Endemic

Scientific name: Wilkesia gymnoxiphium

Iliau or Kauaʻi greensword are related to the famous silverswords and greenswords found at high elevations on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. These special plants belong to the very large Asteraceae or Sunflower family of some 20,000 species worldwide.

Along the Iliau Nature Loop, blooms can be found in June and July with fruits coming a month later. However, these amazing plants only bloom once at the end of its life span (around 7 years or so) then completely dies. Go see them for yourself in Waimea Canyon State Park!