Hinahina, Geranium cuneatum, subspecies hololeucum



This hinahina is one of four native Geranium subspecies found in the Hawaiian islands. A hardy plant, hinahina is often found at the upper vegetation margins of our high mountains. The name, Hinahina, translates to "silver" in english. Hinahina has the distinction of being the world's only woody geranium.

Photo: Warren Costa

The Corpse Flower

Amorphophallus titanum, or the Corpse Flower is a rare native of Borneo. The specimen shown here, at the Panaewa Zoo in Hilo, is on loan from a private collector. I had the good fortune to be at the zoo to see it blooming, and to smell its pungent fragrance. It kind of smells like roadkill. In addition to its unique smell, the Corpse Flower also has the distinction of being the world's largest unbranched flowering plant.

Photo: Warren Costa