Lipochaeta connata subsp. acris
Genus
Lipochaeta
Species
connata
Subspecies
- acris
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Nehe
Hawaiian Names
- Nehe
Common Names
- Sharp-toothed lipochaeta
Synonyms
- Lipochaeta acris
- Lipochaeta acris var. lata
- Lipochaeta lobata var. incisior
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Herbaceous, Medium, 1-3
- Herbaceous, Tall, Greater than 3
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Ground Cover
Additional Landscape Use Information
This easy-to-grow nehe could prove to be an excellent replacement for the incredibly over used wedelia and tolerates less watering. Wow! Native and drought tolerant--a win-win landscape plant!
Source of Fragrance
- No Fragrance
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
Like many nehe, the bright yellow flowers are attractive especially en masse.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
- Spring
- Summer
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
This nehe is a sporadic or year round bloomer, but appears to be at its peak in the spring and summer months.
Plant texture
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
The two Lipochaeta connata subspecies can be separated by the leaf edges: subsp. connata has slightly toothed leaves; subsp. acris has sharply toothed leaves. [2]
Leaf Colors
- Medium Green
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Few pests seem to be a great threat to this nehe. But some leaf chewing insects (caterpillars), whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and spittle bugs can still do damage if not controlled.
If planted in moist, humid, or shady conditions plants may suffer from powerdery mildew, a fungus. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Fertilizer
Apply 13-13-13 slow release fertilize every six months. Foliar feeding in early morning with a water-soluble or an organic fertilizer (e.g. kelp or fish emulsion) at one-third to one-fourth the recommended strength every other month has proved beneficial. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
Can tend to get unruly in smaller areas. The plants handle aggressive trimming well. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Water Requirements
- Dry
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
Spacing Information
Depending on the density of the covering, 3 to 5 feet apart for groundcover as proved to have good results. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Tolerances
- Drought
- Heat
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
- Coral
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
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)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
This species of nehe is found from 65 to over 1300 (--3800) feet scattered in remnant dry forest.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Lipochaeta is a Hawaiian endemic genus belonging to the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). The six species are fairly common in suitable habitat, with one endangered species (L. lobata subsp. leptophylla) and one extinct species (L. degeneri).
Etymology
The generic name Lipochaeta is derived from the Greek lipo, fat, and chaeta, bristles or hairs. [1]
The specific epithet connata is from the Latin connatus, fused or united (connate) in reference to the fused bases of the leaves. [1]
The Latin subspecific name acris means sharp or acrid in reference to sharp-toothed edges of this subspecies. [1]
Early Hawaiian Use
One older source (Charles Gaudichaud,1819) states that Hawaiians "used all fragrant plants, all flowers and even colored fruits" for lei making. The red or yellow were indicative of divine and cheifly rank; the purple flowers and fruit, or with fragrance, were associated with divinety. Because of their long-standing place in oral tradition, the flowers of nehe were likely used for lei making by early Hawaiians, even though there are no written sources. [3]
Additional References
[1] "The Names of Plants" by David Gledhill, pages 34, 118, 174, 239, 363.
[2] "Flora Hawaiiensis" by Otto Degener, Book 5, Family: 344.
[3] "Nā Lei Makamae--The Treasured Lei" by Marie A. McDonald & Paul R. Weissich, pages XIV-XV, 100.
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=Lipochaeta%20connata%20subsp.%20acris
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