Plant – Pohinahina

Pōhinahina - Beach Vitex

Description: Low branched shrub forming mats several meters in diameter with reddish black fruit and small purple flowers. The leaves are small with a rounded edge and dusted surface. Can grow rapidly once established and has silvery, oval leaves that may have a tinge of lavender near the margins. Foliage has a spicy fragrance and the flowers are about an inch long, lavender, and are clustered near tips of the stems(6 inches to 2 feet tall).

ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):

Inoa(Name):

  • Scientific – Vitex rotundifoli
  • Hawaiian – 
    • Pohinahina
    • Kolokolo kahakai

ʻOhana: Part of Verbenaceae family

Kūlana olakino(Status): Indigenous

Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): None

Mū – Pests: Very few

Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):

  • None

Ways it was Used:

  • Flowers are used to make leis.

Kanu – (To Plant)Propagation:

  • Can be propagated from seeds or cuttings(are faster).
    • If you are using cuttings, stick them into the ground and water them daily with soaker hose for about 3 weeks

Hoʻohana Hiʻohiʻona ʻāina(Utilize Landscape) –

Landscape Uses:

  • Makes good groundcover or potted specimen and is wind and salt tolerant.
    • Good cover for steep banks and has been reported to do well in large clay or cement pots on the lānai, fully immersed in sunlight.
  • Can grow well in sandy soil, red clay soils, and a broad range of elevations.
  • Makes a good plant for inland/upland xeriscape and tends to sprawl. 
  • Should have a good drainage system, water well for the first few weeks and than slow down when plant becomes established to thrive.
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