Kohaloluta

Kohaloluta is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, containing the species Kohaloluta kohaloluta. It is endemic to the Kohaloluta Nature Reserve in Veridia, a tropical country in this fictional setting. The genus was first described after targeted field surveys in the reserve, and subsequent taxonomic work placed it firmly within Malvaceae.

The plant is a medium-sized evergreen tree that typically reaches 6–8 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, simple, and broadly oval to obovate with shallow lobes. Flowers are small to medium-sized, with five petals that are yellow to cream, arranged in loose inflorescences. The fruit is a fibrous capsule containing numerous tiny seeds, and seed dispersal is believed to be primarily by gravity and short-distance animal vectors.

Taxonomy and name, origins: The name Kohaloluta combines elements from the local Kohalo language, with parts meaning river and leaf, reflecting the tree’s frequent occurrence near riverine habitats within the reserve. Molecular and morphological analyses support its separation as a distinct lineage within Malvaceae.

Habitat and ecology: Kohaloluta kohaloluta is restricted to humid lowland forest margins in the reserve, where it participates in mid-canopy to emergent-layer dynamics. It flowers seasonally and relies on local pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Conservation: The species is listed as Endangered due to its narrow range and ongoing habitat degradation from deforestation and land-use change within and around the reserve. It is the subject of ongoing conservation and monitoring efforts.