Coprosma montana
Genus
Coprosma
Species
montana
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Hupilo
- Pilo
Hawaiian Names
- Hupilo
- Pilo
Common Names
- Alpine mirrorplant
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Sprawling Shrub
- Shrub
- Tree
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Medium, 6 to 10
- Shrub, Tall, Greater than 10
- Tree, Dwarf, Less than 15
- Tree, Small, 15 to 30
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
Additional Landscape Use Information
Although this species is a high elevation plant, it will grow at lower elevations. [Aileen Yeh, Aileen Yeh Nursery]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Greenish-White
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
The small flowers, like other native Coprosma spp., are not attractive to the average person.
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The yellowish-orange to reddish fruit en masse present an attractive display.
Plant texture
- Fine
- Medium
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
Water Requirements
- Dry
- Moist
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Natural Range
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
No data available.
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
Ofen a dominant component of the vegation in subalpine woodland and occasionally in mesic forest from 6000 to 10,000 feet on East Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
Special Features and Information
General Information
The thirteen Hawaiian endemic species of Coprosma belong to Rubiaceae or Coffee family and all appear to be common to fairly common in their habitat. The genus name Coprosma means "smelling like dung" and refers to the rotten cabbage smell (methanethiol) given off when the leaves of some species are crushed. [1]
Pilo of many species provide fruit for native birds.
Etymology
The generic name is from the Greek kopros, dung, and osme, smell, referring to the dung-like or rotten cabbage smell (methanethiol) given off when the leaves of some species are crushed. [1]
The specific epithet montana, is from the Latin, montanus, of the mountains, referring to the mountain habitat of this species.
Background Information
This abundant pilo is one of the primarily foods of nēnē (Branta sandvicensis) or Hawaiian goose in its native habitat.
Additional References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coprosma [accessed August 2, 2008]
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=Coprosma%20montana
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This record is as complete as we can generate for this plant profile at this point. Please email nativeplantshawaii@gmail.com if you wish to contribute to the data. Please include sources and references for all data submitted