Scaevola gaudichaudiana
Endemic Hawaiian shrub or small tree in the Goodeniaceae with year-round fragrant white tubular flowers, thriving in wet forests and moist upland habitats, found on Kauai and Oahu, typically 1.5–3 m tall and sometimes used in landscapes as hedges or accents.
Common Names
Mountain Naupaka, Naupaka Kuahiwi
Summary
Mountain naupaka is a Hawaiian endemic shrub or small tree typically 1.5–3 m tall, with leaves bearing toothed margins and hairless undersides, and fragrant white tubular flowers; purple drupes follow fruiting, and it grows in wet forests and open areas at elevations of 170–800 m on Kauai and Oahu.
It prefers partial shade to full shade and moist, well-drained soils, tolerates wetter habitats, and is not tolerant of salty environments or excessive heat; in landscapes it is used as a hedge, in containers, or as an accent plant, with year-round flowering and fragrant blooms, and traditional Hawaiian uses include fragrant flowers for leis and purple dye from the fruits.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
4 ft 11 in – 9 ft 10 in
Spread
8-10 feet
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade.
Soil Type
Moist, well-drained organic soil with added black cinder for drainage.
Soil Drainage
Well-drained soil.
Bloom Color
White; occasionally purple.
Bloom Time
All year round
Foliage Color
Light Green to Medium Green
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Cham.
- Publication
- Linnaea 8: 226 (1833)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Asterales
- Family
- Goodeniaceae
- Genus
- Scaevola
Synonyms
Temminckia gaudichaudii Temminckia ciliata Scaevola skottsbergii Scaevola ligustrifolia Scaevola kahanae Scaevola ciliata Scaevola pubescens