False Lobelia

This Kauai endemic plant (endemic genus) is part of the Hawaiian Lobeliads, 125 endemic species of 7 genera (6 endemic) which evolved from a single colonization 13+ million years ago. This was on the trail past Pihea but before the intersection with the Alakai Swamp trail. Elevation around 1229m/4030ft.

This Kauai endemic plant (endemic genus) is part of the Hawaiian Lobeliads, 125 endemic species of 7 genera (6 endemic) which evolved from a single colonization 13+ million years ago. This was on the trail past Pihea but before the intersection with the Alakai Swamp trail. Elevation around 1229m/4030ft.

This Kauai endemic plant (endemic genus) is part of the Hawaiian Lobeliads, 125 endemic species of 7 genera (6 endemic) which evolved from a single colonization 13+ million years ago. This was on the trail past Pihea but before the intersection with the Alakai Swamp trail. Elevation around 1229m/4030ft.

This Kauai endemic plant (endemic genus) is part of the Hawaiian Lobeliads, 125 endemic species of 7 genera (6 endemic) which evolved from a single colonization 13+ million years ago. This was on the trail past Pihea but before the intersection with the Alakai Swamp trail. Elevation around 1229m/4030ft.

Endemic to Kauai. Part of Hawaiian Lobeliads - an endemic group of 6 genera (5 endemic) and 125 endemic species, adapted from a single colonization 13 million years ago (Givnish & Sytsma, Proc. Royal Soc. 276(1656): 407-416, Feb. 7, 2009; pub. online Oct. 14, 2008). While this is not a great photo, it does show the numerous horizontal flowing branches found in the Trematolobelia genus. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Endemic to Kauai. Part of Hawaiian Lobeliads - an endemic group of 6 genera (5 endemic) and 125 endemic species, adapted from a single colonization 13 million years ago (Givnish & Sytsma, Proc. Royal Soc. 276(1656): 407-416, Feb. 7, 2009; pub. online Oct. 14, 2008). While this is not a great photo, it does show the numerous horizontal flowing branches found in the Trematolobelia genus. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Endemic to Kauai. Note scarlet corolla. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Endemic to Kauai. Note scarlet corolla. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Endemic to Kauai. Note scarlet corolla. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Endemic to Kauai. Photo shows one of the key features of the Trematolobelia genus - pores in the seed capsule. The taxonomic name derives from this: trematos is Greek word for hole. the seed capsules often open upward so the pores allow the small seeds to disperse more easily. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Endemic to Kauai. Photo shows one of the key features of the Trematolobelia genus - pores in the seed capsule. The taxonomic name derives from this: trematos is Greek word for hole. the seed capsules often open upward so the pores allow the small seeds to disperse more easily. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Endemic to Kauai. Photo shows one of the key features of the Trematolobelia genus - pores in the seed capsule. The taxonomic name derives from this: trematos is Greek word for hole. the seed capsules often open upward so the pores allow the small seeds to disperse more easily. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Endemic to Kauai. Note some fruits (green and yellow) are visible above flowers. Elevation around 4100ft/1250m.

Part of the endemic Hawaiian lobeliads. Genus endemic to Hawaiian Islands, and this species is endemic to the Big Island. Trunk of a previous plant of the same species is in the foreground, while the stipes of Cibotium glaucum are seen in the background. Elevation approximately 3850ft/1174m.

Part of the endemic Hawaiian lobeliads. Genus endemic to Hawaiian Islands, and this species is endemic to the Big Island. Note in photo the pale green undersurface of leaf compared with green upper surface. Elevation approximately 3850ft/1174m.

Part of the endemic Hawaiian lobeliads. Genus endemic to Hawaiian Islands, and this species is endemic to the Big Island. Elevation approximately 3850ft/1174m.

Part of the endemic Hawaiian lobeliads. Genus endemic to Hawaiian Islands, and this species is endemic to the Big Island. Elevation approximately 3850ft/1174m.

Part of the endemic Hawaiian lobeliads. Genus endemic to Hawaiian Islands, and this species is endemic to the Big Island. Photo shows what remains of fruit from previous season. Trematolobelias have different fruit and seed dispersal. As the outer fruit wall decomposes, holes open up allowing seeds to be released from the fruit capsule. Elevation approximately 3850ft/1174m.

Part of the endemic Hawaiian lobeliads. Genus endemic to Hawaiian Islands, and this species is endemic to the Big Island. Another unusual aspect of this genus are the several horizontal flowering branches, at the top of the stem. Elevation approximately 3850ft/1174m.

Endemic to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Endemic to the Big Island of Hawaii. Note faint rose streaks on corolla.

Endemic to the Big Island of Hawaii. Note faint rose streaks on corolla.