Myrsine lessertiana

Common Names

Kolea Lau Nui, Kolea

Summary

Kolea lau nui is an evergreen Hawaiian native shrub to small tree, typically 2–8 m tall, with glossy, leathery dark green leaves often clustered at branch tips; young leaves may be bright magenta. It bears small greenish to white flowers and purplish-black drupes, and occurs across mesic to wet forests and bog margins, also in dry forest and subalpine woodland on multiple islands.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade with bright, filtered light and well-drained soil, with soil kept consistently moist but not soggy and avoiding overwatering; plantings should have good air circulation. It is used ornamentally and in restoration projects, supporting understory biodiversity and frugivore habitat, and is hardy in zones 10a–11b. Propagation is possible by seeds (soak overnight) or by softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings (6–8 inches) with rooting hormone.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6 ft 8 in – 26 ft 3 in

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10a-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, organic-matter-rich soil, pH 5.5–6.5

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

6.5-6.5, Slightly acidic

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

All year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)

Foliage Color

Dark green to yellowish green, glossy green, light green (glossy)

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, reddish to dark reddish purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds