Family: Gentianaceae

Pua keni keni is a large tree that produces sweet-smelling flowers. Thick glossy green leaves contrast with the yellowish to orange flowers. The intoxicating scent continues throughout the year as the tree is always in bloom.

It was imported to Hawaiʻi before 1900. The first historical planting may have been at Maunawili in windward Oʻahu. It was a botanical craze due to the prolific sweet-smelling flowers. The tree was widely propagated as the flowers were perfect for lei making-Pua keni keni translates to “10 cent flower”, the cost of a single flower.

To easily harvest the flowers, keep the tree pruned to a compact shape. It grows well in the shade or sun. It thrives in well-drained soil and needs ample water in dry areas.

Plant Uses:

• Cultural significance
• Fragrant
• Hedge
• Lei flower
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Shade
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability – thrives in tropical wet forests and ridge habitats
  
• Intentional dispersal – widely used as an ornamental
  
• Vertebrate dispersal – fruits dispersed by birds and fruit bats
  
• Gut passage survival – seeds survive passage through frugivores

Low Risk Traits:

• No naturalization – no evidence of spread outside native range
  
• Not a weed – no record as agricultural, environmental, or garden weed
  
• No structural defenses – lacks spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic – no evidence of toxicity to animals or humans
  
• No shade tolerance – prefers sunny to partially shaded sites
  
• Limited soil tolerance – requires well-drained soils
  
• Tree growth habit – does not climb or smother vegetation
  
• Does not form dense thickets – no evidence of monospecific stands