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Coleus australis

(R.Br.) A.J.Paton (2019)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Asterids Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Coleus

‘ala‘ala wai nui [alaala wai nui], ‘ala‘ala wai nui pua kī [alaala wai nui pua ki], ‘ala‘ala wai nui wahine [alaala wai nui wahine], spurflower

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Erect or ascending perennial herbs from a fleshy tuberous base, sometimes woody at base.

Stems: Stems and branches somewhat fleshy, 1–5(–10) dm long, densely villous.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Opposite. Blades ovate to suborbicular or broadly deltate, 1.5–3(–9) cm long, 0.5–2(–3.9) cm wide. Apex rounded to sometimes acute. Base broadly cuneate to truncate or sometimes subcordate. Surfaces villous–tomentose; upper surfaces with small oil globules; lower surfaces glandular punctate, the glands reddish; green, thick or sometimes thin, chartaceous. Margins coarsely crenate or crenate–dentate. Petioles 0.5–1(–3.5) cm long, villous. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers 6–12 in dense verticillasters, these arranged in terminal, racemose inflorescences 5–30 cm long, these simple or sometimes branched at base, bracts cordate, caducous. Calyx actinomorphic, occasionally bilabiate, 1.2–2.5 mm long, enlarging to 3–5 mm long in fruit, densely short-villous and glandular punctate, the glands reddish, upper lip entire, broadly ovate, becoming recurved in fruit, the surface somewhat reticulate, lower lip 4-toothed, the teeth subequal, lateral ones slightly shorter and wider than median ones, all teeth sharply pointed. Corolla zygomorphic, much exserted, pale blue, 3.5–5.5 mm long, puberulent and glandular punctate, lower lip boat–shaped, longer than upper lip; nectary disk often present at base of ovary, annular or developed on anterior side only. Stamens 4, exserted beyond corolla tube; anthers dithecal, opening by longitudinal slits. Ovary superior, 2-carpellate; ovules 1 per ovary lobe, placentation basal-axile; style 1, shortly 2 lobed; stigmas 2.

Fruit: Nutlets brown; ovoid to lenticular; ca. 0.8 mm long. Seeds with endosperm absent or scanty and oily.

Ploidy: 2n = 34

Habitat: occurring in dry; exposed and often rocky sites.

Elevation Range: 0–1,310 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

PROPAGATION/CULTIVATION

  • The fruits of Plectranthus parviflorus are small brown nuts less than 1/4 inch long. To collect them, remove the flower spikes from the plants after they flowers have fallen off and place them on a piece of paper or in a paper bag.
  • Sow the seeds on the surface of moist sterile media such as 2 parts potting mix to 1 part perlite. Do not cover the seeds. Koob states that germination takes from 2 week to 1 month; NTBG suggests 1 to 3 months. (Koob 1998; NTBG 1994)
  • Plectranthus parviflorus grows quickly and easily from cuttings. Use tip cuttings about 4 inches long with 3 or 4 nodes. NTBG suggests taking the cuttings in the morning. Stick the cutting with at least one node beneath the surface of a well drained propagation medium. Koob recommends coarse sand or vermiculite; NTBG suggests 1 part potting mix to 2 part perlite, or a mix of 1 part potting mix to 1 part fine cinder. NTBG states that rooting hormones are not necessary and that cuttings root in 1 to 3 months. (Koob 1998; NTBG 1994) [Data from Herring, E. C., & Criley, R. A. (2003). The Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Web Site: Developing a Webbased Information Resource. HortTechnology, 13(3), 545-548. https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hawnprop/]

Natural History

Statewide Status

Indigenous

Island Status

Ni'ihau(Incl. Lehua) Indigenous
Kaua'i Indigenous
O'ahu Indigenous
Molokai Indigenous
Lana'i Indigenous
Maui Indigenous
Hawai'i Indigenous

