Anena

Boerhavia repens

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Nyctaginaceae
Genus:
Boerhavia
Species:
Boerhavia repens

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Bloom Colors:
White, Pink

Native Range

United States: Guam, Hawaii, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Megalorhipida defectalis

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
often found in coastal and arid regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: For cuttings, work in a shady area, use clean pots, cut plants into desired lengths, place about 3 strands in each pot, fill the rest of the pot with potting mix. For seeds, place seeds in a 24 hour water soak.

Establishment: Alena is indigenous to Hawai'i and can be collected from coastal sites or from any site where it is abundant. The success rate for cuttings is usually not 100% but more like 75-80%. No specific germination rate for seeds was provided.

Source: npn.rngr.net