KampKrug

Naupaka kahakai

I’ve been meaning to post this plant and legend for some time so I don’t forget when we move away…this is Naupaka kahakai (naupaka by the ocean). The well-known legend associated with this plant is that the half-circle of petals represents lovers separated: Kai (ocean) and Hiwa (entirely black). Frustrated by having to meet in secret, Hiwa split the flower in half and gave it to Kai before she ran to the mountains. There are two variations of this endemic plant – Naupaka kuahiwi and Naupaka kahakai. The beach naupaka grows so well in dry, sandy soil in unrelenting sun. It’s a very hardy plant, and I’m hoping we will grow some when we landscape our little front garden.