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: PhytoKeys 129: 21 (2019)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:827 (Ni, K, O, Mo, L, M, H [as Plectranthus parviflorus]); Paton et al. 2019:21 (Syn. P. parviflorus = C. australis)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Coleus australis Maunalei Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 400 Lanai BISH 1915-03-06
2 Coleus australis Kauai Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 2467 Kauai BISH 1895-06-29
3 Coleus australis Maunalei Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 315 Lanai BISH 1928-04-25
4 Coleus australis Waianae Mts., summit of main ridge, S of Kolekole Pass Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. 3502 Oahu BISH 1945-10-28
5 Coleus australis Fenced area in Kaupulehu Forest Reserve, west of Kaupulehu lava flow Preserved_Specimen Wagner, W.L. 4901 Hawaii BISH 1983-07-28
6 Coleus australis Waianae Mts., East of Puu Kuua Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. 3441 Oahu BISH 1946-03-17
7 Coleus australis Mahana Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 330 Lanai BISH 1914-12-22
8 Coleus australis East Maui, SW Haleakala, Kanaio Preserved_Specimen Alexander, A.M. 5350 Maui BISH 1948-05-17
9 Coleus australis Kaiwa ridge, Kailua Dry, rock crevice Preserved_Specimen Leaves and stems fleshy Fosberg, F.R. 14242 Oahu BISH 1937-07-25
10 Coleus australis Waianae Range, Honouliuli, North Branch South Kaaikukai Gulch Preserved_Specimen Webster, G.L. 1366 Oahu BISH 1948-03-26
11 Coleus australis Top of Olomana Preserved_Specimen Christophersen, E. Oahu BISH 1924-10-26
12 Coleus australis Molokai Preserved_Specimen Stokes, J.F.G. Molokai BISH 1909-01-01
13 Coleus australis Honopu Valley Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Kauai BISH 1984-07-17
14 Coleus australis Puu Kaua Preserved_Specimen Suehiro, A. Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
15 Coleus australis North Kona District: Puuwaawaa, north slope of Hualalai, 1.3 miles east by S of Poohohoo, rim of crater, below Half Way House Preserved_Specimen Kondo, Y. Hawaii BISH 1946-07-20
16 Coleus australis East Maui, Auahi Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. Maui BISH 1910-09-01
17 Coleus australis Kaleiwahine Valley (behind Punchbowl) Preserved_Specimen Handy, E.S. Oahu BISH 1932-01-01
18 Coleus australis Puu Kaua, Waioanae Mts Preserved_Specimen Krauss, R.W. Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
19 Coleus australis Kalaupapa Trail. Found along the trail at the walking area Preserved_Specimen Shinsato, H. Molokai BISH 1958-12-26
20 Coleus australis Kaali Preserved_Specimen Stokes, J.F.G. Niihau BISH 1912-01-01
21 Coleus australis Niihau Preserved_Specimen Stokes, J.F.G. Niihau BISH 1912-01-01
22 Coleus australis Auwahi Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. Maui BISH 1910-09-01
23 Coleus australis unknown Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 84 BISH 1864-01-01
24 Coleus australis Maunalei Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 492 Lanai BISH 1915-03-06
25 Coleus australis Maunalei Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 510 Lanai BISH 1930-01-01
26 Coleus australis West Maui, Kahakuloa Preserved_Specimen Handy, E.S. 34.9 Maui BISH 1934-06-04
27 Coleus australis Kaluaa, northernmost subride Creeping hrb on rocks, collected beneath Dodonaea 2898-2899 Preserved_Specimen Flowers dark blue Takeuchi, W.N. 2900 Oahu BISH 1986-10-11
28 Coleus australis Drive down Chain of Craters Road about 11.9 miles toward Kalapana from intersection with Crater Rim Road or about 1 mile before Naulu Picnic Area road. (Plot 6) Plant was uphill from a paved pulloff Metrosideros-native shrub-Andropogon savanna community. Preserved_Specimen Newell, C.L. 832 Hawaii BISH 1967-01-23
