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Acacia koa, koa. The simple lateral foliar appendages (phyllodes) seen
in the upper part of the 2nd photo and in the 3rd photo are not
typical for this family. this species initially produces bipinnate leaves
(lower leaves in 2nd photo) typical of other
Mimosaceae but in the sapling stage begins to produce these modified leaves that aid in
conservation of water in the habitats where these unusual phyllodinous acacias grow.
Note the pods (legumes) and also the small
flowers compacted into heads in the 3rd photo. The styles of individual flowers can be seen to be exserted
beyond the stamens. |
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Adenanthera pavonina, coralwood, false wiliwili.
Tree from S. E. Asia with pinnate leaves and rather inconspicuous clusters of
small yellow flowers. The scarlet "Circassian" seeds are lens
shaped, about 1/3 inch in
diameter, and are used in lei construction. The red heartwood is valued for cabinetwork
and as a source of dye. |
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Albizia lebbeck, siris tree. Tree from
tropical Asia |
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Calliandra calothyrsus, powderpuff. Shrub from
Mexico and South America with red "powderpuff" clusters of flowers. |
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Calliandra inaequilatera. Note the valvate nature of the petals
in bud stage and the mass of withering stamens in the older inflorescence. |
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Leucaena leucocephala, koa haole. Note the bipinnately compound
leaves and the white flowering heads. Legumes are also visible. In the
close-up of the flowering head, the style of each flower can be seen as a straight, white cylindrical
structure that extends beyond the stamens. |
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Mimosa pudica, sensitive plant. Note the typical flowering head
with stamens dominating as the attractive component of the flowers. In this family the
leaves and leaflets are often capable of movement due to changes in the water pressure of
the swollen leaf and leaflet bases (pulvini). In many species of this family the leaves
assume a folded or "sleeping" posture at the end of the day that is triggered by
a decrease in light level. However, the sensitive plant is also capable of rapid movement
in response to touch or application of heat. |
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Paraserianthes falcataria, albizzia. |
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Parkia javanica. |
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Pithecellobium dulce, opiuma. Notice the clusters of small heads
and the corkscrew-shaped legumes. The spongy white aril that envelopes the seed (lower
photo) is edible. |
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Prosopis pallida, kiawe. The flowers of this species are in a
dense spike. |
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Samanea saman, monkey pod; rain tree, 'ohai. Stunning shade tree
from tropical America, with large, dome-shaped canopy. The attractive wood is crafted into
platters and bowls that are commonly marketed in Hawaii. The pods have a sweet, sticky
brown pulp, and are fed to cattle in Central America. The 3rd photo shows the
details of a single head. Note the relative size of the perianth and
androecium, and the
numerous stamens. |