Family: Lamiaceae
Coleus australis is a low-growing herb with erect flowering stalks. Stems and branches are fleshy, sometimes woody at the base, and have tomentose surfaces. Leaves are simple, opposite, and orbicular with scalloped margins. Small flowers are arranged in terminal racemose inflorescences. Flowers are pale blue, white, or purple with a characteristically mint (Lamiaceae) flower appearance – long boat-shaped paler lower lip, notched darker upper lip, and four exserted stamens. Fruit are brown oval nutlets that contain numerous seeds.
Habitat & Uses
ʻAlaʻala wai nui wahine typically grows in dry regions within exposed and often rocky sites. This indigenous plant occurs on every main Hawaiian island, except for Kahoʻolawe. It can tolerate drought, wind, and heat as well as a wide variety of soils. ʻAlaʻala wai nui wahine can grow on the ground as well as on other trees and even bare rocks. The leaves can be used in lei-making as the fleshy foliage is long-lasting and hosts a citrus-like aroma.
Landscaping & Cultivation
ʻAlaʻala wai nui wahine is one of the easiest native plants to grow. They are long lived, can spread up to 4 feet, and do well as an accent, ground cover, hanging, or container plant. This plant can tolerate hot and dry conditions as well as any soil type to no soil. However, plants will look more pleasing when grown in shade and with adequate moisture.
This plant easily reseeds nearby, which makes for great native groundcover. If you don’t want the plant to continue spreading, grow in containers or easily pull excess plants to remove. Also, do not plant this species near walkways as it does not tolerate any foot traffic impact. Watch out for red spider mite, ant, mealy bug, and scale infestations.
Name Origins
ʻAlaʻala can refer to the ink sac of an octopus or squid, wai can mean water or body fluids, and nui means big, large, or great. The name could be linked to the plant’s association with moisture on the landscape and its traditional medicine uses.
Coleus australis (Lamiaceae) shares a similar Hawaiian name (ʻalaʻala wai nui) with the native Peperomia spp. (Piperaceae), but they are not genetically related. However, they do share similar growth forms. The Peperomia ʻalaʻala wai nui can be specified with the addition of kāne at the end. This male energy association may be due to its flowering parts, where many tiny inconspicuous flowers are arranged on erect spikes. Compared to ʻalaʻala wai nui wahine, which hosts showy flowers on racemes.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Cultural significance
- Erosion control
- Lei flower
- Ornamental
- Specimen
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
