Cooler temperatures and consistently moderate rainfall support a diverse community of invasive and native plant species growing on the always-green cloud-covered lower slopes of Haleakala volcano's southwest-facing flank.
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Flowers, seed pods, and foliage of a Castor Bean plant (Ricinus communis). Found in the stream course of Pulehu Gulch, near the Kula Highway, south Maui.
A close-up of the seed pods of a Castor Bean (Ricinus communis). Growing in the stream course of Pulehu Gulch, near Kula Highway, south Maui.
Castor Bean (Ricinus communis). Has several Hawaiian names: ka`apeha, kamakou, koli, la`au `aila, and pa`aila. Found near intersection of Kula Highway and Pulehu Gulch, south Maui.
The fruit of the Castor Bean (Ricinis communis), a common weed found along roadsides and overgrown weedy fields. The "burrs" or seed pods are covered with soft spines and an extremely poisonous skin. However, this plant is the source of a valuable oil. Note the large palmate leaf in the lower right corner of the frame. Pulehu Road in the flatlands between Pu'unene and the Kula Highway, north Maui.
Hairy Abutilon (Hawaiian = Ma'o), also known as Hairy Indian Mallow (Abutilon grandifolium), growing near the intersection of the Old Haleakala Highway and the Kula Highway, south Maui.
Hairy Abutilon (Hawaiian = Ma'o), also known as Hairy Indian Mallow (Abutilon grandifolium), found in an open field near Hosmer Grove entrance of Haleakala National Park. A naturalized tropical weed. Habitat is waste areas, fields, and along roadsides, especially in arid regions. The seed pod can be seen just above and to the immediate right of the flower; these turn black when mature.
Hairy Abutilon (Abutilon grandifolium), Hosmer Grove Entrance to Haleakala National Park, south Maui. Note the fruiting bodies (called "schizocarps"); they are 1.4-1.5 cm in diameter and 1-1.1 cm tall.
Hairy Abutilon (Abutilon grandifolium), Hosmer Grove Entrance to Haleakala National Park, south Maui. Note the fruiting bodies (called "schizocarps"); they are 1.4-1.5 cm in diameter and 1-1.1 cm tall.
Flower heads of Crotalaria retusa. Pulehu Road, south Maui.
Flowers, seed pods, and foliage of a Castor Bean plant (Ricinus communis). Found in the stream course of Pulehu Gulch, near the Kula Highway, south Maui.
Flowers, seed pods, and foliage of a Castor Bean plant (Ricinus communis). Found in the stream course of Pulehu Gulch, near the Kula Highway, south Maui.
Flowers, seed pods, and foliage of a Castor Bean plant (Ricinus communis). Found in the stream course of Pulehu Gulch, near the Kula Highway, south Maui.
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