Scaevola taccada
SCAEVOLA TACCADA (Naupaka)
Goodeniaceae | Native Hawaiian
Goodeniaceae
Goodeniaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Asterales.
Native To:
Hawaiʻi
Plant Status:
Secure
Plant Habit:
Flowering Plant
Plant Habitat:
Coastlines
Cultural Uses
The most common type of naupaka is Naupaka Kahakai, which means,” Naupaka by the sea,” because its habitat is along the island’s shorelines. In addition to this variety, there is a mountain-dwelling variety. The two plants are seemingly similar apart from their flowers; the Naupaka Kahakai has petals only on the bottom portion of its flower while the mountain Naupaka has petals only on the top portion. A Hawaiian legend symbolizes the two plants as old lovers, separated by the Hawaiian goddess, Pele. Upon their separation, they split their flowers to show their devotion to love.
Interesting Fact
Many locals use Naupaka to defog their goggles when snorkeling or diving.