Alula - Hawaiian Vulcan Palm

A rare member of the lobelia family (Campanulaceae) endemic to steep sea cliffs on the island of Kauai. As of the year 2000, fewer than 100 of these remarkable pachycaul plants grew in the wild. Like the California condor, this unique species has been brought back from the brink of extinction through breeding programs at botanical gardens. Alulu is perfectly adapted for living on vertical volcanic cliffs. A single rosette of leaves arise from the top of a thick, succulent stem, like a cabbage head on a baseball bat. The rosette varies in size relative to the stem, depending on the availability of moisture. Roots penetrate the cliffs horizontally, and the base of the plant is rounded, permitting the plant to rock slightly in the wind. Water stored in the stem enables the plant to survive periods of drought which may last days or weeks.

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more info : http://www2.hawaii.edu/~eherring/hawnprop/bri-insi.htm