Scaevola chamissoniana
Genus
Scaevola
Species
chamissoniana
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Naupaka
- Naupaka kuahiwi
Hawaiian Names
- Naupaka
- Naupaka kuahiwi
Common Names
- Chamissos' scaevola
Synonyms
- Lobelia chamissoniana
- Lobelia cylindrocarpa
- Scaevola cylindrocarpa
- Temminckia chamissoniana
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Shrub
- Tree
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Small, 2 to 6
- Shrub, Medium, 6 to 10
Mature Size, Width
Allow for a 6 foot spread. [Native Nursery, LLC]
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Hedges
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
Naupaka kuahiwi (Scaevola chamissoniana) is a mid to high elevation plant for the landscape. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Source of Fragrance
- Flowers
Additional Fragrance Information
Flowers are slightly to very fragrant.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- White
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
- Summer
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The flowers bloom all summer and sporadic throughout the year. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC] Small dark purple fruits (drupes) are produced.
Plant texture
- Medium
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves range between 3.5 and 5.5 inches long.
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
- Medium Green
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Spittlebugs, scale, spider mites, and root rot are some major threats. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Fertilizer
Fertilize lightly and often. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Pruning Information
No pruning needed, though it tolerates some pruning. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC] This species is faster growing than many and will grow to 15 feet if left unpruned. [Native Nursery, LLC]
Water Requirements
- Moist
Additional Water Information
Medium to high watering. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Spacing Information
6 feet. [Native Nursery, LLC]
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Limitations
Does not tolerate strong wind or salt spray conditions.
Better adapted to cooler temperatures and wetter conditions in well drained loam soil. [Native Nursery, LLC]
Natural Range
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 1000 to 1999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
Additional Habitat Information
Found in wet forests and open areas at about 1150 feet.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Ten species of naupaka (Scaevola spp.) are native to the Hawaiian Islands in the Goodenia family or Goodeniaceae.
The featured species is most similar and closely related to S. gaudichaudiana, but S. chamissoniana has overall longer leaves, peduncles (flower stem) and corolla (flowers).
Etymology
The generic name Scaevola is derived from the Greek scaevus, left-handed or awkward, perhaps in reference to the "awkward" appearance of the "half flower."
The specific name, chamissoniana, honors Ludolf Karl Albert von Chamisso (1781-1838), French-born German explorer, naturalist, author, poet, and plant collector.
Hawaiian Name:
Six upland species of Scaevola share the Hawaiian name naupaka kuahiwi which means "naupaka of the mountains."
Early Hawaiian Use
Early Hawaiians used the fruits of naupaka kuahiwi to produce a purplish black dye. [1,2]
Additional References
[1] "Plants in Hawaiian Culture" by Beatrice H. Krauss, page 66.
[2] "In Gardens of Hawaii" by Marie C. Neal, pages 819-820.
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=Scaevola%20chamissoniana
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