Coprosma montana

Description:

Pilo or Alpine mirrorplantRubiaceae (Coffee family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Maui and Hawaii Island)Haleakal National Park, East MauiFemale (pistillate) flowersBerrieswww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4736585487/in/datetaken-...Berries of pilo were used as a laxative by early Hawaiian use, and are occasionally used the same today.This abundant pilo is one of the primarily foods of nn (Branta sandvicensis) or Hawaiian goose in its native habitat.EtymologyThe generic name is from the Greek kopros, dung, and osme, smell, referring to the dung-like or rotten cabbage smell (methanethiol) given off when the leaves of some species are crushed.The specific epithet montana, is from the Latin, montanus, of the mountains, referring to the mountain habitat of this species.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Coprosma_montana