Brooks Rownd | profile | all galleries >> Hawai'i >> Hawaiian Flora and Fauna >> Hawaiian Plants >> Loganiaceae (Strychnine Family) - Kamakahala | tree view | thumbnails | slideshow |
The labordia species on Hawai'i are tinifolia, hedyosmifolia and hirtella. Hirtella is sometimes easily distinguished by pronounced "wings" or sharp ridges along its stems. I can't say I've seen l. tinifolia yet, but I could be wrong.
Labordia hedyosmifolia is a widespread and variable understory plant in wet to mesic forests from full shade to full sun in many of Hawai'i's forests, and can grow into small trees. Maui's labordia venosa looks very similar, but with a distinctly more textured leaf surface.
Labordia hirtella is less common in areas I frequent, and can grow into impressive small trees. I've seen it at Pu'u Pili in North Kohaka, Army Road in Pu'u Maka'ala NAR and at TNC's Waikamoi Preserve on Haleakala.