Landscape March 2014 L-27

Expanding Diversity in Hawai‘i’s Landscapes: Alahe‘e, odorata

John Edward Montoya1, Richard Criley1, and Alberto Ricordi1 1Department of Tropical and Soil Sciences

ative to Hawai‘i, this small tree or grows up to 30 feet tall, with a canopy spread usually under 10N feet. Small, fragrant white flowers and evergreen foli- age make it a great choice for a courtyard or entryway tree. Alahe‘e is also great substitute for mock orange as a hedge. It is very hardy and can survive in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for container or rooftop plantings. When it is grown from seed, its canopy can be dense or open-crowned.

Recommended Use in Landscapes • Specimen tree • Evergreen foliage accent • Screen or windbreak • Courtyard or entry tree • Hedges

Distribution Indigenous to Hawai‘i, Micronesia, New Caledonia, and New Hebrides.

Propagation Techniques • Propagated by seed and (rarely) by cuttings • Cuttings (when successful) tend to grow horizontally • Regularly attacked by native weevil; spray plant once flowers are gone for control

Cultural Requirements and Tolerance • Well-drained soil • Full to partial sun • Can be pruned into a tree or hedge form

Published by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in co- operation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the Director/Dean, Cooperative Extension Service/CTAHR, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822. Copyright 2011, University of Hawai‘i. For reproduction and use permission, contact the CTAHR Office of Communication Services, [email protected], 808-956-7036. The university is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing programs and services to the people of Hawai‘i without regard to race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran. Find CTAHR publications at www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/freepubs. UH–CTAHR Expanding Tree Diversity in Hawai‘i’s Landscapes: Alahe‘e L-27 — Mar. 2014

• Wind, drought, and salt tolerant • Grows well in containers

Flower and Characteristics • Small, fragrant white flowers • Black leathery

Leaf Characteristics • Glossy dark green upper surface • Oval to lance shaped

Advantages for Use in Landscapes • Will do well in the problematic areas of the landscape • Very hardy • Suitable for containers and roof gardens • Native plant

Disadvantages for Use in Landscapes • Susceptible to scale, mealybugs, thrips, aphids, and black mold • Attacked by native seed weevils

Acknowledgements The authors thank Amanda Birnbaum for the many photographs she contributed to this publication.

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