[1][2] The specific epithet, chamissoniana, honours Adelbert de Chamisso, naturalist to the expedition ("around the world, by order of the king").

[2] Naupaka flowers have 5 petals, spiral leaves, and have a single plane of bilateral symmetry.

The beach and mountain Naupaka flower are exactly the same but also polar opposite in their habitat needs which is what makes it such a special plant.

They are abundant year round in tropical forests and open areas and grow densely and as large shrubs in undergrowth.

Beach naupaka relies on seeds dispersed by ocean currents and birds, allowing it to colonize coastal areas.

Both the beach and mountain naupaka have adapted their reproduction styles to their environment to ensure their long term survival.

They are known as fanflowers because the petals don’t go around in the circle around the pistil which is the center part of a flower.

They ran away to find a kahuna (a Hawaiian priest, expert, secret keeper, or healer) to help them be together but he was unable to do anything for them.

[11] Another version of the legend says that in ancient times Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of volcanoes and fire[12] was jealous of these two young lovers and wanted to split them up.

Traditionally, a man would bring his woman a lei made from these half flowers put together to be whole again.