Nototrichium humile

Description:

Humble kulu or Kaala rockwortAmaranthaceae (Amaranth or pigweed family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Waianae Mts., Oahu; and Lualailua Hills, East Maui)IUCN: EndangeredOahu (Cultivated)Nototrichium is an endemic Hawaiian genus of at least three species.Flowers and fruitswww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/27965070010/in/photostream/Apparently, the flowers and wood of kulu (Nototrichium spp.) were packed into a hallow stem such as bamboo (ohe), lit on fire and thrown from a particular cliff. The fiery material would eject much is an aerial display much like modern-day fireworks. A close relative, ppala (Charpentiera spp.) were also used in a similar manner.EtymologyThe generic name Nototrichium comes from the Latin nota, remarkable and tricho, hair, probably referring to the dense pubescence of the plants. However, Nototrichium humile does not have the characteristic downy silvery hairs on the foliage like its two cousins ( N. divaricatum, N. sandwicense).The Latin specific epithet humile, means low or humble.NPH00001nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Nototrichium_humile