Wilkesia hobdyi

Description:

Dwarf iliauAsteraceae (Sunflower family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai only)IUCN: Critically EndangeredKauai (Cultivated)Some who have read the book or seen the animation movie, like to call this plant the Lorax tree, after Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax."Closeupwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5491199904/in/datetaken-...EtymologyThe generic name Wilkesia is named in for Captain Charles Wilkes (1798-1877), a commander of the United States Exploring Expedition.The specific name hobdyi is named after its discoverer and botanist Robert Hobdy, a resident of Maui.See Wilkesia hobdyi at:nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Wilkesia_gymnoxiphium