29 Coleus australis Koko Crater Moist places in slopes Preserved_Specimen Fl;ower light blue. Fruit. Herb. Christophersen, E. 1306 Oahu BISH 1930-04-06
30 Coleus australis North Kona District: Kaupulehu; telephone relay station Common on open pahoehoe lava. Preserved_Specimen Flowers vary from very pale lavender to almost blue. Fosberg, F.R. 41689 Hawaii BISH 1961-03-22
31 Coleus australis Nualolo valley, Napali Coast Coastal area Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 204 Kauai BISH 1970-05-06
32 Coleus australis Ridge 1/4 mile W. of W. branch of Makaleha gulch With Metrosideros, Bidens, Viola, Alsinodendron, maile & guava Preserved_Specimen Fls. bluish purple Gagné, B.H. Oahu BISH 1978-09-17
33 Coleus australis Kanaio on aa Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1792 Maui BISH 1920-03-01
34 Coleus australis Puu Kaua, Waianae Mts. Honouliuli Wooded ridge Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12182 Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
35 Coleus australis Kalapana: Royal Gardens On `a`a lava. Associated with Metrosideros, Canthium, Diospyros. Preserved_Specimen Height 1 foot. Flowers lavender. Davis, J. 1006 Hawaii BISH 1985-05-24
36 Coleus australis Puu Hapapa, Waianae Mts Open ridge Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 319 Oahu BISH 1930-10-19
37 Coleus australis Waialae Nui, in the Diospyros - Psidium zone On sun-exposed boulders Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 2191 Oahu BISH 1985-05-10
38 Coleus australis N. fork of valley E. of Palikea, Waianae Mts., Honouliuli Sunny, rocky places Preserved_Specimen Fl. blue St.John, H. 10380 Oahu BISH 1930-02-23
39 Coleus australis Down Chain of Craters Road about 14.8 miles toward Kalapana from intersection with Crater Rim Road; or 1.9 miles from intersection with Naulu Picnic Area Road. (plot 32) Scattered old Metrosideros community on `a`a lava. On rough `a`a lava flow with scattered Metrosideros trees at bottom of steep hill. (plot 32). Preserved_Specimen Herb about 1.5 feet tall. Newell, C.L. 397 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-13
40 Coleus australis Kapakahi Detritus pockets on sun exposed rocks, arid slopes Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 2688 Oahu BISH 1986-07-01
41 Coleus australis Mouth of Uluhulu Gulch, Kaena Wet rocks Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 9994 Oahu BISH 1929-11-03
42 Coleus australis Waianae Mts., Kamaileunu Ridge, a SW ridge separating Waianae Kai and Makaha Valleys In rock outcrop Preserved_Specimen Flowers lavender Wagner, W.L. 5089 Oahu BISH 1983-12-11
43 Coleus australis Koolaupoko District, Mokapu Peninsula, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Ulupau occasional; at edge of sea cliff Preserved_Specimen herb w/fleshy leaves, light blue flowers Herbst, D.R. 9821 Oahu BISH 1997-04-09
44 Coleus australis Windward side of island, Anapuhi to Wainene, long coastal boulder-strewen beach with vertical cliff at back 10-30 m. from water Cliff with Artemisia australis, chenopodium oahuense, Schiedea globosa, Kalanchoe pinnata, Tetramolopium sylvae, Lythrum maritimum, and Hedyotis littoralis, among others. Growing at base of cliff and on cliffs. Preserved_Specimen Corolla pale blue, leaves succulent Wagner, W.L. 5736 Molokai BISH 1987-08-01
45 Coleus australis Waianae Range, Kealia Trail, middle part of trail On rocks above Sapindus-dominated forest remains. Preserved_Specimen Perennial herb with light blue flowers. Kiehn, M. 9010325 Oahu BISH 2009-01-03
46 Coleus australis Waianae Mts., between Puu Kaua & Kanehoa Pk., above Kunia Camp, on ridge in open woods Open woods, with Straussia, Labordia, Pelea, Viola, etc. Preserved_Specimen Herb 6-18 in. high Pearsall, G.A. 512 Oahu BISH 1960-05-19
47 Coleus australis Maunalei Gulch, W side, near Kauiki arid ledges Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 30752 Lanai BISH 1964-01-15
