[syn. Broussaisia arguta]KanawaoHydrangeaceae (Hydrangea family)Endemic genus to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands except Niihau and Kahoolawe)Kaala, OahuThese are pistillate (female) flowers. Dark red to maroon or purplish fruits will soon develop. The fruits are plentiful and mildly sweet or bland.Male (staminate) flowerswww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/9108743429/in/photolist-...The fruits and flowers were eaten by early Hawaiians. EtymologyTha generic name Broussaisia was named in behalf of Franois-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.
[syn. Broussaisia arguta]KanawaoHydrangeaceae (Hydrangea family)Endemic genus to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands except Niihau and Kahoolawe)Photo: Kaala, OahuThese are staminate (male) flowers. Flower color can be greenish blue, lavender, pink, greenish white yellow or cream.Female (pistillate) flowerswww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/9108743429/in/photolist-...The fruits and flowers were eaten by early Hawaiians. EtymologyThe generic name Broussaisia was named in behalf of Franois-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.
This plant is called Chinese Quinine because it is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a herb for the treatment of Malaria. This photo was taken in the Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden here in Hong Kong.