Plants of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Scientific Name Psychotria hawaiiensis
Family Rubiaceae

Other Names Kopiko 'ula (transl. "red kopiko")
Status Endemic
Distribution & Habitat
Locations in this Guide Kipuka Puaulu, Thurston Lava Tube
General Appearance
This is a common understory tree in Kipuka Puaulu, as well as other nearby places in the Park ranging down through the rain forest zone (including Thurston Lava Tube)(Stone and Pratt: 1994: 173).  It is part of the lower layer of trees in these forests, although it isn't always short in stature as it reaches heights of 30 feet (Lamoureux 1996: 69).
Leaves
The pairs of leaves are dark, shiny green.  A recognition character is that the leaves are broader near the tip than the base (Lamoureux 1996: 69).
Flowers & Fruits
The white flowers are quite small.  They grow in clusters near the tips of the branches (Lamoureux 1996: 69). 
The fruits are fleshy orange berries.  They are a half-inch in diameter and hold a two large seeds (Lamoureux 1996: 69).
Phenology
Natural History
Conservation
Miscellaneous Photos
Other Notes

References
Links to Other Sites

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Last Updated: 08/05/03

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