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naupaka kuahiwi

Scientific Name: Scaevola chamissoniana

Family: Goodeniaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Naupaka Kuahiwi

Naupaka Kuahiwi refers to several species of Scaevola found in Hawaii, particularly those growing in upland or mountainous regions. The name distinguishes them from the coastal varieties known as Naupaka Kahakai. "Kuahiwi" means mountain in Hawaiian.

Considerations for Pets

  • Several species of Naupaka Kuahiwi are large shrubs.

Considerations for Children

  • Several species of Naupaka Kuahiwi are large shrubs.

Scientific Name(s)

  • Scaevola gaudichaudii
  • Scaevola chamissoniana
  • Scaevola kilaueae
  • Scaevola mollis
  • Scaevola glabra (referred to as 'ohe naupaka)
  • Scaevola coriacea (referred to as dwarf naupaka)

Common Names

  • Naupaka Kuahiwi
  • Mountain Naupaka
  • Hawaiian Half-flower
  • Hawaiian Fan-flower
  • Ohe Naupaka
  • Dwarf Naupaka

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Scaevola
  • Family: Goodeniaceae (Goodenia family)

Synonyms

  • Scaevola gaudichaudiana

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (except Ni&#39ihau and Kaho&#39olawe for Scaevola gaudichaudii).
  • Found on the islands of Kaua&#39i, O&#39ahu, and Moloka&#39i.
  • Prefers mesic (moderately moist) or wet ridges and valleys.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include Old Castle Trail KSRT- Konahuanui to Manoa Middle Ridge (O&#39ahu) and Kamakou Preserve (Moloka&#39i).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Large shrubs.
  • Leaves of some species lack hairs on the underside.
  • Flowers are often described as "half-flowers," having petals on only one side. Flower color can be white, yellow, or purple.
  • Fruits are dark black.
  • Woody.

Quirky Facts

  • The "half-flower" appearance is actually a complete blossom, with all the petals on one side.
  • Naupaka Kuahiwi is the mountain counterpart to the beach-growing Naupaka Kahakai, and they are linked by a Hawaiian legend.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Naupaka Kuahiwi is a host plant for native bees.

Further Information

  • Plants of Hawaii - Images and information by Forest and Kim Starr.
  • Discover Life - Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution information for Scaevola chamissoniana.