66 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 66 
pods constricted between the seeds. In the arid regions is found the 
wiliwili (Erythrina monosperma), a deciduous tree with gnarly 
growth, a very soft light wood, and bright scarlet seeds. Among 
the peculiar plants of the islands is the silversword (Argyroxiphium 
sandwicense ), a strikingly beautiful composite with glistening silvery 
leaves, which grows only on the slopes of cinder cones in the crater 
Fic. 70.—Palms at Hilo. Two royal palms with a slender 
betel palm between. 
of Haleakala and in a few very limited localities on Hawaii. The 
family Lobeliaceae is represented by about 100 species belonging 
to 6 genera. The numerous arborescent species are very peculiar 
and characteristic. Many of them form slender trunks like small 
palms, crowned with a large cluster of long narrow leaves. The 
trunks of some species are as much as 30 or 40 feet high and the 
large bright colored flowers are sometimes remarkably beautiful. 
