Cosmosflower Beggarticks
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| Cosmosflower Beggarticks, Poʻola nui |
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| Bidens cosmoides (A.Gray) Sherff |
The Cosmosflower Beggarticks (Bidens cosmoides) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. This particular member of the genus Bidens is far larger than its relatives and is pollinated by birds.
Unlike its smaller relatives, collectively called kokoʻolau or koʻokoʻolau in the Hawaiian language, B. cosmoides is so conspicuous and distinct that it was given a distinct name by the locals: poʻola nui ("grand poʻola"). This refers to the fact that the leaves and habitus of B. cosmoides somewhat resemble the poʻola (Claoxylon sandwicense) but unlike that plant, poʻola nui bears spectacular yellow flowers.
This plant is found only along the Mohihi Trail on Kauaʻi. It is threatened by habitat loss due to the spread of invasive weeds and brushfires. Disappearance of Hawaiian honeycreeper species which pollinate this plant have also adversely affected it.
[edit] References
- Bruegmann, M.M. & Caraway, V. (2003). Bidens cosmoides. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 20 July 2007.
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