pilo-coprosma-ochracea

Pilo (Coprosma ochracea)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

  • small tree usually less than 15-20 feet tall
  • leaves attached in pairs, opposite each on stems
  • very small, leaf-like structures (stipules) attached opposite each other on the stem, just above the point of attachment of the leaf pairs; best seen on young shoots

TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN USES

  • berries used as a laxative

RAIN FOREST ECOLOGY

  • component of the tree fern layer, along with olomea and manono
  • fast growing but short lived species
  • becoming established after ginger removal, typically in thin leaf litter, but occasionally on a nurse log or very occasional as an epiphyte
  • grows in full light to deeply shady conditions
Entire-Hawaiian-pilo-plant
A large, entire pilo plant. This photo was taken in Ni’aulani Rain Forest, in Volcano Village, on Hawaii Island.

HOW TO SAY “PILO” in HAWAIIAN