Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 11, 1 November 2022 — A Dryland Surprise Puapilo (or Maiapilo) [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A Dryland Surprise Puapilo (or Maiapilo)

V NĀ MEAKANU 'ĀPA'AKUMA O HAWAI'I NEI < ENDEMIC PLANTS OF HAWAI'I r

By Bobby Camara Our endemic caper ( Capparis sandwichiana) astonishes, growing as it often does out of bare pōhaku or sand at dry coastal areas. Buds open in the evening and their short-lived beauty fades by the next morning.

Ku'u Pua Nocturnal in mid-day sun grey-green leaves heekon sprawling on weathered 'a'ā sturdiness belied by softness the orb descends shadows lengthen still sharp roclc nurtures subtle beauty fattening buds eool of evening celebrated delicate stamens unfurl glowing in rising moonlight trembling in night time breeze lovely scent wafted elusive hidden blooms surprise leu'u pua nocturnal fades wilted pinle in morning light memories cherished unforgettable places dear lavalands company of loved ones leu'u pua nocturnal ■

Tucked info kiawe shade at Paniau, puapilo thrives. - Photo: Bobby Camara