HaoApocynaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsHawaii Island (Cultivated)Hao grows as trees to small shrubs. Hao grows as trees to small shrubs. The tiny flowers of hao, while not dramatic, have a fragrance similar to plumeria, which belong to the same family.Early Hawaiians scraped the bark and mixed with its flowers in water. The medicine was drunk to aid in curing paoao (a childhood disease with physical weakening) and ea (thrush).The wood of hao is very hard. "Native Hawaiian Medicine--Volume III" by Kaluna M. Kaaiakamanu notes: "It is called Hao because of what it is like due to the hardness that can spoil an adze." Incidentally, the name for iron in Hawaiian is also hao.NPH00002nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Rauvolfia_sandwicensis
Beaumontia grandiflora - beautiful trumpet flowers. They are large and have strong sweet aroma. Flowers have amazing perfect shape and symmetry. They are stunning! It is woody very large rambling vine; that is how I found it growing behind the fence (next shot ).Location: Brisbane suburban, AustraliaNative to India and Nepal
Apocynum androsaemifolium var. pumilum A. Gray. See further comments at:www.flickr.com/photos/tonyfrates/6001849705/July 30, 2011, Neff's Canyon, Salt Lake County, Utah, approx 5735 ft. elev.
close up image of Gentiana puberulenta PRAIRIE GENTIAN at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a single flower at mid-bloom just prior to petals openingThis species is featured in the soon-to-be-published book, Elusive Splendor: Wildflowers of the Tall Grass Prairie. Contact frank@black-sweater-art.com for more information.