Chrysodracon fernaldii

Description:

[syn. Dracaena fernaldii, Pleomele fernaldii]Hala pepe or Lnai hala pepeAsparagaceae: NolinoideaeEndemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Lnai only)IUCN: EndangeredPhoto: Lnaihale, LnaiThe six species belonging to the genus Chrysodracon are all endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.Early Hawaiians used the leaves in bathing and steam baths for chills (lia), headaches, fever, and thought to stop burning temperature or sensation.Leaves and flowers are used in lei making.EtymologyThe generic name Chrysodracon is from the Greek Chrsyo, golden, and dracon, dragon, referring to the unique yellow (golden) flowers of this genus; other dracaena have white, green and/or purple tepals (flowers).The specific epithet fernaldii was named by Harold St. John, professor of botany at University of Hawaii Mnoa, in honor of his principal botany teacher, Merritt L. Fernald (1873-1950).nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Pleomele_fernaldii