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ridgetop naupaka

Scientific Name: Scaevola gaudichaudii

Family: Goodeniaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Scaevola gaudichaudii: Ridgetop Naupaka

Scaevola gaudichaudii, commonly known as Ridgetop Naupaka, is a fascinating plant species with a unique cultural and ecological significance.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the fruits of Naupaka kuahiwi (another name for Ridgetop Naupaka) being used to produce a purplish-black dye. This suggests the presence of potentially staining substances within the plant.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Scaevola gaudichaudii Hook. & Arn.
  • Common Names: Ridgetop Naupaka, Naupaka kuahiwi (Hawaiian Name)
  • Family: Goodeniaceae (Goodenia family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae

Synonyms

  • Lobelia gaudichaudii
  • Scaevola menziesiana
  • Scaevola montana
  • Scaevola swezeyana
  • Temminckia gaudichaudii

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Found on various islands including Hawai'i, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, L?na?i, and Maui.
  • Frequently found on ridge tops and in dry to medium organic cinder soils.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Growth habit: Shrub

Traditional Uses

  • Early Hawaiians used the fruits of Naupaka kuahiwi to produce a purplish-black dye.

Additional Information

  • Scaevola is a genus of over 130 tropical species, with the greatest diversity found in Australia and Polynesia.
  • Other common names for Scaevola species include scaevolas, fan-flowers, and half-flowers.

Further Resources

  • Plants of Hawaii (Forest & Kim Starr)
  • Discover Life
  • Hui K? Maoli Ola