Lobelia hypoleuca facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lobelia hypoleuca
Scientific classification
Genus:	Lobelia
Species:	hypoleuca
Synonyms
Lobelia hypoleuca var. heterocarpa E.Wimm. Lobelia hypoleuca f. macrophyta Rock Lobelia hypoleuca var. rockii H.St.John & Hosaka Neowimmeria heterocarpa (E.Wimm.) I.Deg. & O.Deg. Neowimmeria hypoleuca (Hillebr.) O. Deg. & I. Deg. Neowimmeria hypoleuca var. macrophyta (Rock) I.Deg. & O.Deg. Neowimmeria rockii (H.St.John & Hosaka) I.Deg. & O.Deg.

Lobelia hypoleuca is a special plant found only in Hawaii. It has several cool Hawaiian names like kuhiʻaikamoʻowahie, ʻōpelu, liua, and moʻowahie. This plant belongs to a group called Lobelia. While it grows naturally in Hawaii, people also grow it in other places.

What is Lobelia hypoleuca?

Lobelia hypoleuca is a type of shrub. A shrub is like a small, bushy tree. This plant can grow quite tall, reaching up to 3.3 meters (about 11 feet). That's taller than most basketball players!

How Does it Look?

This plant has strong, woody stems. They are whitish and feel a bit rough if you touch them. Its leaves are long and narrow, shaped like a spear. They can be up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) long. The top side of the leaves is green and shiny. But the underside looks white! This is because it's covered in tiny, soft, woolly hairs. The name "hypoleuca" actually means "white below," which perfectly describes these leaves.

Its Flowers

When it's time to bloom, Lobelia hypoleuca grows tall flower stalks. Each plant can have 3 to 7 of these stalks. They can grow up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. The flowers themselves are a beautiful blue color.

Where Does it Grow?

This unique plant is native to the Hawaiian Islands. You can find it growing in the wild on several islands. These include Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. It's a true Hawaiian native!