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
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
Help, I know nothing!
June 12, 2007 - Where can I find someone who can give me advice on my flowers, plants, trees
and shrubs? I bought a house with a lot of flower beds containing many
different varieties of greenery and don't know...
view the full question and answer
Looking for Asclepians texana and other milkweed seeds
December 10, 2008 - Hi.
I was wondering where I could find seeds of Asclepias Texana, and other rare or uncommon Milkweeds. I am looking for seeds of all the Asclepias species. I have swamp, Clasping, and butterflyweed...
view the full question and answer
Resources for native plants and landscaping in El Paso, TX
January 24, 2006 - I live in El Paso, Texas, and want to know more about flowers and other native plants and landscaping in this specific geographical area. I would like information on particular plants that are suita...
view the full question and answer
Where to find Yarrow for sale in the area of Ft. Worth TX?
May 05, 2011 - I'm very fond of the native plant called "Yarrow." Where might I find this in the Fort Worth area, and what are the tips for growing it. Seems like I saw it in one of the gardens at the LBJ Wildf...
view the full question and answer
Looking for Irises for Coryell County, TX.
May 07, 2012 - I'm looking for a hearty plant for Coryell County, TX. My mother always referred to these plants as "flags." I assume it is a type of iris. I'm looking for the one that will survive in the Cent...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |