Yellow Fatu (Abutilon pitcairnense)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 0925702

Abutilon pitcairnense is listed as a critically endangered species (IUCN 2000 & Pitcairn) (*Kingston & Waldren 2005). It sole known wild habitat and location on Pitcairn Island was in Homalium taypau forest (H. taypau is also endemic to Pitcairn Island). Homalium taypau forest is under threat on the island and is currently being out competed by Syzygium jambos (Roseapple) and other invasive species such as Lantana camara. The only specimen of Abutilon pitcairnense found in the wild on the Island was destroyed in a landslide in 2004. Experiments on the chemical control of Syzygium jambos were successful during 2003-2006 on Pitcairn Island and efforts to restore native vegetation after Syzygium jambos control were also successful (ØSmyth 2008 & Smyth 2010).  Through combining invasive species control, restoration of native vegetation and the proposed reintroduction of Abutilon pitcairnense, a holistic approach to target species conservation and restoration of its endangered associated habitat can be achieved.

Overall objectives of the project 

• To ensure the continued existence of endemic Abutilon pitcairnense on Pitcairn Island and to broaden the conservation role and purposes of the National Botanic Gardens in supporting global plant conservation efforts. 

• To ensure the long term adaptive variation of Abutilon pitcairnense by ensuring the most genetically diverse population is restored on Pitcairn Island.

• Establishment of a self-sustaining population of Abutilon pitcairnense on Pitcairn Island.

*A conservation appraisal of the rare and endemic vascular plants of Pitcairn Island. 2005. Kingston, N. & Waldren, S. Biodiversity and Conservation 14: 781-800.

Ø Syzygium jambos (L). Alson (Myrtaceae) control, and conservation, restoration and monitoring of the threatened native flora of Pitcairn island, South Central Pacific. 2008. Smyth, N. PhD. Thesis. University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2.

ØPlant conservation: Invasive species control and forest restoration on Pitcairn Island, South Central Pacific. 2010. Smyth, N. Lambert Academic Publishing. ISBN-10: 3838335562