Gardenia brighamii
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gardenia brighamii is a species of flowering plant in the coffee family, Rubiaceae.[3][4] It is sometimes referred to by the common names nānū, naʻu, or forest gardenia, and is endemic to Hawaii.[5]
| Gardenia brighamii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Gardenia |
| Species: | G. brighamii |
| Binomial name | |
| Gardenia brighamii | |
Description
Gardenia brighamii is a small tree, reaching a height of 5 m (16 ft).[5] The glossy, dark green leaves[6] are ovate, 2.2–10.5 cm (0.87–4.13 in) long and 1.5–5.5 cm (0.59–2.17 in) wide. The petals of the solitary, white flowers are fused at the base to form a tube 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) in length and have six lobes.
Gallery
Fruits
Flowers
Leaves
Bark
Plant
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Habitat and range
Forest gardenia inhabits tropical dry forests at elevations of 350–520 m (1,150–1,710 ft). It previously could be found on all main islands, but today populations only exist on Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, and Lānaʻi, and the Big Island.[5]
Conservation
The total population of G. brighamii is between 15 and 19 trees. There are only two plants in the wild on Oʻahu and one on the Big Island.[7] Major threats to the survival of this species include loss of dry forest habitat and the establishment of invasive species, such as fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum).[5]
Uses
Native Hawaiians made kua kuku (kapa anvils)[5] and pou (house posts) from the wood of nānū.[7] A yellow kapa dye was derived from the fruit pulp.[8] The white, fragrant flowers are used in lei. Today, it is grown as an ornamental plant on the islands.[7]
