[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) flowers
www.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.