Geniostoma waiolani

Description:

Kmakahala[syn. Labordia waiolani]Loganiaceae (Logania family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Oahu, Molokai, and rare on Lnai)Kaala Natural Area Reserve, OahuGeniostoma is an endemic Hawaiian genus of 17 species.Early Hawaiians used kmakahala in lei work and were highly prized. According to "N Lei Makamae--The Treasured Lei"*: "On Kauai, lei kmakahala was not worn by commoners but was reserved for the adornment of alii nui."Ka pua o kmakahalaKa punihei o ka manaoMeaole ke ana iliwaiKa loa a me la laulA loaa oe iauKa pili a ka puuwaiEnglish translation:The flower kmakahalaEnsnares my thoughtsSurveying the land is nothing to meIts breath and width I will travelUntil I have youFor I am the one who will hold you to my heart--Pualani Kanakaole Kanahele_____* Marie A. McDonald & Paul R. Weissich, University of Hawaii Press, 2003Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/19366266123/in/photolist...EtymologyThe generic name Labordia is named after M. Laborde, a marine officer who died at sea on the voyage of the Uraine.The specific epithet is named for Waiolani, Oahu, where the type was found in "deep shady ravines."