Cliff-face catchflyCaryophyllaceae (Pink or Carnation family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (southern Waianae Mts., Oahu)IUCN: Critically EndangeredOahu (Cultivated)EtymologyThe generic name Silene, is believed to have come from Silenus, the name of the mythical foster father of Bacchus. Silenus, who was always intoxicated, was described as covered with foam, suggested by the viscid excretions of many species of Silene.The specific epithet perlmanii is named for Steve Perlman, botanist and Research Biologist for the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai.
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