Planchonella sandwicensis

Description:

[syn. Pouteria sandwicensis]laaSapotaceae (Sapodilla family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands except Niihau and Kahoolawe)Knepuu, LnaiHawaii Botanist Bob Hobdy shares his naauao (knowledge) about laa.For more information laa on see www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4798299178/in/photostream/EtymologyThe generic name Planchonella is name for Jules mile Planchon (1823-1888), a French botanist born in Ganges, Hrault, France.The specific epithet sandwicensis refers to the "Sandwich Islands," as the Hawaiian Islands were once called, and named by James Cook on one of his voyages in the 1770s. James Cook named the islands after John Montagu (The fourth Earl of Sandwich) for supporting Cook's voyages.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Pouteria_sandwicensis