Image of Kiponapona

Description:

Note the crenate leaf margins. This rare and endangered mintless mint is endemic to the windward slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Of the 28 species of Phyllostegia, 27 are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The single other species is endemic to Tahiti. Altered portions of the Hakalau Forest are being reforested with native plants, especially those important for the survival of the rare forest birds, which the Refuge was created to protect.