In the Garden
Hui Ku Maoli Ola
Pohinahina is available at the Home Depot and other home and garden stores.
The fragrant leaves of this plant were layered between folded kapa in old Hawaii to repel insects. The leaves and flowers can also be arranged into head leis (lei po'o). Pohinahina
Latin name: Vitex rotundifolia
This plant is also known as kolokolo kahakai, hinahina kolo, manawanawa, mawanawana and polinalina (on Oahu).
Description: A sprawling shrub that grows up to 2 to 3 feet, with rounded silvery green foliage and purple clusters of flowers that emerge at the top of the plant.
Distribution: The indigenous plant is found on sandy coasts of all the main islands except Kahoolawe.
Landscape uses and care: Pohinahina is an excellent plant for use in stabilizing soil. As it grows, the branches lean over and root at the nodes that touch the ground.
The plants also make excellent ground cover for slopes that need help with erosion control. Pohinahina is a quick grower, requiring very little water, and it thrives in full sun.
To cover large areas, space the plant two feet apart from the center; they will fill in the gap just fine.
These plants respond well to pruning and can be formed into a low hedge. They also look great in pots for your lanai.
Few pests are known to bother this plant. I refer to this plant as "bulletproof" because it is so hardy and easy to care for.
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