Coprosma rhynchocarpa
Genus
Coprosma
Species
rhynchocarpa
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Hupilo
- Pilo
Hawaiian Names
- Hupilo
- Pilo
Common Names
- Woodland mirrorplant
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Tree
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Tree, Dwarf, Less than 15
- Tree, Small, 15 to 30
- Tree, Medium, 30 to 50
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
Additional Landscape Use Information
Pilo is a good small understory tree for ʻōhiʻa and koa. Plants are ready for outplanting when about six months old and about one-foot high. After five years, they should be from 6 1/2 to 10 feet tall and begin to flower and fruit.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Cream
- Greenish-White
- White
Blooming Period
- Fall
- Winter
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
These small trees are dioecious, that is separate male and female trees. The females will produce bright yellowish orange or yellowish red fruits. The fruit is oval with pointed ends that look like small paint brushes.
Plant texture
- Medium
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves are described as being velvety.
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
- Medium Green
Water Requirements
- Moist
Light Conditions
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
This pilo grows naturally as small understory trees.
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Natural Range
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 1000 to 1999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 2000 to 2999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 3000 to 3999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 3000 to 3999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 4000 to 4999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 4000 to 4999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
Additional Habitat Information
This pilo (Coprosma rhynchocarpa) occurs mainly on Hawaiʻi Island from about 1600 to over 7400 feet in mesic and wet forests and sometimes in alpine woodlands. Also recorded on East Maui.
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.
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 rhynchocarpa is derived from the Greek rhyncho, beak, and the Latin carpus, fruit, in reference to the beak-like projection on the fruits of this species.
Background Information
Pilo of many species provide fruit for native birds, such as ʻōmaʻo or Hawaiian thrush (Myadestes obscurus) and so favored in some areas that they have been observed guarding and chasing off other birds from fruit-laden trees. [3]
Early Hawaiian Use
Berries of pilo were used as a laxative. [2]
Modern Use
As in early Hawaiian use, the berries are occasionally used as a laxative. [2]
Additional References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coprosma [accessed 8/2/08]
[2] http://www2.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/index.asp [accessed 2/12/10]
[3] "Hawai'i's Plants and Animals--Biological Sketches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park" by Charles P. Stone & Linda W. Pratt, page 183.
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%20rhynchocarpa
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