Silene cryptopetala

Description:

Caryophyllaceae (Pink or Carnation family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Haleakal, east Maui)ExtinctEtymologyThe 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, cryptopetala, is from the prefix crypto- meaning hidden, and petala, petals.