These plant species grow in the salt spray and loose sand of beaches and the moist lowland slopes of volcanoes. They flourish in poor soils and under very harsh climatic conditions.
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Close-up of the flower of the Maunaloa Vine (Canavalia cathartica), on a beach along the western shore of Hanalei Bay, north Kaua'i. This species is endemic to the tropics, but is considered a noxious and invasive weed in the Hawaiian Islands. Mouse-click here to see a photo of a maturing seedpod of this species.
Close-up shot of the flower of a red Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), National BOtanical Garden, Lawai, south Kaua'i.
The Red Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is not native to Hawaii. Although it originated as a cultivar, it and other domesticated Hibiscus species have become somewhat naturalized in the Islands. National Botanical Garden, Lawai, south Kaua'i.
Flowers and foliage of the Chenile Plant (Acalypha hispida). The long red appendages are "catkins" of female flowers with feathery stamens; male flowers rarely are present on this species in Hawaii. Lawa'i, south Kaua'i.
Flowers and foliage of the Chenile Plant (Acalypha hispida). The long red appendage is a "catkin" of female flowers with feathery stamens; male flowers rarely are present on this species in Hawaii. Lawa'i, south Kaua'i.
Flowers and foliage of the Chenile Plant (Acalypha hispida). The long red appendages are "catkins" of female flowers with feathery stamens; male flowers rarely are present on this species in Hawaii. Lawa'i, south Kaua'i.
Close-up of immature (red) and mature (black) fruit of the Blackberry (Rubus argutus), Kokee State Park, west Kaua'i.
Flowers and foliage of the Blackberry (Rubus argutus), Kokee State Park, west Kaua'i. Blackberry is a very aggressive and invasive plant, and has become a serious weed on Kaua'i, where it forms dense briar patches that crowd out native plants.
Close-up of a Blackberry (Rubus argutus) flower, Kokee State Park, west Kaua'i.
Close-up of immature (red) and mature (black) fruit of the Blackberry (Rubus argutus), Kokee State Park, west Kaua'i.
Close-up of immature (red) and mature (black) fruit of the Blackberry (Rubus argutus), Kokee State Park, west Kaua'i.
Close-up of immature (red) and mature (black) fruit of the Blackberry (Rubus argutus), Kokee State Park, west Kaua'i.
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