Bidens cosmoides


Bidens cosmoides, commonly known as the cosmosflower beggarticks, is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family. It is endemic to Hawaiian [tropical rainforests#Mixed mesic forests|mixed mesic forests] at elevations of on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. This particular member of the genus Bidens is far larger than its relatives and is pollinated by birds.
Unlike its smaller relatives, collectively called kokoolau or kookoolau in the Hawaiian language, B. cosmoides is so conspicuous and distinct that it was given a distinct name by the locals: poola nui. This refers to the fact that the leaves and habitus of B. cosmoides somewhat resemble the poola but unlike that plant, poola nui bears spectacular yellow flowers.
This plant is found only along the island's Mohihi Trail. It is threatened by habitat loss due to the spread of invasive weeds and brushfires. It has also been adversely affected by the disappearance of Hawaiian honeycreeper species that pollinate it.