Scientific Name: Vitex rotundifolia
Description: A sprawling shrub (2-3ft.) with rounded leaves that are silvery-green in color on top and whitish underneath. Small purple flowers form clusters which emerge at the top of the plant and sit in a pocket of the top leaves, very cool looking and it is definitely a striking site when a large area is in full bloom.
Distribution: This is an indigenous plant meaning that it is native to Hawaii as well as other parts of the Pacific, even Japan! Here it is found on sandy coasts of all the main islands except Kaho’olawe although it may have occurred there in the past.
Cultural Uses: The fragrant leaves of this plant can be layered between folded kapa to repel insects but now days I guess you can put them in your BVD drawers. The leaves and flowers can also be arranged in head leis (lei po’o), very nice.
Landscape Uses and Care: An excellent plant for use in stabilizing soil. As it grows, the branches lean over and root at the nodes that are touching the ground. They make excellent ground covers for slopes that need help with erosion control. Generally, Pohinahina are quick growers and require very little water, they thrive in full sun. These plants respond well to pruning and can be formed into a low hedge; they also look great in pots for your lanai. To cover large areas, plant spacing of every two feet on center is close enough; they’ll fill in just fine. Few pests are known to bother this plant. I often refer to this plant as “Bullet Proof” because it is so hardy and easy to take care of. If you kill this plant then yes, your thumbs are brown.
Additional Info: Besides Pohinahina depending on which island you are on, this plant is also known as Kolokolo Kahakai, Hinahina Kolo, Manawanawa, Mawanawana, and here on O’ahu it is known as Polinalina.
Pohinahina; Polinalina; Kolokolo Kahakai; Mawanawana
