Plant Profile
Scaevola coriacea
Naupaka
Main Plant Information
Genus
Scaevola
Species
coriacea
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Naupaka
Common Names
- Creeping naupaka
- Dwarf naupaka
- Naupaka
Names with Unknown Sources
- Naupaka papa
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Spreading
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Dwarf, Less than 2
Mature Size, Width
Dwarf naupaka has a spread of 4 feet or more.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Ground Cover
Additional Landscape Use Information
Dwarf naupaka is an easy to grow in full sun and xeric conditions. Allow room for this special plant to sprawl. Excellent as a coastal groundcover that is heat, wind, and salt-spray tolerant.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Cream
- Green
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
Dwarf naupaka has yellowish green or whitish flowers which are cream-colored inside. It has the classic half-flowers that naupaka are known for.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
Small oval purple fruits are produced after flowering.
While Dwarf naupaka grows well and flowers almost continually year round, it seems that some plants are reluctant to produce viable fruit. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Fine
Additional Plant Texture Information
The leaves of dwarf naupaka are about an inch long roundish succulent resembling a jade plant, with a patchy covering of hairs.
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Plants are prone to attacks by slugs, ants, aphids, spittle bugs and spider mites.
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements every six 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
Dwarf naupaka forms a dense covering if pruned regularly, but is known to be slow growing. However, this heat and drought tolerantplant can certainly be grown as a free form groundcover that naturally stays low to the ground.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
Once dwarf naupaka is well established, water only when the soil is dry.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
Additional Lighting Information
Dwarf naupaka does best in full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
- Heat
Soils
- Clay
- Sand
- Cinder
- Coral
Environmental Information
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- Less than 150, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
Dwarf naupaka formerly grew in coastal sites, primarily on consolidated sand dunes, on all of the main islands and was probably never very common. It has not been recorded as growing naturally on Kahoʻolawe, though there have been outplantings in recent years by restoration groups.
Today, it is only found naturally growing on east Molokaʻi on ʻŌkala, where a new populaion of seven plants were recently discovered, [2] and Makuoʻoniki Islet [1], and on Maui (Waiehu and Kaupō).*
- Until recently, it was Mōkeʻehia Islet. But has not been seen since 2005, possibly due to drought. [1]
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 one of two native naupakas found along the coastal zones.
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 epithet coriacea is from the Latin coriaceus , tough or leathery.
Early Hawaiian Use
Though this coastal shrub would have certainly been known by the early Hawaiians, any use of it is not known.
Additional References
[1] http://www.hawaiioirc.org/OIRC-ISLETS [accessed 11/7/09]
[2] The Bulletin of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Spring 2010, pages 25-27.
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):