Viola chamissoniana

Description:

Pmakani or olop Violaceae Endemic to the Hawaiian IslandsEndangeredOahu (Cultivated)There are 7 endemic species of Viola in the Hawaiian Islands of which 6 species & subspecies are considered endangered.The leaves and flowers are edible. The petals are especially tasty. Viola are rich anti-oxidant compounds in the form of beta carotene and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).Flower (side view)www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/8721588188/in/datetaken-...Fruitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/8720478861/in/datetaken-...Leafwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/8721605596/in/datetaken-...EtymologyThe generic name Viola is from Latin violet, the purplish-blue color of the flowers.The specific name, chamissoniana, is named for Ludolf Karl Albert von Chamisso (1781-1838), French-born German explorer, naturalist, author, poet, and plant collector.nativeplants.hawaii.edu