48 Coleus australis Haena State Park On rocks, in shaded areas. Found perticularly on rocks of talus slopes, the hula and heiau platforms, and the abandoned garden site. Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Kauai BISH 1978-06-15
49 Coleus australis E ridge of 2nd gulch E. of Puu Kaupakuhale, N.E. slope of Puu Kaala, Mokuleia In thicket Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12150 Oahu BISH 1932-10-23
50 Coleus australis Outside forest reserve boundary, Kaluanui Valley Just of trail on cut away enbankment. Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Oahu BISH 1978-03-21
51 Coleus australis Halawa Dry, rocky ridge Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12690 Molokai BISH 1932-12-27
52 Coleus australis Down Chain of Craters Road about 14.8 miles toward Kalapana from intersection with Crater Rim Road; or 1.9 miles from intersection with Naulu Picnic Area Road. (plot 32) Scattered old Metrosideros community on `a`a lava flow with scattered Metrosideros trees at bottom of steep hill. Preserved_Specimen Herb about 1 foot tall. Newell, C.L. 396 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-13
53 Coleus australis Hanapepe River Bottom, Hanapepe On ditch bank Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 13498 Kauai BISH 1933-12-23
54 Coleus australis Along Tramrail Trail, Haleanau Gulch, Schofield Barracks Military Reservation West Range, Waianae Mt. Range Vegetation: Athyrium, Acacia koa, Gouldia, Metrosideros and Pisonia Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 5567 Oahu BISH 1977-02-27
55 Coleus australis Between Huehue and Puuwaawaa Arid lava flow. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 17876 Hawaii BISH 1926-08-22
56 Coleus australis Haili Common on arid rocks Preserved_Specimen Most plants sterile Takeuchi, W.N. 3079 Oahu BISH 1986-12-20
57 Coleus australis Along coastal and inland trail in Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Cliff face. Preserved_Specimen Predominantly exotic vegetation. Higashino, P.K. 10260 Hawaii BISH 1984-04-07
58 Coleus australis Ewa In crevice on rock face Preserved_Specimen Grant, M.L. 7335 Oahu BISH 1934-09-09
59 Coleus australis Nonou Mts., above Wailua Homestead area, S.W. side On rocky ledges, in hot dry rather weedy region Preserved_Specimen Stone, B.C. 3713 Kauai BISH 1961-08-10
60 Coleus australis West Maui, Honokowai ditch trail, partly shaded ledges Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 25098 Maui BISH 1959-03-27
61 Coleus australis Makiki, edges of woods Edges of woods, damp places Preserved_Specimen Erect herb 2 ft. high Wilder, G.P. 77 Oahu BISH 1923-12-09
62 Coleus australis Mokuleia, N Waianae Mts, Kealia Trail above Dillingham Airfield. On fully exposed N facing rocky substrate. Psydrax odorata overstory with Urochloa maxima, Leucaena leucocephala, Schinus terebinthifolia. Preserved_Specimen Kennedy, B. 110 Oahu BISH 2021-01-10
63 Coleus australis West Maui, Honokohau sunny ledges, ditch trail Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 25139 Maui BISH 1959-03-30
64 Coleus australis Kaluakauila Stream, Growing with Abutilon incanum Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 2487 Oahu BISH 1985-07-28
65 Coleus australis Paokalani islet, 150 m offshore of Honokea Stream, 270x85 m Lantana camara, Pluchea carolinensis, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Schiedea globosa, Chenopodium oahuense, Cocculus orbiculatus, Eragrostis variabilis, Plectranthus parviflorus, Dodonaea viscosa, Psydrax odorata, Chamaesyce celastroides Preserved_Specimen herb, decumbent stems yellow brown, fleshy; corolla blue Wood, K.R. 11221 Hawaii BISH 2005-04-14
66 Coleus australis S.E. Koolau Mts. Aina Haina, 2nd gully on west side about 1/4 mile beyond end of Hao St Exposed cliff ledges Preserved_Specimen Small semiprostrate hirsute-small fld. plant Stone, B.C. 1267 Oahu BISH 1956-05-10
