Plants of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Scientific Name Ipomoea indica  (J. Burm.) Merr.
Family Convulvulaceae (morning glory family)
Other Names Koali 'awa (transl. "bitter koali"), koali 'awahia, koali la'au, koali pehu (transl. "swollen koali")
Status Indigenous
Distribution & Habitat Found in Hawaii on all the main islands, usually at low elevations (below 150 m), although it has been found to 1,250 m (Wagner, et al. 1990: 557). In the Park from the lowlands to 4,000 feet (Stone and Pratt 1994: 66).
Locations in this Guide Kipuka Puaulu
General Appearance
This is a sprawling vine.  In some areas, such as the lowlands, it is found on the ground.  In the upland forests, such as in Kipuka Puaulu, you may also see it climbing over other plants (Stone and Pratt 1994: 67).

It is common in dry, disturbed areas (Wagner, et al. 1990: 557).

 Kipuka Puaulu
Kipuka Puaulu Kipuka Puaulu
Kipuka Puaulu Kipuka Puaulu
Leaves
The leaves are softly hairy, heart-shaped and have a very pointed tip (Stone and Pratt 1994: 67).
Flowers & Fruits
The flowers are blue to purple.  They are funnel shaped and 5 to  cm long (Wagner, et al. 1990: 557). Kipuka Puaulu
Kipuka Puaulu Kipuka Puaulu
Kipuka Puaulu
This flower is just starting to open. Kipuka Puaulu
The fruit capsule is usually four angled and globose (Wagner, et al. 1990: 557). Kipuka Puaulu

Kipuka Puaulu
Phenology
Kipuka Puaulu Abundant flowers and dried fruit. 2/13/01
Kipuka Puaulu Abundant flowers only. 5/6/01
Kipuka Puaulu Abundant flowers only. 8/4/01
     
Natural History
Conservation
Miscellaneous Photos
Kipuka Puaulu
Other Notes
References
Links to Other Sites
Return to:

 

Last Updated: 08/05/03

: