Mountain naupaka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain naupaka |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Scaevola (plant)
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| Species: |
gaudichaudiana
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| Synonyms | |
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Scaevola ciliata G.Don |
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The mountain naupaka (scientific name: Scaevola gaudichaudiana) is a unique plant found only in Hawaii. It is a type of shrub that lives for many years, belonging to the plant family called Goodeniaceae.
This special plant is endemic to Hawaii. This means it naturally grows nowhere else in the world! It's an important part of Hawaii's amazing plant life.
Contents
Discovering the Mountain Naupaka
The mountain naupaka was first officially described in 1832. A scientist named Adelbert von Chamisso wrote about it in a science journal called Linnaea.
The plant's scientific name, gaudichaudiana, was chosen to honor another important botanist. This person was Charles Gaudichaud-Beaupré. He was a French botanist who studied plants from all over the world.
What Does It Look Like?
The mountain naupaka is a beautiful shrub with some interesting features.
Flowers and Fruits
You can often see the mountain naupaka flowering at any time of the year. Its flowers are usually white and shaped like a tube. They also have a lovely smell! After the flowers bloom, small purple fruits grow.
Leaves
The leaves of the mountain naupaka have edges that look like tiny teeth. This is a helpful way to identify the plant.
Where It Grows
This plant likes to grow in wet forests. It can also be found in open, clear areas. You can spot it at different heights, from about 555 feet (169 m) to over 2,600 feet (790 m) above sea level.
