Kadua affinis

Description:

Manono or Variable starviolet [syn. Hedyotis terminalis]Rubiaceae (Coffee family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands except Niihau and Kahoolawe)Manuka, Hawaii IslandThe early Hawaiian use of manono was limited since the wood warps and cracks. It was used on occasion though for canoes (waa) trimming and rigging.EtymologyKadua is the oldest generic name for these species and is named in memory of M. Kadua, a native of Ulea, who sailed with Otto von Kotzebue (1787-1846), Baltic German navigator in Russian service, with the purpose of collecting plants.The Latin specific epithet affinis, means neighboring or allied to.NPH00001nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Kadua_affinis