Colubrina asiatica
Genus
Colubrina
Species
asiatica
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Kauila kukuku
- Kauila ʻānapanapa
- Kolokolo
- Kukuku
- ʻĀnapanapa
Hawaiian Names
- Anapanapa
- Kauila anapanapa
- Kauila kukuku
- Kolokolo
- Kukuku
Common Names
- Asian nakedwood
- Asiatic snakewood
- Latherleaf
Synonyms
- Ceanothus asiatica
Distribution Status
Indigenous
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Partially Woody / Shrub-like
- Sprawling Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Tall, Greater than 10
- Tree, Small, 15 to 30
Mature Size, Width
It has an 8-foot spread.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Erosion Control
- Ground Cover
- Hedges
- Screening
Additional Landscape Use Information
ʻĀnapanapa is considered passively agressive. If planted too close, the sprawling habit of these shrubs can overwhelm other native plants, climbing up and over them. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Once established, there is no need to water these plants except perhaps during a prolonged drought-like period. These xeric, or drought tolerant, plants have bright shiny green leaves that stay vibrant even in the harshest of conditions!
Source of Fragrance
- No Fragrance
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Green
- Yellow
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
Produces small hard brownish seed capsules.
Plant texture
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
1 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches long.
Leaf Colors
- Medium Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
The name ʻānapanapa means "glistening," refering to the perpetually glossy leaves.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
ʻĀnapanapa is prone to ants, scale, mealy bugs and aphids.
Fertilizer
These hardy plants seem to have minimal fertilizer requirements to remain healthy and vibrant.
Pruning Information
ʻĀnapanapa may require heavy pruning to keep it in bounds in landscape settings. It can also be left as a free form shrub to help control erosion on hillsides or stream banks.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
These tough-as-nails plants can adapt to dry coastal areas but also will thrive in moist conditions. Once plants are well established, they require little watering.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
While ʻānapanapa does best in full sun it also does well in partial shade with some full sun each day.
Spacing Information
Plants should be spaced at least 3 to 4 feet apart.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
- Heat
Soils
- Clay
- Sand
- Cinder
- Organic
- Coral
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- Less than 150, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
This species has a very widespread range from east Africa, Indian Ocean islands, southeast Asia to Melasia and Australia and throughout the Pacific islands is attributed to the floating seeds that can remain viable for many months in salt water.
In Hawaiian Islands, it is naturally found growing in strand and coastal sites on Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, and West Maui (Launiupoko).
ʻĀnapanapa has also been recorded from the coastal zone of Lānaʻi from Kalaehī area (Maunalei region) to Kahalepalaoa (Pāwili region). [Kepā Maly, Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center]
Special Features and Information
General Information
ʻĀnapanapa is related to the very rare and endangered endemic kauila (Colubrina oppositifolia) with very few trees remaining in the wild.
They both belong to the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) which include other native members as kauila or kauwila (Alphitonia ponderosa) and three endangered species of Gouania.
Etymology
The generic name is derived from the Latin coluber, snake or like a serpent, referring to the snake-like stems or stamens. [3]
The Latin specific epithet asiatica is in reference to the Asian origin.
Hawaiian Names:
ʻĀnapanapa is also a name for an edible red seaweed or limu (limu loloa) in Hawaii and also a food for honu or green sea turtle. ʻAnapa means to sparkle or shine, in reference to its shiny leaves.
Kolokolo is a Niʻihau name for this plant.
Kukuku is pimply or pimpeled.
Background Information
The seeds of this species are highly dispersable via flotation. The seeds remain viable even after floating in saltwater for many months.
While ʻānapanapa is an indigenous plant in Hawaiʻi, it is a serious invasive species in Florida where it is not native.
In Hawaii, they do not have a tree habit.
ʻĀnapanapa has been mistakenly considered to be poisonous. [1]
Early Hawaiian Use
The common name "latherleaf" comes from the fact that the leaves are lathery when crushed and added to water used by early Hawaiians as a soap. [2,4]
Additional References
[1] "The Indigenous Trees of the Hawaiian Islands" by J.F. Rock, page 283
[2] "Native Planters in Old Hawaii--Their Life, Lore, & Environment" by E. S. Handy and Elizabeth Green Handy, page 238.
[3] "CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names: A-C" by Umberto Quattrocchi, page 558.
[4] "In Gardens of Hawaii" by Marie C. Neal, page 541.
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=Colubrina%20asiatica
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