Gardenia brighamii

Brighamii The Gardenia is a species of flowering plants belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is called Nanu or warehouse. Named by scientific botanic William Tufts Brigham.

Description

Inhabits tropical forests of Hawaii at altitudes of 350 to 520 feet above the level of the sea. If previously it was present in all islands at present is only natural way to Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Lanai, and the island which gives its name to the archipelago.

The G. brighamii is a small tree that can reach 5 feet. The flowers grow solitary at the end of the branches, leaving the afternoon and do not live more than a day, as in other species of this genus are very fragrant.

Conservation

The total population is between 15 and 20 trees. Only outright preserved two copies in the wild on Oahu and the island of Hawaii.

The biggest threats to the survival of the species through the destruction of their habitat in Hawaiian dry forests and the introduction of species such as Pennisetum setaceum invassores.

Uses

The Hawaiians used in the pulp to dye clothes yellow, and the wood of the trunk to make kua Kuku (Kapa locks) and well (beams).

The flowers were used in the preparation of typical flower necklaces, and now G. brighamii cultivated ornamental purposes.


Source: http://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardenia_brighamii

See Also: International Flower Delivery, Florist