Issue 11: Flower of `Oahu, Golden `Ilima

Ho`okahi leo ua lawa.
One voice is enough.
One reminder is all you need.

Organism of the Week! - Pua `ilima - Sida fallax
In 1923 the territorial governor decided that this golden flower would be `Oahu's designated flower emblem.  In 2000, Governor Cayetano endorsed this decision by signing some official documents designating it as such.  However, I didn't have the slightest clue each island could be represented by a different flower, so this is news to me.

This flower actually looks a bit like our state flower, the hibiscus, except it's much smaller from what I understand.  The coloration can also vary as well, but in this case `Oahu's flower is particularly of the yellow-golden variety.
Incidentally, ancient Hawaiians had many uses for this plant.  Juice from the flowers were a mild laxative used by children, and the flowers were eaten by pregnant women.  Root bark combined with the flowers would treat asthma, and chewing the buds would alleviate thirst (when water was difficult to find I suppose?).  The stems of the plant could also be used as slats for roofing, or would make excellent supplies for making baskets.
These days the flower is pretty for landscaping purposes, and easy to grow in dryer climates (unsurprising for a flower of `Oahu).
Sourced: Here

Community Events!
Monk Seal Mania - Thurs. July 12, Waikiki Aquarium, 3pm-3:45pm
The aquarium is hosting an event about monk seals - admittedly for younger audiences, but it might still be fun and definitely interesting.  Event costs $2, a paltry sum for an interesting afternoon.
Kako`o `Oiwi - Sat. July 14, Directions Here, 8:30am onward
This is another volunteer opportunity working in a lo`i, out near Kaneohe.  If you're in the neighborhood and interested in applying some native Hawaiian practices, this is the place to be.  You may want to take some more modern precautions though - the website requests volunteers wear sneakers, as well as sunscreen and bug spray.