

|genus = Geranium

|species = arboreum

|authority = A.Gray

}}

Geranium arboreum is a rare species of geranium known by the common names Hawaiian red-flowered geranium and Hawaii red cranesbill. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the island of Maui.[http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Geranium+arboreum Geranium arboreum.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021123162114/http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Geranium+arboreum |date=2002-11-23 }} The Nature Conservancy. It was federally listed as an endangered species in 1992.USFWS. [http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr2049.pdf Determination of endangered status for Geranium arboreum (Hawaiian Red-Flowered Geranium).] Federal Register May 13, 1992. Like other Hawaiian geraniums, this plant is known as hinahina and nohoanu.[http://botany.si.edu/pacificislandbiodiversity/hawaiianflora/result.cfm?commonyes=x&genus=geranium Geranium.] Smithsonian Flora of the Hawaiian Islands.

This plant is a shrub which can reach 4 meters in height. The leaves have green, toothed blades up to 3.8 centimeters long. The flowers are red or magenta. The upper petals are erect, but the lower two are curved under. The shape of the flower indicates it is pollinated by birds, which is unique among the geraniums.

This plant grows in gulches on the slopes of the volcano Haleakalā. There are no more than 500 individuals left.

The main threat to this species is the degradation of its habitat by grazing cattle, feral pigs, and non-native plant species invading the area.