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The naupaka is a Hawaiian shrub that produces highly unique flowers. The white petals span only half of the flower, making it look as though half of the petals have been plucked away. The naupaka has been the center of many Hawaiian legends throughout history and has even been romanticized as being the reincarnation of a Hawaiian woman who was separated from her true love. There are several different versions of the traditional story of the naupaka flower. One of the early versions goes something like this: Naupaka was an ancient Hawaiian princess. One day she appeared so sad that the villagers approached the monarchs about her sadness. Naupaka��s parents asked what was upsetting her. Naupaka replied, ��I have fallen in love with a commoner named Kaui.�� This was indeed a troubling predicament because the ancient laws strictly prohibited those in the royal family from marrying people of common birth. In Naupaka and Kaui��s desperation to be together, they went in search of a solution to their problem. Their journey took them up a mountain where they found a kahuna (priest) staying at the temple there. His reply to the lovers was, ��There is nothing that I can do for you.�� He then instructed them to pray in the temple. Rain began to fall as Naupaka and Kaui prayed, their hearts overwhelmed with sorrow. Realizing that their union would not be allowed by the Gods, they embraced one last time. Naupaka pulled a flower from her hair and tore half of the flower away. She kept one half for herself and gave the other half to Kaui. She then said, ��Go and live down by the water. I will stay here on the mountain.�� The nearby flowers watched as the two lovers went their separate ways. Saddened by their sorrow, the plants would forever produce flowers containing only half of their petals. Although there are several versions of this legend that are told, each story surrounds the same tragic principle of lovers who must remain separated from each other��one living on the mountain and the other on the beach. The formal botanical name for the naupaka is scaevola sencea and it is one of the most common plants found in Hawaii, particularly around the beach areas. Naupaka has nine varieties and can easily be spotted growing all over the state. It can grow as much as ten feet all and six to 15 feet wide, and is adorned with white flowers that are usually streaked with purple from the center going outward. The flowers grow in small clusters, surrounded by large green leaves and white fruit. If you live near the beach and would like to keep your garden looking tropical yet manicured and private, the naupaka kahakai would be a great plant to grow. When left to its own devices, this plant can appear lush and intensely exotic. Yet if kept trimmed, it can easily appear modern with a touch of exoticism. Even if you do not live near the beach, the naupaka kahakai can lend a relaxing air to your garden, providing you with a wonderful escape from the pressures of everyday life.