Schiedea obovata

Description:

[syn. Alsinidendron obovatum]Caryophyllaceae (Pink or Carnation family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Waianae Mountains, Oahu only)IUCN: Critically EndangeredOahu (Cultivated)Schiedea is a Hawaiian endemic genus of 34 species--all of which are considered vulnerable, rare, or endangered, with a few extinct.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 "false fruits" are in different stages of ripening.EtymologyThe generic name Schiedea is named in honor of Christian J. Schiede (1798-1836), German-born physician who collected in Mexico.The Latin specific epithet obovata is egg-shaped in reference to the leaf shape of some individuals.www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5744211059/in/photolist-...NPH00002nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Schiedea_obovata