Ischaemum byrone

Ischaemum byrone, commonly known as Hilo murainagrass or Hilo ischaemum, is a rare and endemic species of grass native to Hawaii. It is found on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii but has unfortunately been extirpated from Oahu, where it was once known to grow. There are perhaps 1000 to 3000 individual plants remaining in total. This is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

This grass is perennial, spreading via stolons, with stems reaching up to 80 cm in maximum height. It usually grows at the coastline, often in cracks in the lava cliffs.

On the island of Hawaii, there are at least four populations and perhaps more scattered occurrences. At least one large occurrence has been recently destroyed by a lava flow at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. There are at least five occurrences on Kauai and six on Maui with up to several thousand plants existing. On Molokai, a 1994 count estimated about 1000 individuals.

Threats to this species include volcanism, development, trampling, non-native plants, fire, and off-road vehicles.