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(Heliotropium anomalum)
Polynesian Heliotrope (Heliotropium anomalum)
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John Barkla
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Barkla
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Barkla | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Barkla | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-28T13:18:54-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Heliotropium anomalum, commonly known as Polynesian Heliotrope, is an evergreen shrub or subshrub native to coastal areas, sandy beaches, and rocky shores of the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific Islands. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), forming a low, spreading mound. The plant is characterized by its small, oval to lance-shaped leaves and clusters of fragrant flowers that are white with yellow throats, often tinged with purple as they age. The flowers are most abundant from spring through fall, but in favorable climates, they can appear year-round, adding a long-lasting display to the garden.
Polynesian Heliotrope is valued for its sweetly scented flowers and its ability to thrive in harsh coastal conditions, where few other plants can survive. It is often used in seaside plantings, rock gardens, and as ground cover. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils. It is also salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Gardeners should be aware that Heliotropium anomalum can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Polynesian Heliotrope is valued for its sweetly scented flowers and its ability to thrive in harsh coastal conditions, where few other plants can survive. It is often used in seaside plantings, rock gardens, and as ground cover. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils. It is also salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Gardeners should be aware that Heliotropium anomalum can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Subshrub
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal areas, sandy beaches, and rocky shores of the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific Islands
Other Names
Common Names: Pacific Heliotrope, Scrub Heliotrope, Hinahina Kū Kahakai
Scientific Names: , Heliotropium anomalum, Heliotropium anomalium, Pentacarya heliotropoides,
GBIF Accepted Name: Heliotropium anomalum Hook. & Arn.