Plant Profile
Ochrosia compta
Hōlei
Main Plant Information
Genus
Ochrosia
Species
compta
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Hōlei
Hawaiian Names
- Holei
Synonyms
- Bleekeria compta
- Ochrosia forbesii
- Ochrosia holei
- Ochrosia kondoi
- Ochrosia lamoureuxii
- Ochrosia microcalyx
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
At Risk
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Tree
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Tree, Dwarf, Less than 15
- Tree, Small, 15 to 30
- Tree, Medium, 30 to 50
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
Harold St. John (1892-1991), professor of botany at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, notes that “the Hawaiian Ochrosia species are to found in the lower, drier forests.” [3]
Hōlei are rather easy to grow, and at least this species, does very well in the low dry suburban areas on Oʻahu. Availability, not cultivation, is likely the determing factor for this plant not seen more in the landscape.
Source of Fragrance
- Flowers
Additional Fragrance Information
The scent is similar a mild plumeria. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- White
Additional Flower Color Information
About thirty small white flowers are produced a few at a time on an inflorescence. [3]
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
Hōlei seem to bloom continously over a long period of time with each flower lasting a day. Only a single flower at the terminal end will produce yellow to dark purple smooth drupes (fruits). [3]
Regarding the fruits, Hawaiʻi Botanist Joel Lau notes: “In this part of Mākua most of the Ochrosia compta trees have lanceoloid fruits; some have ovoid fruits. These fruits would turn yellow if they were allowed to ripen.” He also notes that in this same area was a plant with “reddish ovoid fruits.”
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
The smooth leaves are viened and have a whitish rib down the center.
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Too much water may be cause root rot and black sooty mold.
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
Hōlei benefit from monthly foliar feeding, especially with kelp or fish emulsion.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Environmental Information
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Maui
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 150 to 1000, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 2000 to 2999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
This species of hōlei (Ochrosia compta) is found scattered in gulches and ridges in remnant dry to mesic forest from 985 to 2855 feet on Oʻahu (Koʻolau and Waiʻanae Mts.) and Pelekunu Trail, Wailau Valley, and Kahanui, Molokaʻi. It has been recently found on West Maui.
Special Features and Information
General Information
The four endemic species of Hōlei ( Ochrosia spp.) are in the same family (Apocynaceae) as the non-native plumeria.
Other natve Hawaiian family members include maile ( Alyxia stellata ), two species of kaulu ( Pteralyxia spp.), and hao ( Rauvolfia sandwicensis ).
Etymology
The generic name Ochrosia is derived from the Greek ochros , pale yellow, in reference to the color of the fruit.
Latin specific name compta meaning elegant.
Early Hawaiian Use
Canoe:
The wood was used for gunwales on canoes. [2]
Dye:
The bark of the stems and roots produced a yellow dye for kapa (tapa). [2]
Food:
The nuts were used as food. [1]
Medicinal:
An infusion of bark and leaves were for steam in a sweat bath. The nuts with other plants were chewed and given to infants for general debility. [1]
Additional References
[1] “Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value,” by D.M. Kaaiakamanu & J.K. Akina, page 44.
[2] “Plants in Hawaiian Culture” by Beatrice H. Krauss, pages 50, 65.
[3] “Ochrosia (Apocynaceae) of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Plant Studies 60” by Harold St. John, pages 202, 208, 217.
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):
Ochrosia compta
Ochrosia kauaiensis
