Kopiko
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(Psychotria hawaiiensis)
Kopiko (Psychotria hawaiiensis)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Forest and Kim Starr
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr
Summary
Psychotria hawaiiensis, commonly known as Kopiko, Kopiko ’Ula, or Hawaiian Coffee, is a perennial shrub or small tree native to the wet forests of Hawaii, particularly within the understory where it thrives in the humid and shaded conditions. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) and can spread equally wide. The plant features glossy, dark green leaves and small, tubular white flowers that bloom throughout the year, providing a nearly continuous display. The flowers are followed by red to black berries that are attractive to birds.
Kopiko is valued for its year-round flowering, which adds interest to tropical gardens. It is used in native plant restoration projects, as an understory plant in shaded gardens, and for its ecological role in supporting local wildlife. In cultivation, it prefers partial shade to full sun. It adapts to a range of soil types, including loam and clay, but it is essential that the soil has medium to slow drainage to mimic its natural wet forest habitat. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, root rot can occur if the soil is too waterlogged.CC BY-SA 4.0
Kopiko is valued for its year-round flowering, which adds interest to tropical gardens. It is used in native plant restoration projects, as an understory plant in shaded gardens, and for its ecological role in supporting local wildlife. In cultivation, it prefers partial shade to full sun. It adapts to a range of soil types, including loam and clay, but it is essential that the soil has medium to slow drainage to mimic its natural wet forest habitat. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, root rot can occur if the soil is too waterlogged.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the wet forests of Hawaii, thriving in humid and shaded understory conditions
Other Names
Common Names: Kopiko ’Ula, Hawaiian Coffee
Scientific Names: Psychotria hawaiiensis, Psychotria hawaiiensis var. glomerata, Psychotria hawaiiensis var. hillebrandii, Psychotria hawaiiensis var. scoriacea, Straussia glomerata, Straussia hawaiiensis, Straussia hillebrandii, Straussia oncocarpa var. scoriacea
GBIF Accepted Name: Psychotria hawaiiensis