Map Endemic achyranthes* ‘äma‘u älula* ‘äwikiwiki bonamia* Clay's Hibiscus* cyperus cyperus sedge eugenia häpu‘u kauila* ko‘oloa‘ula* koa kulu‘ï kupukupu lama loulu palm ma‘o mämaki nänü* ‘ohai (shrub) * ‘ohai (tree) * ‘öhia lehua white hibiscus   Indigenous alahe‘e hinahina ‘ilie‘e ‘ilima kou laua‘e fern naio palapalai pili grass pöhinahina ‘uki‘uki ‘ülei variegated hau   Polynesian Introduced coconut kalo kukui red ginger red ti leaf ti leaf sugar cane ulu   Introduced cotton cup of gold eucalyptus heliconia hibiscus manila palm monstera octopus tree pink tecoma plumbago plumeria tangerine wiliwili     *endangered species

Common Name Hawaiian Gardenia Hawaiian Name Nänü, Na'u Scientific Name Gardenia brighamii Pictures Kalama Garden     Whole Plant Leaves Fruits Picture taken with permission from Dr. Carr at: botany.hawaii.edu/ faculty/carr/images /gar_bri_1214.jpg Flowers Picture taken with permission from Dr. Carr at: www.botany.hawaii.edu /faculty /carr/images /gar_bri_1217.jpg Stem Location On Campus This plant is found at the Kalama garden.   Natural Habitat This plant is located on the islands of Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Oahu. It is found in Mahana and Nanakuli. It's habitat is in mid-elevation at dry and shady temperatures. Cultural Information It is an endemic plant as well as an endangered species. Nänü is related to the tiare, noni, and gardenia jasminole. It's bark is used in the second stage of kapa beating. Plant Description Stem:  Baby tree has 2 big stems about 4 cm in diameter Branches out to stems of 2 cm in diameter Woody stem Light brown in color Rough texture Leaves:  Thick, glossy, and hairless Egg shaped 10 cm long Few cluttered toward tip of branches 1.5-5 cm wide 6-11 pairs of lateral veins Upper surface thick and sticky Lower surface is dull Petioles 0.2-0.7 cm long Light greenish-yellow in color Pinnate venation Entire margin Simple leaf Flowers: Found at the end of the branch Tubular shape 6-7 petals per flower Scent is similar to the common Gardenia Quite Fragrant Related to the Tahitian flower, tiare 2 lateral buds Stalk is 3-5 mm long Fruit:  At ripest, the size of a golf ball Has white spots on top The fruit is green About 2 1/2 cm in diameter Used to make yellow dye for kapa Fleshy fruit Non edible Seeds:  Yellow in color Disk shaped seed About 5 mm in diameter 4-5 mm long The pit is very fine Not edible Propagation/ Cultivation:  Semi-hardwood cuttings and grafting of the stem Grows in well drained soils with few nutrients Interesting Facts: Only about 15-19 individual plants left in Hawai'i Web Site Links Environment Hawaii In this site, you will find cultural information on the Nänü.  Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database This site has a brief description of habitat and propagation of the Nänü.  Pacific Islands Endangered Species This site shows the recovery plan for Nänü.   References Culliney, John L. and Bruce P. Koebele. A Native Hawaiian Garden. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1999. E Ho`omau I Ke Ola: Na`u. Environment Hawai`i, Inc. 2002. 13 March 2003. <http://www.environment-hawaii.org/1002e.htm> Gardenia Brighamii. 26 August 2001. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources University of Hawaii at Manoa. 12 March 2003. <http://www2.hawaii.edu/~eherring/hawnprop/gar-brig.htm> Krauss, Beatrice H. Plant in Hawaiian Culture. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1993. Lamb, Samuel H. Native Trees and Shrubs of the Hawaiian Islands. Santa Fey, New Mexico: Sunstone Press, 1981. Pukui, Mary Kawena. 'Ölelo No'eau. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Threatened and Endangered Plants in the Hawaiian Islands: The Recovery Plan for Hawaiian Gardenia. Fish and Wildlife Service. 13 March 2003. <http://pacificislands.fws.gov/wesa/higardeniaindex.html> Wagner, Warren and Herbst, Derral R. and S.H Sohmer. Flowering Plants of Hawaii. Honolulu: Bishop Museum, 1999. Return to Top

Web page created by Kamehameha Middle School Koa Team Students: Kaimana and Jasmine

© Kamehameha Schools. All rights reserved. Statements of Privacy, Copyright, and Disclaimer.