Polyscias racemosa
Genus
Polyscias
Species
racemosa
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Pōkūlakalaka
- Pōkalakala
Hawaiian Names
- Pokalakala
- Pokulakalaka
Common Names
- False 'ohe
- Munroidendron
Synonyms
- Munroidendron racemosum
- Tetraplasandra racemosa
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Tree
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Tree, Small, 15 to 30
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Provides Shade
- Screening
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
Pōkalakala has excellent landscape potential for lowland and urban areas due to hardiness and ability to thrive in dry areas. Though one of the rarest native members in the family, it is one of the easiest to grow and maintain under cultivation. They are also one of the most rewarding trees for lowland urban gardeners and landscapers. Munroidendron are rather quick growing trees, flowering and fruiting at a young age.
Alien birds such as Mejiro, or Japanese white-eye, visit flowering trees frequently to sip nectar from the flowering raceme. Red-vented and red-whiskered bulbuls, and spotted doves can be seen feeding on ripe fruits in the urban garden. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
This beautiful native tree may be grown in containers if provided with part shade to full sun and fertilizers at half strength. [3]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Red
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
Approximately 250 small pale yellow flowers with reddish centers hang on impressive unbranched racemes 10 to 24 inches long. The species name racemosa refers to this spectacular ponytail-like hanging inflorescence.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
Pōkalakala may lose many of its leaves during a dry summer blooming period. An equally remarkable raceme of downy white egg-shaped fruits (drupes), each under an inch long, follows that flowering period. The inside of the fruits are deep purple with flat seeds.
Plant texture
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
The leaves are 6 to 12 inches long with five to nine oval or elliptical leaflets. Each leaflet is 3 to 7 inches long. The unfolded immature leaves at the end of each branch resemble small fuzzy clasping hands.
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
- Medium Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
The surface of the leaves are smooth, while the undersides are covered with dense golden yellowish fuzz.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Pōkalakala is prone to ants, red spider mites and spotted leaf hoppers.
A type of boring insect is very destructive and can destroy a mature tree in a short time if not given immediate attention. Look for sawdust type material coming from tiny holes. This pest works fast, so treat as soon as it is noticed.
Fertilizer
Young trees benefit from an application of a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements every six months. Foliar feed monthly for young trees with kelp or fish emulsion, or a water-soluble fertilizer with a dilution of one half to one third of recommended strength. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
Water weekly until well established, indicated by forming new leaves at branch tips or center in young plants. Thereafter, trees will require moderate ammounts of watering to keep them healthy.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 150 to 1000, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
Pōkalakala is endemic to Kauaʻi where it is very rare in the wild. Most natural populations are found on steep exposed cliffs or on ridge slopes in coastal to lowland mesic forests about 395 to over 1,300 feet.
Other populations are found in hala (Pandanus tectorius) mesic forests, alien plant-dominated shrubland, or grasslands (Eragrostis spp.).
This beautiful species is now found in only four natural locations on Kauaʻi. [2]
Special Features and Information
General Information
The endemic Polyscias racemosa shares the Aralia or Ginseng Family (Araliaceae) with other fascinating natives as ʻōlapa (Cheirodendron spp.), and ʻohe makai (Polyscias sandwicensis), the latter being one of the few deciduous native Hawaiian trees.
The non-native and invasive octopus tree or heʻe (Schefflera actinophylla) is also in this same family.
Etymology
The former genus Munroidendron was named for George C. Munro (1866-1963), a manager of Molokaʻi Ranch, ornithologist and botanist. The Greek suffix -dendron, tree, is added to the generic name.
The new generic name Polyscias is from the Greek word "many-shades" in reference to the foliage.
The specific epithet racemosa is the Greek word for raceme in reference to the spectacular hanging inflorescence (floral arrangement) of this species.
Hawaiian Name:
Pōkalakala is a named shared by the endemic Hawaiian prickly poppy (Argemone glauca), more commonly known by Pua kala.
Background Information
Formerly, this species belonged to the Hawaiian endemic monotypic genus* Munroidendron. Recently it has been placed in the genus Polyscias, comprising over 100 species.
*A monotypic genus is a genus having only one species. Other examples of monotypic genera endemic to the Hawaiian Islands are the native begonia called pua maka nui (Hillebrandia sandwicensis), kanaloa (Kanaloa kahoolawensis), olonā (Touchardia latifolia), kanawao (Broussaisia arguta), and a tall native species of grass (Dissochondrus biflorus).
Early Hawaiian Use
The Hawaiian name Pōkalakala suggests that it was apparently known, and perhaps used, by early Hawaiians. [1] But as to how is not known.
Modern Use
Preliminary tests with the fruits produce a rich purple dye when wet and dry to a lighter plum color. [Kaʻiulani de Silva, Kapa Mau]
Additional References
[1] "The Story of Lānaʻi" by George C. Munro, page 199.
[2] "Sublime Beauty--Hawaiʻi's Trees" by Jim Wageman, page 22.
[3] "Container Gardening in Hawaii" by Janice Crowl, page 51.
[4] "Recircumscription of Polyscias (Araliaceae) to include six related genera, with a new infrageneric classification and a synopsis of species" by Porter P. Lowry II and Gregory M. Plunkett, page 61.
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=Polyscias%20racemosa%20
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