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 the very ripe "false fruits" have split and dropping seed.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-...NPH00003nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Schiedea_obovata