Cocculus orbiculatus
Genus
Cocculus
Species
orbiculatus
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Hue
- Huehue
- Hueʻie
- ʻInalua
Hawaiian Names
- Hue
- Huehue
- Hueie
- Inalua
Common Names
- Queen coralbead
Synonyms
- Cebatha ferrandiana
- Cebatha integra
- Cebatha lonchophylla
- Cebatha virgata
- Cocculus ferrandianus
- Cocculus integer
- Cocculus longchophyllus
- Cocculus trilobus
- Cocculus virgatus
- Holopeira lonchophylla
- Menispermum trilobum
- Nephroica ferrandiana
Distribution Status
Indigenous
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Partially Woody / Shrub-like
- Sprawling Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Dwarf, Less than 2
Mature Size, Width
This is a sprawling vine.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Ground Cover
- Trellis or Fence Climber
Additional Landscape Use Information
The matt bluish-green or greenish leaves and the small dark blue grape-like fruits (drupes) add a unique visual appeal to a native landscape. Huehue can be used as an accent plant or over open rocky areas in natural settings.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- White
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
Huehue has yellowish white diminutive flowers.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Plant texture
- Fine
- Medium
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves are 1 to 5 1/2 inches long.
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
This indigenous vine has light green to bluish green glaucous leaves.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Huehue is prone to ants, scale, mealy bugs and aphids.
Fertilizer
Apply 8-8-8 fertilizer every 6 to 8 months.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Heat
Soils
- Cinder
- Coral
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- Less than 150, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Additional Habitat Information
Huehue is known to grow in open areas, grasslands, raised coralline plains, talus slopes, on dry ʻaʻā lava or crevices in pāhoehoe lava and in mesic to dry forests.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Huehue is a member of Menispermaceae or the Moonseed family and the only representative indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands.
Etymology
The generic name Cocculus is from the Greek kokkos, berry, in reference to the fruit.
The specific epithet orbiculatus, disk-shaped or rounded in reference to the rounded leaves. [2]
Background Information
The roots are said to contain a poisonous substance. [1]
Early Hawaiian Use
This vine was used by early Hawaiians as cordage to bind parts of grass houses.
Additional References
[1] "Hawaiian Natural History, and Evolution" by Alan C. Ziegler, pages 197-198.
[2] Missouri Botanical Garden http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org [Accessed 9/29/15]
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=50823119%40N08&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Cocculus%20orbiculatus
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