Lipochaeta integrifolia
Genus
Lipochaeta
Species
integrifolia
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Nehe
Hawaiian Names
- Nehe
Synonyms
- Lipochaeta integrifolia
- Lipochaeta porophila
- Melanthera integrifolia
- Microchaeta integrifolia
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Spreading
- Partially Woody / Shrub-like
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Herbaceous, Short, Less than 1
Mature Size, Width
Nehe can spread to over 6 feet in width.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Erosion Control
- Ground Cover
Additional Landscape Use Information
Nehe is tolerant of high heat, salt spray and strong winds. This native groundcover looks great in rock gardens and draped over retaining walls or can be grown between stepping stones if the soil is well drained and not part of a high traffic area.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
The attractive yellow flowers are daisy-like and have 25 to 50 disk florets per head.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The mature plants bloom year round.
Plant texture
- Fine
Additional Plant Texture Information
Nehe leaves are somewhat fleshy and oblong, with the plant trunk partially woody at its base.
Leaf Colors
- Gray / Silverish
- Light Green
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Nehe is prone to ants, scale, spittle bugs and mealy bugs. If plants are kept too moist, they may be subject to powdery mildew.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements every six months. Foliar feed monthly with a kelp or fish emulsion, or a water-soluble fertilizer with a dilution of one-half to one-third of the recommended strength. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
Nehe will spread into other gardens but not aggressively. Trim back as needed with a hand pruner or knife. Do not use a string trimmer (weed whacker) which results in frayed edges of the plant.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
A good soaking every other day will help this plant establish itself. When plant begins to show signs of new growth, slowly reduce the amount of watering. In one to two months you should just have to water twice a week at most. Overwatering will make the plant grow too quickly, making it look leggy or sparse. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola] When watering this plant, try to water the ground around plants, not the foliage.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Full sun is required for continual flowering and healthy foliage, but it can tolerate some shade.
Spacing Information
Space at least 1 foot apart between plantings. The plants will grow together, forming a mat.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
- Heat
Soils
- Sand
- Cinder
- Coral
Limitations
Keep weeds out of nehe beds.
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Kahoʻolawe
- Hawaiʻi
- Northwest Islands
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- Less than 150, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
Nehe (L. integrifolia) is scattered to common locally along the coastal environments. In the Northwest Islands, nehe is found only on Kure Atoll and Laysan.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Nehe are members of the Sunflower or Aster family (Asteraceae).
Lipochaeta integrifolia hybridizes with Lipochaeta lobata subsp. lobata at Kaʻena Pt., Oʻahu. The hybrids produce nearly sterile seed.
Etymology
The generic name Lipochaeta is derived from the Greek lipo, fat, and chaeta, bristles or hairs. [2]
The specific epithet integrifolia is derived from the Latin integra, with entire, and folius, leaves.
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. [1]
Modern Use
Nehe flowers continue to be used in lei making.
Additional References
[1] "Nā Lei Makamae--The Treasured Lei" by Marie A. McDonald & Paul R. Weissich, pages XIV-XV, 100.
[2] "The Names of Plants" by David Gledhill, pages 239, 363, 367.
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%20integrifolia
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