Lobelia hypoleuca

Description:

Kuhiaikamoowahie or peluCampanulaceae (Bellflower family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lnai, Maui, Hawaii)Oahu (Cultivated), a Koolau Mts., Oahu formHabitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/15336265717/in/datetaken...Early Hawaiians used these plants to sprinkle water on an image of the rain god to induce rain.EtymologyThe generic epithet Lobelia is named in behalf of the Flemish botanist Mathais de L'Obel (1538-1616).The specific Greek epithet, hypoleuca, whitish below, is in reference to the white tomentose undersides of the leaves of this species.See www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/12173705166/in/photolist...nativeplants.hawaii.edu/