Hydrangea arguta

[syn. Broussaisia arguta]

Kanawao

Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea family)

Endemic genus to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe)

Photo: Kaʻala, Oʻahu

 

These are staminate (male) flowers. Flower color can be greenish blue, lavender, pink, greenish white yellow or cream.

 

Female (pistillate) flowers

www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/9108743429/in/photolist-...

 

The fruits and flowers were eaten by early Hawaiians.

 

Etymology

The generic name Broussaisia was named in behalf of François-Joseph-Victor Broussais (1772-1838), a celebrated French physician and psycologist.

 

The specific epithet arguta means "sharp or sharp-tooted," likely referring to the sharp edges of the kanawao leaves.

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Uploaded on June 22, 2013
Taken on June 21, 2013