Brighamia insignis Diameter of pot:12cm, Height:20-25cm.
Also called 'Hawaiian Palm', it is a wonderful choice for indoor or outdoor decoration in shady places. It creates a tropical atmosphere with its lovely green leaves and exotic appearance. It produces large yellow flowers in October. Suitable for bright outdoor and indoor areas and for planting in gardens or decorative pots. Needs little watering once a week.
History of the plant
This plant has been growing on the island of Hawaii for millions of years, with the island's isolated location allowing plants and animals to interact without interference. One particular species of moth was the only insect capable of pollinating its flowers. After the colonisation of the island by man and the disturbance of the natural environment, this insect became extinct, and the plant is now in danger of extinction. Today there are only 7 wild plants on the isolated island of Kauai. Scientists and volunteers are actively engaged in the conservation of this species. Scientists proceeded to fertilize the flowers by hand and harvested the seeds that are currently used to propagate the plant. Large numbers of these plants are being grown in a separate part of Hawaii with the intention of eventually planting them on the island. Efforts are also being made to restore fertilization of the species by natural means so that the plant can survive on its own in the future without human intervention.
