Shrub or small tree to 6 m tall, leaves opposite. Diagnostic features of the species include uniseriate, firmly coalescent, purple receptacular bracts, usually reflexed flower clusters [except subsp. nagatae (St. John) G. Carr], and prominently glandular, narrowly tubular florets which are not exserted. Flowering occurs throughout the year in subsp. knudsenii, from September to December in subsp. nagatae, and is poorly known in subsp. filiformis G. Carr.
This species is found only on Kaua'i, occurring in mesic to fairly wet forest habitats or fringes of bogs ranging from about 550-1,375 m. The sites occupied by the species receive about 125-400 cm of annual precipitation.
Last Modification: April 21, 2006
Each "thumbnail" image below is linked to a larger photograph.
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A large specimen of subsp. knudsenii is admired by R. Robichaux (photo 1980, Kahuama'a Flat, Kaua'i) |
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Subsp. knudsenii, note strongly deflexed flowering heads on stout peduncles (photo 1976, Kahuama'a Flat, Kaua'i) |
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Subsp. knudsenii, closer view of terminal portion of shoot. |
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Subsp. knudsenii, the heads are larger, and more cylindric than those of subsp. filiformis. |
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Subsp. filiformis, note small flowering heads on slender peduncles (photo 1982, cultivated, from Makaleha Mt., Kaua'i) |
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Subsp. filiformis, note pappus exceeding corolla. |