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Napali coast papala

Scientific Name: Charpentiera densiflora

Family: Amaranthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Napali Coast Papala (Charpentiera densiflora)

The Napali Coast Papala, scientifically known as Charpentiera densiflora, is a tree native to Hawaii. Its common name reflects its prevalence along the rugged Na Pali coast of Kauai.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • The text mentions the historical use of related plants (Charpentiera spp.) for tossing firebrands, suggesting the wood can be dried and burned. This could pose a fire hazard if accessible to pets or children.
  • The text mentions "Papala kepau" which Hawaiians used its sticky seed pods to catch birds. This indicates the plant may possess sticky parts that could be a nuisance.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Charpentiera densiflora Sohmer
  • Common Name: Napali Coast Papala, Papala
  • Family: Amaranthaceae
  • Genus: Charpentiera Gaudich.
  • Rank: Species
  • Nomencl. ref.: Brittonia 24(3): 292. 1972.
  • Synonyms: Information suggests a close relationship with other Charpentiera species, such as Charpentiera elliptica and Charpentiera obovata.
  • Accepted Symbol: CHDE3

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Napali Coast Papala is native to Hawaii, particularly the Na Pali coast of Kauai.
  • It is found in coastal, lowland, and montane forests.
  • It can be found in the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, specifically in Kalalau and Pohakuao Valleys.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Charpentiera densiflora is a tree.
  • It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Traditional Uses

  • Historically, on the Na Pali coast, Hawaiians used the dried wood of papala, along with hau, to create firebrands that were tossed from the high cliffs.

Quirky Facts

  • The text references a Hawaiian practice of tossing firebrands made from papala wood off the cliffs of the Na Pali coast.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Hawaiians used the sticky seed pods of the "Papala kepau" to catch birds.

Further Information

  • Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Charpentiera densiflora.
  • Information can also be found on cardkiwi.com, powered by Wikipedia.