Wilkesia hobdyi

Description:

Dwarf iliauAsteraceae (Sunflower family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai only)IUCN: Critically EndangeredKauai (Cultivated)Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5491200610/in/datetaken-...Some who have read the book or seen the animation movie, like to call this plant the Lorax tree, after Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax."EtymologyThe generic name Wilkesia is named in for Captain Charles Wilkes (1798-1877), a commander of the United States Exploring Expedition.The specific name hobdyi is named after its discoverer and botanist Robert Hobdy, a resident of Maui.See Wilkesia hobdyi at:nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Wilkesia_gymnoxiphium