Cosmosflower Beggarticks

Taxobox
name = Cosmosflower Beggarticks, "Poʻola nui"
status = EN
status_system = iucn3.1
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
subclassis = Asteridae
unranked_ordo = Euasterids I
ordo = Asterales
familia = Asteraceae
subfamilia = Asteroideae
tribus = Heliantheae
subtribus = Coreopsidinae
genus = "Bidens"
species = "B. cosmoides"
binomial = "Bidens cosmoides"
binomial_authority = (A.Gray) Sherff
synonyms =

The Cosmosflower Beggarticks ("Bidens cosmoides") is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. This particular member of the genus "Bidens" is far larger than its relatives and is pollinated by birds.

Unlike its smaller relatives, collectively called "kokoʻolau" or "koʻokoʻolau" in the Hawaiian language, "B. cosmoides" is so conspicuous and distinct that it was given a distinct name by the locals: "poʻola nui" ("grand "poʻola"). This refers to the fact that the leaves and habitus of "B. cosmoides" somewhat resemble the "poʻola" ("Claoxylon sandwicense") but unlike that plant, "poʻola nui" bears spectacular yellow flowers.

This plant is found only along the Mohihi Trail on Kauaʻi. It is threatened by habitat loss due to the spread of invasive weeds and brushfires. Disappearance of Hawaiian honeycreeper species which pollinate this plant have also adversely affected it.

References

*|year=2003|id=44116|title=Bidens cosmoides|downloaded=20 July 2007