Wikstroemia uva-ursi
Genus
Wikstroemia
Species
uva-ursi
Varieties
- kauaiensis
- uva-ursi
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Aoaoa
- Kauhi
- ʻĀkia
Hawaiian Names
- Akia
- Aoaoa
- Kauhi
Common Names
- Fish poison plant
- Hillside false ohelo
Synonyms
- Diplomorpha uva-ursi
- Wikstroemia foetida f. humilis
- Wikstroemia foetida var. glauca
- Wikstroemia monticola var. occidentalis
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Sprawling Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Small, 2 to 6
Mature Size, Width
ʻĀkia is known to grow to 2 to 5 feet in width.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Ground Cover
- Hedges
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
Even though no reported poisonings have been reported, some believe that the fruits and bark are toxic and should be planted out of the reach of children. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola] Regardless, the sap can burn sensitive skin and eyes.
This ʻākia, in particular, has been a popular choice for many years now in landscapes in Hawaii. The decorative foliage and the red, orange or yellow fruit make this species a valuable and wonderful contribution to Hawaiian gardens. Companion plants include ʻilima, ʻaʻaliʻi, kupukupu, pōhinahina, ʻilieʻe, ʻūlei and kuluī.
This a great container plant that will do well in full sun with regular watering. [2]
Source of Fragrance
- Flowers
Additional Fragrance Information
The clusters of tiny tubular fragrant flowers have a distinct musky smell which, especially in early evening, is easily detected from a distance. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Yellow
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
- Fall
- Winter
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
Plants of this species of ʻākia are either male or female. Female plants, after flowering, produce attractive round fruits which are yellow, orange or red.
Plant texture
- Fine
- Medium
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
ʻĀkia leaves range from dark to light green and are opaque or glaucous.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
ʻĀkia is prone to ants, scale, aphids and mealy bugs. Chickens are known to eat the fruit and to scratch at the roots.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer with minor elements every 6 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
ʻĀkia takes pruning well. Hedges can be shaped closely but be careful not to prune too severely.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
When well established, water only once or twice a month in dry periods.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
ʻĀkia prefers full sun.
Spacing Information
Plants should be spaced between 12 to 24 inches apart.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
- Heat
Soils
- Clay
- Cinder
- Organic
- Coral
Limitations
Avoid water-logged soils. Not all plants produce fruits.
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Maui
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)
Additional Habitat Information
In its native habitat, this plant is rare or scattered on dry ridges, open hillsides, ledges, windswept headlands, clay flats, ʻaʻā lava, coastal areas, and among low, dry, open alien vegetation from about 10 feet above sea level to over 1375 feet.
Special Features and Information
General Information
ʻĀkia belong to Daphne family (Thymelaeaceae). There are a dozen endemic species in the Hawaiian Islands.
Wikstroemia monticola is a close relative of W. uva-ursi. The main difference is that W. monticola is always a small tree, whereas W. uva-ursi is a sprawling shrub.
Etymology
The genus is named for Johan Emanuel Wikström (1789-1856), a Swedish botanist and author of several papers on Thymelaeaceae.
The species and varietal name uva-ursi is from the Latin uva, grape or berry, and ursi, bear, literally "bear's grape" or bearberry.
The varietal name kauaiensis is in reference to Kauaʻi, where it is endemic.
Botanist William Hillebrand (1888) states the Hawaiian names for the genus are "akia" or "akea." Hillebrand (1888) also states the root of the word may be in the Fijian name for the genus mati and that the native name for the genus in Tahiti is ovao. [6]
Hawaiian Names:
The name ʻākia is also shared by Solanum nelsonii, a small native shrub in the Solanaceae or Nightshade family.
ʻĀkia also means "to ferment; very sour, as poi. ʻAi ʻākia, sour poi." [5] Any name realionship is uncertain.
Distinctive varieties are named lau nui, mānalo, and pehu. [5]
Aoaoa and kauhi are alternate names for this species.
Background Information
The common name "false ohelo" is attributed to the fact that the fruits of ʻākia resemble the orange or red ʻōhelo (Vaccinium spp.) berries.
ʻĀkia is sometimes referred to as the "fish poison plant."
Early Hawaiian Use
ʻĀkia bark was used as a source of fiber material. [3]
Roots, bark, leaves and stems were used as a poison to stupefy fish which were then gathered by the early Hawaiians. The plant parts were crushed, placed in a porous container, and sunk in salt water pools. The fish were safe to eat because ʻākia is not known to be poisonous to warm-blooded creatures by means of this fishing method. [3]
ʻĀkia were used in old Hawaii as a death penalty for those who broke kapu. The guilty party was forced to drink the juice of ʻākia, causing seizure and death. [1,4] However, another reputable reference says that 'no parts of ʻākia are poisonous to mammals.' [3]
Modern Use
The fruits can be used in lei.
Ethanol extracts from this species has also been shown to have anti-tumor activity.
Additional References
[1] "Amy Greenwell Garden Ethnobotanical Guide to Native Hawaiian Plants & Polynesian Introduced Plants" by Noa Kekuewa Lincoln, page 10.
[2] "Container Gardening in Hawaii" by Janice Crowl, page 52.
[3] "In Gardens of Hawaii" by Marie C. Neal, page 616.
[4] "Hawaiian Natural History, and Evolution" by Alan C. Ziegler, pages 197-198.
[5] http://www.wehewehe.org [Accessed on 09/15/11]
[6] "Auwahi: Ethnobotany of a Hawaiian Dryland Forest" by A.C. Medeiros, C.F. Davenport & C.G. Chimera, pages 19-20.
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