Family: Lamiaceae

Pōhinahina- A sea of silver contrasted with clusters of bell-shaped purple flowers. In full bloom or not, pōhinahina is a striking indigenous sprawling shrub. A tried and true native plant, pōhinahina is a common sight in Hawaiʻi’s landscaped and natural areas. Rightfully so. It is one of the hardiest native plants! Heavy traffic, pollution, wind, sand, and salt don’t bother pōhinahina. It thrives in those conditions, much more so than other plants. While often used in the background, pōhinahina stands out on its own.

Habitat & Uses

Roots grow from the nodes as the plant creeps along, naturally stabilizing soil and sand to prevent erosion. For this reason, pōhinahina is used in beach and hillside plantings around Hawaiʻi. You can commonly find this species on sandy beaches, rocky shores, and dunes. As a bedding plant, pōhinahina quickly fills in empty spaces. Keep the garden clear of weeds until pōhinahina can outcompete them. With proper care, no unwanted weeds will have the room to grow.

Pōhinahina leaves were used in traditional medicine to treat wela (burning sensations) and nalulu (dull aches, nausea). Their fragrant foliage continue to be used in lei, wreaths, and other floral arrangements.

Landscaping & Cultivation

It grows best at lower elevations with full sun. Pōhinahina is drought tolerant once established, a perfect xeriscape plant. After installing new plants, water until fresh leaves grow. After that, keep moisture to a minimum. Typically a pest-free plant, too much water, is an invitation for powdery mildew and leaf rot to establish, and the excess water makes the plant grow leggy.

Pōhinahina will grow beyond the confines of cultivation; some might say it’s a native weed. But it’s easy to control. Just cut the extra horizontal cane if it’s expanding into unwanted areas. Share with a friend, fill in areas in the garden, or put into green waste. Pōhinahina grows from seed, but cuttings grow faster. New roots will emerge within four weeks with the use of root hormones. Use a well-draining medium for germination, rooting, and plantings.

Name Origins

Pōhinahina naturally grows compactly, sprawling rather than obtaining height. Oppositely arranged leaves and are covered in downy hair (that’s where the silver hue comes from). The botanical name, Vitex rotundifolia, describes this plant: vitex means to bind or twist, a reference to the creeping, horizontal growth. Rotundifolia refers to the round leaves, rotunda-round, folia-leaves. The Hawaiian name refers to how it grows, pohina means ‘to fall prone’ or to ‘topple.’ A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), pōhinahina is aromatic, especially when brushed up against or crushed. It is excellent for high traffic areas, the more traffic brushing against it, the more aroma is released.

Plant Uses:

• Bonsai
• Container plant
• Cultural significance
• Cut flower
• Edible
• Erosion control
• Fragrant
• Lei flower
• Medicinal
• Ornamental
• Bonzai

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers