Lipochaeta succulenta
Genus
Lipochaeta
Species
succulenta
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Nehe
Hawaiian Names
- Nehe
Common Names
- Seaside nehe
Synonyms
- Lipochaeta australis var. decurrens
- Lipochaeta connata var. decurrens
- Lipochaeta connata var. littoralis
- Lipochaeta lanceolata
- Lipochaeta robusta
- Lipochaeta succulenta var. angustata
- Lipochaeta succulenta var. barclayi
- Lipochaeta succulenta var. decurrens
- Lipochaeta variolosa
- Microchaeta succulenta
- Verbesina succulenta
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
- Non-Woody, Spreading
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Herbaceous, Medium, 1-3
- Herbaceous, Tall, Greater than 3
Mature Size, Width
5 feet or more.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Erosion Control
Additional Landscape Use Information
Probably not suited as a groundcover because of its height of 3-4 feet, but it can be used as a filler, as a cover on moderate to steep slopes, or as a high border planting. [3]
Best for lowland or coastal sites and is salt tolerant. But if adequate sunshine and drainage are provided, it will grow in mauka regions. [3]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Colors
- Yellow
Plant texture
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves are glossy, succulent, 2-5 inches long, and somewhat resembling wedelia. [3]
Leaf Colors
- Medium Green
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Whiteflies and spider mites are some of the pests. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
If planted in a moist, humid, or shady condition this nehe may suffer from powerdery mildew, a fungus.
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.
Pruning Information
Nehe do well with light to moderate pruning.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
Water requirements are moderate to light. [3]
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
This species performs best in full sun conditions.
Spacing Information
The spreading stems root at the nodes. [3] Depending on the density of the covering, 3 to 5 feet apart.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
- Heat
Soils
- Clay
- Sand
- Cinder
- Organic
- Coral
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Maui
- Kahoʻolawe
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- Less than 150, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
This nehe (Lipocheata succulenta) is fairly common on most of the main Hawaiian Islands, except Lānaʻi, and apparently very rare on Oʻahu. This nehe is found along scattered coastal sites in a narrow band within 100 feet of the ocean from sea level to just over 300 feet in elevation.
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 succulenta is from the Latin succulentus, succulent. [1]
Background Information
The species can be seen in its natural habitat at coastal sites such as the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauaʻi's north shore.
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. [2]
Additional References
[1] "The Names of Plants" by David Gledhill, pages 239, 363, 367.
[2] "Nā Lei Makamae--The Treasured Lei" by Marie A. McDonald & Paul R. Weissich, pages XIV-XV, 100.
[3] "How to Plant a Native Hawaiian Garden" by Kenneth M. Nagata, page "Nehe."
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