67 Coleus australis Below Puu Kapu Dry ridge Preserved_Specimen Christophersen, E. 1544 Oahu BISH 1931-02-12
68 Coleus australis North Kona District: Hawaii Belt Road (Mamalahoa Highway), near mile 28. Kaupulehu Preserve Preserved_Specimen Low, spreading herb with erect flower spikes. Corolla whitish-pink to pale lilac. Common. Flynn, T.W. 1267 Hawaii BISH 1985-10-15
69 Coleus australis Chain of Craters Road about 12.9 miles toward Kalapana from intersection with Crater Rim Road Metrosideros-Diospyros mixed forest with patchy stands of Aleurites on `a`a lava. Preserved_Specimen Herb about 1 foot tall. Newell, C.L. 484 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-20
70 Coleus australis Waianae Mts., gulch below Palikea Preserved_Specimen fls. pale lavender Cowan, R.S. 625 Oahu BISH 1947-06-15
71 Coleus australis Waianae Mts. Palikea Trail Preserved_Specimen Stone, B.C. 3468 Oahu BISH 1960-05-05
72 Coleus australis Mokolii Scattered plants on sheer N wall. Preserved_Specimen Starr, F. 5041910 Oahu BISH 2005-04-19
73 Coleus australis Ridge above Makapuu Head. Waimanalo-Maunalua Divide Dry, rocky ridge Preserved_Specimen fls. blue Fosberg, F.R. 13169 Oahu BISH 1936-06-14
74 Coleus australis Maunalei Gulch, Kauiki talus slope Preserved_Specimen Fosberg, F.R. 12563 Lanai BISH 1935-01-01
75 Coleus australis Keauhou-Kona, lands of Hokukano, near Puu ohai Disturbed Leucaena association. Preserved_Specimen Funk, E.J. Hawaii BISH 1991-11-06
76 Coleus australis East Maui, Hana Road, base of Kauika Rock talus slope Preserved_Specimen Fosberg, F.R. 9912 Maui BISH 1933-08-20
77 Coleus australis E slope of Head of Kalama Valley, Maunalua Dry, bushy slope Preserved_Specimen Fls. blue-purple Fosberg, V.O. 98 Oahu BISH 1937-03-07
78 Coleus australis SW Haleakala lava rocks Preserved_Specimen flowers purple Alexander, A.M. 5350 Maui BISH 1948-05-17
79 Coleus australis Waimea Arboretum Arboretum - in full sun Preserved_Specimen Decumbent herbs in full sun forming a dense ground cover. Flowers lavender with reddish purple markings within. Lau, J. 2377 Oahu BISH 1986-05-12
80 Coleus australis Kalepa ridge Windward side of northern part. On rocky outcrop. Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Kauai BISH 1977-07-20
81 Coleus australis Puna: Wahaula Heiau and large lava crack approx. 1/8 mile back of rocky coast Preserved_Specimen Stone, B.C. 2905 Hawaii BISH 1959-06-21
82 Coleus australis Makakilo, Castle and Cooke Survey site Covering rock outcrop, with Peperomia blanda, guinea grass, koa haole Preserved_Specimen James, S.A. 328 Oahu BISH 2004-03-11
83 Coleus australis Kalaupapa; Puu Alii, Kauhako crater, SW zone Preserved_Specimen erect or ascending perennial herb Wysong, M.L. 503 Molokai BISH 2004-12-07
84 Coleus australis Waianae Mts., Kupehau Gulch, Pipe-Line Trail Preserved_Specimen fls. lavender Cowan, R.S. 168 Oahu BISH 1946-10-13
85 Coleus australis Northeast iof Nike Station, Kawai -hapai Partly shaded slope Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 27955 Oahu BISH 1962-05-06
86 Coleus australis Waianae Mts., Pohakea Pass Exposed, dry, rocky bluff Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 471 Oahu BISH 1967-04-29
87 Coleus australis Waianae Mts., P:uu Hapapa, on ridge above firing range of Schofield Barracks Preserved_Specimen Herb 1 - 2 ft. high; fl. blue; fr. black. Pearsall, G.A. 516 Oahu BISH 1960-06-03
88 Coleus australis Puna: Olea Preserved_Specimen Herb Pukui, M.K. Hawaii BISH 1931-01-01
89 Coleus australis Koko Crater Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1450 Oahu BISH 1910-02-14
90 Coleus australis Fault Zone below Kau Desert Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 437 Hawaii BISH 1911-08-01
91 Coleus australis unknown Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. BISH 1933-10-07
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