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'ohe naupaka

Scientific Name: Scaevola glabra

Family: Goodeniaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Scaevola Species: An Overview

This page provides information about various Scaevola species, particularly those native to Hawaii. Scaevola is a genus of flowering plants with several common names and unique characteristics.

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Scaevola (various species)
  • Common Names: Scaevolas, fan-flowers, half-flowers, naupaka
  • Specific Hawaiian Names:
    • Naupaka kuahiwi (for Scaevola chamissoniana and Scaevola gaudichaudiana)
    • ?Ohe naupaka (for Scaevola glabra)
    • Dwarf naupaka (for Scaevola coriacea)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Scaevola
  • Family: Goodeniaceae (Goodenia family)
  • Key Species and Varieties:
    • Scaevola chamissoniana
    • Scaevola glabra Hook. & Arn. Synonyms: ?ohe naupaka
    • Scaevola gracilis
    • Scaevola hookeri
    • Scaevola coriacea
    • Scaevola gaudichaudiana
    • Scaevola hobdyi W.L. Wagner – Hobdy's naupaka
    • Scaevola sericea Vahl var. sericea – beach naupaka
    • Scaevola taccada
    • Camphusia (listed as a synonym via ITIS)

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Scaevola genus consists of more than 130 tropical species.
  • Center of diversity is Australia and Polynesia.
  • Several species are endemic to Hawaii.
  • Scaevola glabra (?ohe naupaka) is naturally found on Oahu.
  • Naupaka kahakai (likely referring to Scaevola sericea) grows at the beach.
  • Some naupaka species are found on mountains.
  • Endemic to O?ahu and Kauai

Ecological Role

  • Naupaka kahakai is widely used in commercial and residential landscapes in Hawai?i.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Scaevola glabra (?ohe naupaka) is a shrub.
  • Scaevola coriacea is a dwarf species.
  • ?Ohe naupaka is known for its distinctive, tubular, yellow flowers.
  • Some species are vines or have low branches, forming dense masses.

Quirky Facts

  • Scaevola glabra (?ohe naupaka) is one of only two yellow-flowered species of naupaka.
  • The Hawaiian name "`ohe" in "`ohe naupaka" means flute, pipe, hose, or tube, possibly referring to the shape of the flower.
  • A Hawaiian legend explains the separation of naupaka species between the mountains and the beach due to a tragic love story.