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mountain naupaka
Scientific Name: Scaevola gaudichaudiana
Family: Goodeniaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Mountain Naupaka (Scaevola gaudichaudiana or Scaevola chamissoniana)
The name Mountain Naupaka refers to several Scaevola species found in the mountains of the Hawaiian Islands. This page primarily focuses on two species: Scaevola gaudichaudiana and Scaevola chamissoniana.
Common Names
- Mountain Naupaka
- Naupaka Kuahiwi (Hawaiian)
Considerations for Pets and Children
While the text doesn't explicitly state toxicity, it's important to be aware that:
- Mountain Naupaka is a shrub.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Scaevola gaudichaudiana or Scaevola chamissoniana
- Family: Goodeniaceae (Goodenia family)
- Genus: Scaevola
- Synonyms (for Scaevola chamissoniana):
- Scaevola chamissoniana var. pubescens
- Scaevola ciliata
- Scaevola ligustrifolia
- Synonyms (for Scaevola gaudichaudiana):
- Scaevola gaudichaudiana Cham.
Distribution and Habitat
- Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (all except Ni?ihau and Kaho?olawe for Scaevola gaudichaudii).
- Found in mesic (moderately moist) or wet ridges and valleys.
- Specifically mentioned locations include Kaua?i, O?ahu, and Moloka?i.
Morphological Characteristics
- Described as a large shrub.
- Leaves of some varieties lack hairs on the underside.
- Known for its unique "half-flower" appearance.
Quirky Facts
- Hawaiian legends tell stories of lovers separated, with one transformed into the Mountain Naupaka and the other into the Beach Naupaka (Naupaka Kahakai). The flowers are seen as representing these separated lovers.
- The flowers of the Mountain Naupaka are described as looking like "half-flowers," with all the petals on one side.