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broussaisia

Scientific Name: Broussaisia

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Kanawao (Broussaisia arguta)

Broussaisia arguta, commonly known as Kanawao or Hawaiian Hydrangea, is a fascinating plant species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces berries, which are known to be foraged by birds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Broussaisia arguta Gaudich.
  • Common Names: Kanawao, Hawaiian Hydrangea
  • Family: Hydrangeaceae (sometimes previously classified under Saxifragaceae)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Broussaisia arguta f. glabra Fosberg
    • Broussaisia arguta f. oppositifolia Fosberg
    • Broussaisia arguta f. pellucida (Gaudich.) Fosberg
    • Broussaisia arguta var. pellucida (Gaudich.) Fosberg
    • Broussaisia pellucida Gaudich.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to Hawai'i.
  • Found on wooded mountains at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet.
  • Habitat ranges from mesic to wet forests.

Morphology and Growth Habit

  • Habit: Shrub
  • Mature Height: Not specified, but noted as growing to 6' x 10' in horticultural settings.
  • Description: Upright woody shrub with medium green, strongly veined leaves with toothed edges.

Quirky Facts

  • The text refers to this species as Hawaii's native Hydrangea.
  • The genus Broussaisia is monotypic, meaning it only contains this single species, Broussaisia arguta.

Genetic Information

  • Broussaisia arguta chloroplast DNA has been sequenced, including partial trnL gene, trnL-rpl32 IGS, and partial rpl32 gene (specimen voucher BrM, 943 bp linear DNA, LN830638.1).

Ecological Interactions

  • Larvae are found in the berries.
  • Kiwikiu (a Hawaiian bird) forage in the berries.

Pollination

  • Pollination ecology has been studied in fragmented forests on the Island of Hawai'i.

Further Information

  • Flora of the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Agriculture Handbook no. 679 by Elbert L. Little Jr. and Roger G. Skolmen, Common Forest Trees of Hawaii (Native and Introduced).
  • Tropicos.
  • GRIN Taxonomy checklist.
  • GBIF.
  • International Plant Names Index.
  • Catalogue of Life.
  • Plants of Hawaii images by Forest and Kim Starr.