| Viola utchinensis | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Violaceae |
| Genus: | Viola |
| Species: |
V. utchinensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Viola utchinensis | |
Viola utchinensis (オキナワスミレ, Okinawa sumire) is a species of flowering plant in the family Violaceae.
The species was first described by Japanese botanist Gen-ichi Koidzumi in 1938.[2] The specific epithet relates to the type locality (Manzamo in the village of Onna) on Okinawa Island (UchināinOkinawan).[2]
Viola utchinensis is an evergreen with ovate leaves and pale purple to purplish-white flowers.[3][4] Flowers bloom from February to April.[5]
Viola utchinensisisendemictoOkinawa Island in the Ryūkyū IslandsofJapan.[2][6]
This species can be found in crevices of raised coral reef and coastal cliffs. It grows in elevated habitat in full sun.[5]
Viola utchinensis is classed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and Endangered on the Ministry of the Environment Red List and has been designated a National Endangered Species under the 1992 Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.[1][7][8] In 2015 the population was estimated to be between 100 - 200 mature individuals.[5]
V. utchinensis is threatened primarily by the illegal collection of specimens for cultivation. This is believed to be the biggest threat for the species.[5] The species is attractive therefore is dug up to be used as rare ornamental plant.
| Viola utchinensis |
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