Wollastonia integrifolia
Asteraceae or Sunflower family
Synonyms: Lipochaeta integrifolia, Lipochaeta integrifolia var. argentea, Lipochaeta integrifolia var. gracilis, Lipochaeta integrifolia var. major, Lipochaeta integrifolia var. megacephala, Lipochaeta porophila, Melanthera integrifolia, Microchaeta integrifolia
Nehe
Natural Range & Environment
endemic to Kure, Laysan, Ni`ihau, Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Maui, Kaho`olawe, Hawai`i.
Whorls
Description
Herbaceous, Short, Less than 1
Nehe can spread to over 6 feet in width.
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Nehe leaves are somewhat fleshy and oblong, with the plant trunk partially woody at its base.
Gray / Silverish
Light Green
The attractive yellow flowers are daisy-like and have 25 to 50 disk florets per head.
Growth Requirements
General
Accent
Container
Erosion Control
Ground Cover
Space at least 1 foot apart between plantings. The plants will grow together, forming a mat.
Dry
A good soaking every other day will help this plant establish itself. When plant begins to show signs of new growth, slowly reduce the amount of watering. In one to two months you should just have to water twice a week at most. Overwatering will make the plant grow too quickly, making it look leggy or sparse. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola] When watering this plant, try to water the ground around plants, not the foliage.
Soil must be well drained
Full sun is required for continual flowering and healthy foliage, but it can tolerate some shade.
Tolerances
Drought
Wind
Salt Spray
Heat
Soils
Sand
Cinder
Coral
Nehe is tolerant of high heat, salt spray and strong winds. This native groundcover looks great in rock gardens and draped over retaining walls or can be grown between stepping stones if the soil is well drained and not part of a high traffic area.
Apply a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements every six months. Foliar feed monthly with a kelp or fish emulsion, or a water-soluble fertilizer with a dilution of one-half to one-third of the recommended strength. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Nehe will spread into other gardens but not aggressively. Trim back as needed with a hand pruner or knife. Do not use a string trimmer (weed whacker) which results in frayed edges of the plant.
Pests and Diseases
Nehe is prone to ants, scale, spittle bugs and mealy bugs. If plants are kept too moist, they may be subject to powdery mildew.
Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for treatments.
Uses
Ancient Hawaiian
One older source (Charles Gaudichaud,1819) states that Hawaiians "used all fragrant plants, all flowers and even colored fruits" for lei making. The red or yellow were indicative of divine and cheifly rank; the purple flowers and fruit, or with fragrance, were associated with divinety. Because of their long-standing place in oral tradition, the flowers of nehe were likely used for lei making by early Hawaiians, even though there are no written sources. [1]
Modern
Nehe flowers continue to be used in lei making.
Special Features and Information
General
Lipochaeta integrifolia hybridizes with Lipochaeta lobata subsp. lobata at Kaʻena Pt., Oʻahu. The hybrids produce nearly sterile seed.
Hawaiian Name
Etymology
The generic name Lipochaeta is derived from the Greek lipo, fat, and chaeta, bristles or hairs. [2]
The specific epithet integrifolia is derived from the Latin integra, with entire, and folius, leaves.
Additional References
[1] "Nā Lei Makamae--The Treasured Lei" by Marie A. McDonald & Paul R. Weissich, pages XIV-XV, 100.
[2] "The Names of Plants" by David Gledhill, pages 239, 363, 367.
BPK