Low, compact, rounded cushionlike shrub 1-5 dm tall, leaves in whorls of three or four (or more?). Diagnostic features of the species include the cushion-like growth form and whorled, elliptic-oblanceolate leaves 1-3 cm long. Flowering occurs from August to November.
This species is found only on Kaua'i, in the open summit bog of Wai'ale'ale, ranging in elevation from about 1,450 to 1,600 m. It occurs in sites receiving about 960->1,000 cm of annual precipitation.
Last Modification: April 21, 2006
Each "thumbnail" image below is linked to a larger photograph.
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Note pincushion growth form of vegetative plant (photo 1983, Wai'ale'ale summit, Kaua'i) |
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This individual has a more open growth form, note many seedlings. |
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Habitat. |
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Top view of spreading plant. |
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Pincushion growth form. |
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Note whorls of small leaves and yellow flowering heads (photo 1979, Wai'ale'ale summit, Kaua'i) |
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Close view of portion of capitulescence. |
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Close view of florets. |