Marsillea villosa  Marsillea villosa, is an endangered water fern that is endemic to lowland areas in the Hawaiian Islands. There are only eleven known populations totaling about 2000 plants remaining on the islands of Oahu and Molokai. Urban development is a major threat to Marsilea villosa as it disrupts natural hydrologic processes necessary for this plant’s survival. Periodic flooding for spore release and fertilization, then a decrease in water levels are necessary for the young plants to become established. Currently, conservation groups are working to preserve the habitat of this plant and to control encroaching invasive plant species. |
