Cyanea kuhihewa Lammers

Genus: Cyanea grade Hirtellae.

Etymology: In the Hawaiian language kuhihewa means to err in judgement. This epithet is in reference to this species being mistaken for Cyanea linearifolia which has very similar leaves.

Range: Kaua'i, Hanalei district; wet forest; 520m.

Growth form: Treelet, 0.4-2.3 m tall.

This species, part of the hairy flowered Hirtellae clade, was discovered by Ken Wood in 1991. It is the second linear-leaved Cyanea, the other being Cyanea linearifolia also from Kaua'i. These two plants, however, are quite different. Cy. kuhihewa has pubescent flowers whereas Cy linearifolia has glabrous leaves and is part of section Delisseoideae.

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