Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - January 27, 2005
From: The Netherlands, Other
Region: Other
Topic: Non-Natives, Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Smarty Plants on Kokias
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am searching for seeds of different Kokias (Kokia cookei, K. drynariodes and K. kauaiensis) and Thespesias (Thespesia grandiflora, T. thespesioides, T. nerifolia and T. populnea). Perhaps there are other Kokias and Thespesias. Can you help me, please? Perhaps you know other people or botanical gardens who can help me. I am living in Holland and have a greenhouse.ANSWER:
One of the species of Thespesia (T. grandiflora, common name "maga") is native to Hawaii and one (T. populnea, Portia tree) grows in Florida and Hawaii, but is not native. Its origin is India. T. thespesiodes or T. nerifolia are not native to the U. S. The three Kokias, treecottons, (Kokia cookei, K. drynariodes and K. kauaiensis) as well as K. lanceolata are all natives of Hawaii. K. drynariodes is considered endangered in Hawaii and K. cookei is even rarer so it may be difficult to find seeds of these. K. kauaiensis is also listed as endangered but in somewhat better shape than the other two. K. lanceolata became extinct in the late 1800s or 1900s.
Since all these species are native or grow in Hawaii, you might have success in locating seeds by contacting arboreta such as Lyon Arboretum at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and botanical gardens in Hawaii.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source for Phyla nodiflora, fogfruit seeds
July 29, 2009 - Where can I buy fog fruit seeds (nodiflora)Do you know a seed company that sells this seed?
I am replacing my lawn with lippia and have it half done.
Need more seeds
Please reply
Thanks
Claudia
view the full question and answer
Source for maroon bluebonnets in The Woodlands, TX
August 23, 2009 - Please tell me where I can purchase maroon bonnets, seeds or the plant, near College Station or The Woodlands, Texas.
view the full question and answer
Source of seeds for non-native Artemisia pontica
May 26, 2006 - Hi,
I've tried unsuccessfully to find seed for "roman wormwood" "Artemisia Pontica"
Do you carry this or do you know a source in the US to get the seed?
Much Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Native plant landscaper source in Austin, TX
March 20, 2004 - Can you recommend a native plant landscaper for my area?
view the full question and answer
Propagating trees in Pennsylvania
February 05, 2009 - I have been wanting to plant trees at our family camp for quite a few years now to help provide food for the wildlife during in preparation for the cold winters. As a college student, however, both f...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |