Schiedea obovata

Description:

[syn. Alsinidendron obovatum]CaryophyllaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian islandsEndangeredOahu (Cultivated)Some Schiedea spp., (S. obovata, S. trinervis) produce "false fruits" (actually fleshy, juicy sepals) to perhaps to attract fruit-eating birds for seed dispersal, though not documented. Here the very ripe "false fruits" have split and dropping seed.Schiedea is a Hawaiian endemic genus of 34 species--all of which are considered vulnerable, rare, or endangered, with a few extinct.EtymologyThe generic name Schiedea is named in honor of Christian J. Schiede (1798-1836), German-born physician who collected in Mexico.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Schiedea_obovata