Helen Mowry, age 14, of Peterborough, Ont., for her question:

Where do you find the ilima?

The ilima is a plant, most at home on warm ocean islands. It grows wild on the Hawaiian Islands, almost as a weed. The people of the islands use its blossoms to string together in long necklaces called leis.

There are many varieties of ilimas on the Hawaiian Islands, The plants are large, tropical shrubs, almost trot‑sized. The blossoms are usually white or yellow. Ilimas are classed in the plant family Sida. Most of the Sida plants are rich in oils. Oils and gums often are extracted from their stems. Soma have woody fibers which may be used to make ropey canvas and coarse cloth. All of them help beautify the tropical woodlands with their bright blossoms, which bloom all year round.