Plant Profile
Melanthera tenuifolia
Nehe
Main Plant Information
Genus
Melanthera
Species
tenuifolia
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Nehe
Hawaiian Names
- Nehe
Common Names
- Slender-leaf nehe
- Waiʻanae Range nehe
Synonyms
- Lipochaeta tenuifolia
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Spreading
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Herbaceous, Medium, 1-3
Mature Size, Width
Spreads to about 10 feet or more.
Life Span
Short lived (Less than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Ground Cover
- Hanging Basket
Additional Landscape Use Information
The delicate foliage accompanied by bright yellow flowers make this nehe especially attractive in the landscape as an accent or groundcover. They do well in pots and make an impressive hanging basket plant when trimmed properly. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Yellow
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
- April
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
This species has been observed flowering in April in the wild. [1]
Under cultivation it appears to be year round or sporadic throughout the year. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Fine
Leaf Colors
- Medium Green
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Scale, red spider mites, mealybugs
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
Good results have come from using organic fertilizers such as kelp or fish emulsion once a month. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
In pots or hanging baskets, the plants can be pruned to a desired length. But do not prune heavily or back to the woodiest parts of the stems as this may cause the whole stem to die back to the soil. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Water Requirements
- Dry
- Moist
Additional Water Information
This nehe is drought tolerant, but does best with some moisture.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Does best with some full sun during the day.
Spacing Information
For groundcover, perhaps three to five feet a part.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Heat
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Environmental Information
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
This very rare nehe is found in a narrow range of 360 to 3000 feet in open areas and protected pockets of dry to mesic forest or shrublands only in the central Waiʻanae Mountains, Oʻahu. ʻŌhiʻa ( Metrosideros sp.) or Lama ( Diospyros sp.) are the dominant trees with other associated natives such as koʻokoʻlau ( Bidens sp.), Meyens’ carex ( Carex meyenii ), ʻāhinahina ( Artemisia australis ), and kāwelu ( Eragrostis variabilis ). [1,3]
Special Features and Information
General Information
Nehe are members of the Sunflower or Aster family (Asteraceae). There fourteen endemic species of Melanthera in the Hawaiian Islands.
Etymology
The taxonomic genus name has been changed from Lipochaeta to Melanthera .
The generic name Melanthera is Greek, meaning “black-stamened-one.” [2]
The specific epithet tenuifolia is from the Latin tenuis , slender or fine, and folium , leaves, referring to the thin foliage of this nehe.
Background Information
This species is perhaps closely related to Melanthera micrantha , a rare endemic found on Kauaʻi.
Though it is referred to as a short-lived perennial in nature, [3] they do live beyond 5 years in cultivation. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Modern Use
Because of the delicate lacy foliage, this nehe is perhaps most beautiful of the Lipochaeta / Melanthera group, but is seldom seen in landscapes. However, it is easy to grow, even at low elevations. Though, apparently not readily available yet, this wonderful species should be grown more and used as an alternate groundcover for Wedelia .
Additional References
[1] “Recovery Plan for the Oahu Plants” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pages 118, 119.
[2] “The Names of Plants” by David Gledhill, page 255.
[3] Federal Register (The Journal of the U. S. Government). Vol. 68, No. 116, pages 46, 95, 444.
