In the Garden
Rick Barboza
‘Ilie ‘E
HUI KU MAOLI OLA Latin: Plumbago zeylanica A low sprawling shrub, 'Ilie'e has long stems, light green foliage and clusters of bluish white flowers that emerge at the stem tips. Once the flowers are pollinated, slightly sticky fruits develop.
Distribution: This plant is indigenous meaning that it is native to Hawaii as well as other parts of the world. In Hawaii, it is found on all the main islands in lowland dry forests all the way down to the coast.
Landscape use and care: 'Ilie'e is the perfect understory plant. Although it is often found in the wild thriving in the full sun, in the landscape it does better planted under other trees or under the eves of houses in partial shade. It requires little watering to become established; every other day is fine. 'Ilie'e also seems resistant to most pests and diseases.
Cultural uses: The sap of 'Ilie'e is used by Hawaiians to blacken tattoos.
In other parts of the world, the fruit was probably dispersed by sticking to large land mammals. In Hawaii, the islands evolved without any of these large land mammals, instead, giant flightless birds like geese played the role of seed disperser.
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