Map Endemic achyranthes* ‘äma‘u älula* ‘äwikiwiki bonamia* Clay's Hibiscus* cyperus cyperus sedge eugenia häpu‘u kauila* ko‘oloa‘ula* koa kulu‘ï kupukupu lama loulu palm ma‘o mämaki nänü* ‘ohai (shrub) * ‘ohai (tree) * ‘öhia lehua white hibiscus   Indigenous alahe‘e hinahina ‘ilie‘e ‘ilima kou laua‘e fern naio palapalai pili grass pöhinahina ‘uki‘uki ‘ülei variegated hau   Polynesian Introduced coconut kalo kukui red ginger red ti leaf ti leaf sugar cane ulu   Introduced cotton cup of gold eucalyptus heliconia hibiscus manila palm monstera octopus tree pink tecoma plumbago plumeria tangerine wiliwili     *endangered species

Common Names Octopus Tree, Umbrella Tree Hawaiian Name None Scientific Name Schefflera actinophylla Pictures Kaiona Whole Plant Leaves Octopus Tree Flowers Tree Bark Location On Campus The octopus tree can be located between Kaiona rooms 51 and 52. Natural Habitat   This plant or tree is usually found in all mountain elevations on Kaua‘i, Maui, O'ahu, and Hawai‘i. It usually grows in tropical areas. Cultural Information   The Octopus tree is introduced and is native to Australia, and now Guinea. The Hawaiians only used the tree's flowers for decoration. Plant Description Roots: Thick brown roots and can grow through the soil or ground in long ranges Stem: Woody stem Can grow from 6-9 meters long or high Leaves: Bright green color Grows from 6-12 mm long Flowers: Pink color Arm like figures that resemble an octopus Fruit: Fleshy considered a drupe Grows 3-12 cm big Seeds: Come from the fruit in packs of ten Hard coated and don't grow very big in size Pollinators:  Insects such as bees and flies Birds Life Cycle/ Reproduction: Growth depends on it's environment Can live more than 20 years of age Propagation/ Cultivation:  Plant in a pot with not too much soil Water moderately Interesting facts: Widely cultivated outdoors Commonly grown indoors Can survive in way different temperatures because it can adapt to its environment fast Web Site Links Pacific Island Ecosystem This website tells a lot of information on the octopus tree and includes some pictures. It also includes details with specific areas of the tree. Foliage Plant Research Note This website is all about the octopus tree. You can also explore about different subjects such as other native and non-native plants of Hawai‘i. References Belknap, Parry. Majesty. Honolulu: The Outdoor Circle Press, 1982. Foliage Plant Research Note RH-91-31R.T. Poole, A.R. Chase and L.S. Osborne. Web Manager.21 Feb. 2003. University of Florida, IFASCentral Florida,11 April, 2003. <http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Foliage/folnotes/scheffle.htm> Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) Stone, Benjamin, Web manager. 7 Feb. 2002 University of Hawaii's Botany Department,11 April, 2003. <http://www.hear.org/pier/scact.htm> Sohmer, Wanger. Manual of life Flowering Plants of Hawaii revised Addition Vol#1 and Vol#2. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1990. Tropical Plants Library. Masters Gardening Landscaping 11 April, 2003. <http://mgonline.com/> Return to Top

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