Dotted Colicwood: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting in Your Garden
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants and want to add something truly special to your tropical garden, meet dotted colicwood (Myrsine punctata). This charming little shrub might not win any flashiness contests, but it’s got character, conservation value, and a story worth telling.
What Makes Dotted Colicwood Special?
Dotted colicwood is a perennial shrub that’s exclusively Hawaiian – you won’t find this beauty growing wild anywhere else on Earth. Also known by its synonym Myrsine kokeeana, this endemic species represents the unique botanical heritage that makes Hawaii’s flora so extraordinary.
This multi-stemmed woody plant typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, making it a manageable size for most home landscapes. Its compact, dense growth habit and small oval leaves create an attractive backdrop for more showy plants, while its tiny white to pinkish flowers add subtle charm throughout the growing season.
Where Does It Grow?
Dotted colicwood is found naturally across the Hawaiian Islands, including Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island. It’s adapted to Hawaii’s diverse microclimates and can thrive in various elevations and conditions throughout the state.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important to know: dotted colicwood has a Global Conservation Status of S2?, indicating it may be of conservation concern. While the exact status is somewhat undefined, this suggests the plant could be vulnerable. If you’re interested in growing this species, please ensure you source it from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their stock rather than collect from wild populations.
Why Grow Dotted Colicwood?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this Hawaiian native:
- Conservation value: By growing rare native plants responsibly, you’re contributing to their preservation
- Authentic Hawaiian landscaping: Perfect for creating genuine native Hawaiian garden spaces
- Pollinator support: The small flowers attract native Hawaiian insects and other beneficial pollinators
- Versatile landscaping: Works well in woodland gardens, as understory plantings, or in naturalistic designs
- Erosion control: Its root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion
Growing Conditions and Care
Dotted colicwood is surprisingly adaptable, which makes sense given its natural distribution across Hawaii’s varied landscapes. Here’s what this shrub prefers:
- Hardiness: USDA zones 10-12 only (tropical and subtropical climates)
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soils work best
- Water: Regular watering, especially during establishment; somewhat drought-tolerant once mature
- Wetland tolerance: Can handle occasional flooding but also grows in non-wetland conditions
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your dotted colicwood off to a good start isn’t complicated:
- Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently warm
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper
- Water regularly during the first year while roots establish
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Minimal pruning needed – just remove dead or damaged branches
- Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer annually if desired
Perfect Garden Companions
Dotted colicwood plays well with other native Hawaiian plants. Consider pairing it with native ferns, other Myrsine species, native grasses, or flowering natives like naupaka or hibiscus. Its understated appearance makes it an excellent backdrop plant that won’t compete with showier species.
The Bottom Line
Dotted colicwood may not be the flashiest plant in your garden, but it offers something more valuable: authenticity, conservation value, and a connection to Hawaii’s unique natural heritage. If you can source it responsibly and provide the right growing conditions, this rare native deserves a spot in any serious Hawaiian native plant garden.
Just remember – with great rarity comes great responsibility. Always purchase from reputable sources and never collect from wild populations. By growing dotted colicwood thoughtfully, you’re not just adding a plant to your garden; you’re becoming a steward of Hawaii’s irreplaceable botanical legacy.
