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Phytolacca dioica, Phytolaccaceae, ombu. Large, fast growing shade tree from
South America, with somewhat pendulous clusters of cream-colored flowers. It is said that
anyone who sleeps under an ombu must be aware of evil magic. Location: Mauka side of
Sinclair Library. |
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Pilea microphylla, Urticaceae, artillery plant. A small, usually prostrate herb
from tropical America with very small leaves and tiny greenish female
flowers and pinkish, somewhat larger male flowers. The common
name refers to the catapult mechanism for dispersing pollen. Location: As ground cover or
border plant, often volunteering on damp, shaded ground or wet rocks; e.g., East West
Center Japanese Garden. |
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Pimenta dioica, Myrtaceae, allspice. Tree from tropical America, with purplish,
berry-like fruit about 6 mm in diameter. The foliage has a delightful fragrance when
crushed. An important new world spice used in foods (combining the flavors of nutmeg,
cinnamon, and cloves) and as a source of perfume. Location: Makai of Biomed; Ewa court of
Henke. |
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Piper methysticum, Piperaceae, 'awa, kava, used in the preparation of a narcotic
drink. Location: St. John Courtyard. |
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Pistia stratiotes, Araceae, water lettuce. Small floating rosette plant from
tropical America, introduced to Hawaii in 1932. Water lettuce can choke streams and ponds
and may become a troublesome weed in taro or rice fields. Location: St. John courtyard;
EWC Japanese garden. |
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Pithecellobium dulce, Mimosaceae, opiuma. Ornamental shade tree from tropical
America, brought to Hawaii about 1870. Does well in dry sites at low elevations. A form
called "white opiuma" has leaves that turn white during summer. Location: Near
Auxiliary services and entrance to lot 6. |
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Pittosporum resiniferum, Pittosporaceae, resin
cheesewood, petroleum nut. Tree from the Philippines with much resin
in the fruit that has potential as a source of energy. April, 2004.
Location: near makai-Ewa corner of St. John Plant Science Laboratory. |
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Pittosporum tobira, Pittosporaceae, Japanese pittosporum. Shrub or small tree
from China and Japan, commonly planted as a hedge; rarely flowers in Hawaii. Location:
Hamilton Snack Bar; EWC Japanese Gardens. |
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Pittosporum sp. small tree near row of oleander just mauka of
Bachman parking area, April 14, 2005. |
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Plantago major, Plantaginaceae, broad-leaved plantain. Herbaceous weedy
perennial from Eurasia with broad basal leaves and slender leafless flower stalk bearing
tiny closely spaced flowers with minute parchment-like petals. Location: Very common in
weedy lawns and waste areas. |
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Platymiscium stipulare, Fabaceae, platymiscium Large tree from Peru, with
5-parted leaves borne in pairs along the stems. The flowers are yellow and small in
elongated clusters. The fruit is flat, membranous, and 1-seeded. Location: Near mauka-Ewa
corner of Henke; on bank mauka of Medical Bldg.; at park near faculty
housing on Dole Street. |
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Plectranthus scutellarioides, Lamiaceae, coleus. Herb from Java, many forms
cultivated in Hawaii for attractive leaf colors, including green, red, purple, yellow, and
variegated types; also sparingly naturalized. Location: St. John courtyard. |
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Plumbago auriculata, Plumbaginaceae, plumbago, hilie'e. Common ornamental,
usually blue-flowered shrub from South Africa; poisonous. Location: Various places on
campus; Diamond Head of Miller. |
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Plumeria obtusa, Apocynaceae, Singapore plumeria. Small
ornamental tree from W.
Indies, with fragrant, white flowers popular for leis. Location: Makai of Pope
Greenhouses; mauka of Jefferson Hall. |
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Plumeria rubra, Apocynaceae, red plumeria, frangipani. Small ornamental tree
from Mexico to Venezuela, with pink to red or rose-colored flowers. One of the most
popular lei flowers, long lasting and fragrant. Location: Makai of Sinclair Library; Mauka
of Dean; Ewa of Auxiliary Services. |
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Podocarpus macrophyllus, Podocarpaceae, Japanese yew, Buddhist pine. Ornamental
tree from China with narrow glossy leaves to 4 inches long; fruit greenish to purplish,
1/3 to 1/2 inch long on fleshy purplish receptacle. Location: Ewa side of Hamilton. |
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Podranea ricasoliana, pink trumpet vine, Port
John's creeper, ornamental liana from South Africa. |
