Pipturus albidus

Common Names

Māmaki, Waimea Pipturus, Waimea, Mamaki, Mamake

Summary

Mamaki is a Hawaiian endemic shrub or small tree in the Urticaceae family, typically 1–6 m tall with gray-brown to red-brown bark; leaves are dark-green on top and white/gray underneath with reddish veins, oval to heart-shaped and serrated, mature leaves about 3–8 inches long; small unisexual flowers occur in clusters in leaf axils, usually with both sexes on the same plant, and raspberry-like fruits ripen green to white and are edible, while the plant also hosts Vanessa tameamea butterflies.

In cultivation, mamaki prefers lightly shaded sites but tolerates full sun with smaller leaves, requires moist, well-drained soils, and wind protection; native to Hawaii and found in coastal mesic, mixed mesic, and wet forests from about 60–1,830 m elevation, suitable for USDA zones 10a–12b; spacing 1–2 m for hedges; drought- and salt-spray intolerance; propagation by seed (tiny seeds in small white fruit; germination 2–3 weeks) or cuttings (4–6 inches); two-year-old plants produce fruit. Uses include leaves brewed as tea, inner bark fibers for kapa, sap as a wetting solution, and a reddish-brown dye from mature leaves; modern markets offer dried-leaf tea; care involves balanced fertilizer at half to one-third strength every six months, organic mulch, regular watering, and monitoring for pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, spittlebugs, and thrips.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-20 ft

Spread

3-6 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10a-12b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist to wet, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

All year round

Foliage Color

Dark green leaves with white to gray undersides.

Fall Foliage Color

Red and Yellow leaves

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

All four seasons

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies and birds