Alahe'E
Psydrax odorata
- Native to:
- Hawaii, United States
David Eickhoff (www.flickr.com) from Pearl City, Hawaii, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rubiaceae
- Genus:
- Psydrax
- Species:
- Psydrax odorata
- USDA Symbol:
- PSOD
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal and dry forest areas
Propagation & Germination
Pre-treatment: Soak the seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours. Optional: soak the seeds in a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution for 2-3 minutes, then rinse well.
Establishment: Alahe'e produces a large amount of seeds on an annual basis. The ripe fruits are about 10 mm in diameter, black and juicy when ripe. Fruit ripens generally in the late fall and winter. Inside each fruit there are usually two hard seeds. A boring insect damages most of the fruit; the damaged seeds are usually not viable, and therefore should be discarded (bore holes are evident on damaged seeds). Often up to 90% of the fruit is damaged.
Source: npn.rngr.net