PmakaniViolaceae Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Waiane Mts., Oahu)EndangeredOahu (Cultivated)There are 7 endemic species of Viola in the Hawaiian Islands of which 6 species & subspecies are considered endangered. One species, Viola chamissoniana subsp. tracheliifolia, is perhaps the world's tallest in the genus and forming shrubs or subshrubs with woody stems!Like other violets, the flowers and leaves are edible. Viola are rich anti-oxidant compounds in the form of beta carotene and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).EtymologyThe generic name Viola is from Latin violet, the purplish-blue color of the flowers.The specific name, chamissoniana, honors Ludolf Karl Albert von Chamisso (1781-1838), French-born German explorer, naturalist, author, poet, and plant collector.
nativeplants.hawaii.edu
