Maiapilo

Maiapilo, or Capparis sandwichiana, is an endemic Hawaiian plant. It grows as a low, sprawling shurb on the coasts and is in the caper family. The beautiful flowers bloom in the early evening and fade during the day, and have gentle sweet smell. The fruits, however, smell bad, and look like tiny bananas, which is why the name maiapilo translates to “stinky banana” in Hawaiian.

This plant, with it’s smooth green leaves and exuberant flowers is so inspiring that I’ve painted it again and again.