Kauai plant is
endangered

Description: This type of native lobelia (family Campanulaceae) has herbaceous stems, a rosette arrangement of leaves that cluster toward the branch tips and curved, tubular flowers. Leaves are elliptical, 4 to 10 inches long and 2 inches wide, with serrated margins. The flowers are about 1 1/2 inches long and whitish-green, fading to a dark maroon before falling off. Petals are small, pointed and narrow, and the stamen is situated so that it perfectly dabs pollen on the head of native nectar-feeding birds -- they pollinate other flowers in return. This flower design is common among native lobelias that have co-evolved with native avifauna. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small, fleshy fruit that are dark maroon, filled with many tiny seeds.

HUI KU MAOLI OLA

Distribution: This plant species belongs to an endemic genus of native lobelias known as Delissea, an endangered species found only in remote mesic forests of Kauai. Fewer than 20 plants are left in the wild.

Cultural uses: There are no known cultural uses, but other members of this family are used as bait to catch birds. Sticky glue made from the fruit sap of papala kepau (Pisonia spp.) would be placed on branches that birds would perch on to feed. Stuck to the branch, a bird would be easy to retrieve. The flowers of many other species of the family Campanulaceae are also used in making leis.

Landscape use and care: Delissea look great as specimen plants around larger landscaping stones or at the base of larger trees or tall hapuu ferns. Plant them in filtered sunlight and give them water three to four times a week, making sure not to over-saturate. Before you know it, you'll see the interesting flowers and attractive fruit. Watch out for mites and mealy bugs that might distort the shape of the leaves and make them spotty and/or crinkly. Treat the problem manually by crushing bugs with your fingers or spraying the underside of the leaves with water. You can also treat them by spraying pesticides.

More info: This plant from Kauai, along with D. subcordata of Oahu, are believed to be the last surviving species of nine species of Delissea once documented from Hawaii. Both are listed as endangered.